Kazakhstan’s UN Bid: Tokayev Pushes Reforms, Forges Tech & Energy Pacts

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has arrived in New York for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, embarking on a high-stakes visit to champion institutional reform and secure pivotal investments for his nation. While his address to the global body is set to be a highlight, Tokayev’s agenda is packed with strategic meetings focused on energy, digital development, and education, signaling Kazakhstan’s comprehensive approach to bolstering its international standing and modernizing its economy.

At the forefront of Tokayev’s diplomatic push is a determined call for the reform of the United Nations, particularly its Security Council. The Kazakh leader has been a vocal advocate for overhauling the institution to enhance its credibility and effectiveness in confronting global crises. Echoing sentiments he shared earlier at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Tokayev has warned that a failure by the current generation of leaders to undertake this necessary and inevitable task could irrevocably undermine global trust in the UN.

This initiative is being closely watched, with analysts suggesting it marks a new phase in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. According to Kazakh political scientist Talgat Kaliyev, the move solidifies the country’s transition from a passive subject to an active shaper of international politics. “We are classified as a middle power, and we must live up to this status,” Kaliyev stated. This ambition is further underscored by plans to establish a regional UN office in Almaty to oversee Central Asian affairs, a development expected to cement Kazakhstan’s role as a key regional hub.

In parallel with his diplomatic efforts, Tokayev is pursuing an ambitious economic agenda. A significant discussion was held with Tim Gitzel, President of the Canadian nuclear energy giant Cameco. Building on Cameco’s existing $500 million investment in the country, Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan’s goal to construct three new nuclear power plants, expressing keen interest in the corporation’s advanced technologies. Further talks with Goldman Sachs President Jared Cohen centered on developing ambitious digital infrastructure, including data centers and an artificial intelligence development agency, positioning Kazakhstan as a future tech player.

President Tokayev’s visit also emphasizes a commitment to human capital development. A key meeting with Amit Sevak, the head of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), has laid the groundwork for a major overhaul of Kazakhstan’s national university entrance exam (UNT). According to Minister of Science Sayasat Nurbek, a joint working group will leverage ETS’s world-leading expertise to transform the UNT into a globally recognized test. Sevak confirmed the partnership, stating, “We strive to deeply understand what is important for Kazakhstan to help develop its economy and human capital. Artificial intelligence will be a powerful tool in this process.”

Beyond politics and economics, the visit also highlighted a growing international interest in Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage. A representative from the Smithsonian Institution, Helle Batvin, met with the President and praised the country’s unique applied arts. This multifaceted engagement in New York showcases Kazakhstan’s strategy to not only attract investment and technology but also to project itself as a reliable partner and an influential voice on the world stage.