"Not a fast food": Tokayev commented on the UN Charter

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the norms of the UN Charter, which is the foundation of international law, cannot be applied selectively. The head of state said this at the RES 2026 regional environmental summit, reports Todayinfo.kz news agency. According to the President, the modern world is going through an uncertain and difficult period.

We are facing an unstable period with an unknown outcome. Its consequences are severely affecting regional and global stability, as well as the quality of life of millions of people, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The head of state noted that this situation leads to inefficient use of resources that should be directed to development efforts and solving environmental problems. Tokayev specifically focused on the role of the international community. According to him, the United Nations, established 80 years ago, still remains a unique universal dialogue platform with no analogues. At the same time, he noted that the world has fundamentally changed, and the influence of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, has increased. The President clearly outlined his position regarding the UN Charter.

There is often talk about the unshakable strength of the UN Charter, which is the foundation of international law. However, it is not a fast food that can be ordered at will, - said the Head of State.

According to him, this document should be perceived holistically and comprehensively, and all its provisions must be fully observed.

We must avoid selective application of the principles of the UN Charter in relation to international armed conflicts for our own convenience, - said the President.

Tokayev also touched upon the issue of the authority of multilateral institutions.

It is regrettable that their authority is insufficient to resolve important international issues. But we must not undermine trust in these institutions, - he said.