The Head of State took part in the panel session of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum

On April 17, in Antalya, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the panel session "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties" of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum.

The event was moderated by a member of the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey, former Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State emphasized the role of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, under whose leadership Turkey is strengthening its position as an authoritative participant in international relations.

– First of all, I would like to note the leading role played by Turkey in this part of the world under the leadership of the outstanding leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I believe that our countries can play a very positive, I would say, significant role in solving the most pressing problems that, unfortunately, periodically arise in our region. I would like to take this opportunity to note that we are looking forward to the arrival of President Erdogan on a state visit to Kazakhstan next month," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. Then the President of Kazakhstan shared his vision of the main trends and challenges facing the world community in 2026 and shaping the international agenda for the near future.

– Diplomats and politicians are used to saying that the whole of humanity is at a crossroads. I remember former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan often saying: "Yes, we are still at a crossroads." And this will never change when it comes to reducing international tensions. Regional conflicts today go far beyond regions, they have already become global. Of course, the UN is an indispensable, universal organization, and each State has a certain responsibility. Everyone is talking about the need for UN support. That's a fact. But everyone also says that the Organization needs not only to be supported, but also reformed. Yes, it's true. But let's be very honest. No one believes that this will happen very soon, as we have been announcing reforms, changes and reformatting of the UN for a long time, but this is not happening. We must honestly admit that it is the Security Council that is the main element for UN reform," the Head of State noted. Answering the moderator's question, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev listed the qualities that should be inherent in modern leaders.

– I believe that global leaders, as well as the leaders of individual states in different regions, should, first of all, take a responsible approach to issues of international security and peace. Strategic restraint plays an extremely important role these days. In my opinion, the way out of this situation in this very complex and even paradoxical world is simple. We need to be more responsible and show restraint," the President of Kazakhstan stressed. The Head of our state expressed his assessment of the events in the Middle East. In his opinion, it is necessary to focus on the key issues of the negotiation process.

– I would advise you to be more conscious about what is happening in the world. For example, everyone is discussing Iran. Of course, there is a serious situation there. It is difficult to give any comments on this. Kazakhstan expressed solidarity with the Gulf countries. We called on all States to show strategic restraint and cease hostilities. Everyone has felt the negative consequences of this conflict. First of all, the economy has suffered greatly. Today, everyone is talking about the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. But we must take into account the fact that before the conflict, this sea corridor was open for free trade. Therefore, we must focus on the essence of the problem. And the core of the problem is the proliferation of nuclear technology and nuclear weapons. And this issue should be the central topic of negotiations when it comes to the conflict over Iran. But now we have switched to discussing global trade issues. Despite everything, global trade is growing. Last year alone, the growth was 2.5%. So it's not all bad with trade in the world. But the quality and content of trade is a big problem," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. The President called for a responsible approach to the issue of UN reform, pointing out that one of the reasons for the crisis of the Organization is the position of the permanent members of the Security Council.

– In my opinion, we should be as pragmatic as possible when we declare the need to reform the UN. Otherwise, we will endlessly talk about the crossroads, strategic values, and other issues. We hold many global and regional meetings, conferences, and so on. I would also like to emphasize the important and positive role of the so-called middle Powers, which include Kazakhstan, Turkey and other countries. Of course, I'm not going to brag that we're the best in the world. But we demonstrate a high level of responsibility in relation to global processes, both in practice and in diplomacy. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to say that today the medium–sized powers often show greater responsibility than the large ones represented in the Security Council, which, unfortunately, often block the resolution of key global problems," the Head of State stressed. Anticipating another question, Mevlut Cavusoglu recalled the rich diplomatic experience of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

– President Tokayev is one of the world leaders, he knows the international system and, in particular, the United Nations. As you know, he served as Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations. At that time, I was Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Working tirelessly for the benefit of fraternal Kazakhstan, our fraternal people, he is also doing everything possible to make the international system more effective and more relevant," the moderator noted. The Head of State then presented his vision for the future of the United Nations and other international institutions.

– We are talking about regional and global conflicts, but at the same time, perhaps, as a former Turkish foreign Minister, you have already noticed that all the main negotiations are taking place outside the UN and other major international structures. People meet in certain capitals, in separate conference halls, but not within the walls of the United Nations. We do not see high-level UN representatives acting as mediators in these conflicts. This is a serious problem. We are talking about reducing the role of the UN. I am very concerned about this, as I have worked in the UN system and other international organizations myself. Everyone is currently discussing who will become the next UN Secretary General. I think it's not that important. The most important thing is whether the whole system will survive in the form in which it exists," the President is convinced. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for studying the impact of artificial intelligence on the activities of international organizations and noted the need for fundamental reform of the global Organization.

– I just mentioned that it looks very strange and, perhaps, even ridiculous, but it is the Security Council that prevents the resolution of the most important international issues. People, diplomats or politicians, are forced to negotiate on other platforms. By the way, this issue was very eloquently raised by President Donald Trump last September at the General Assembly session, and I fully agree with him. He criticized the malfunctioning teleprompter and escalator at the UN headquarters, saying that everything at the UN is broken. But the most serious problem is that the entire process of peacekeeping is disrupted both in the United Nations and in other structures. I am a staunch supporter of multilateral diplomacy and I still believe in a bright future for humanity, united around the idea of justice as a central element of peace consolidation," the Head of State said. In his opinion, the UN needs to get rid of ideas and attitudes that do not correspond to the time.

– The organization was established 80 years ago, and those who claim that it is outdated and even fallen into disrepair are right. We need to pay attention to the content of the UN Charter, which mentions the so-called "enemy states." Yes, 80 years ago everything was absolutely clear. Today, the so-called "enemy States" play an extremely important role in supporting and financing the Organization and in facilitating the process of maintaining peace. The most important thing is to increase the efficiency and credibility of the United Nations," the President believes. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev then focused on the important role of preventive diplomacy in conflict prevention.

– This issue has been discussed for many years, at least for the last 30 years. But nothing happens except very beautiful speeches, declarations, and so on. I think we need to focus on measures to predict regional or global conflicts, and this is preventive diplomacy. At the same time, we must join forces to support effective multilateral diplomacy," the Head of State summed up his speech. During the discussion, the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, supported Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's call for the need to pay special attention to preventive diplomacy in the work of the United Nations.

– Let me note once again that both the United Nations and the European Union emerged as projects of peace. Both failed in some ways when faced with war. Why? Because there was no preventive diplomacy. Mr. Tokayev mentioned both preventive and proactive diplomacy. This is what we lack so much – a rational model of political decision–making," said the leader of North Macedonia. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also took part in the panel discussion.