Tokayev discusses UN reform with former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Seoul

September 14, 2026 at 06:18 PM2 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Seoul on September 14 to discuss UN reform and climate cooperation. Tokayev highlighted the work of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), which Ban chairs, in supporting developing countries. Ban welcomed Kazakhstan's achievements in sustainable development and confirmed readiness for further cooperation.

Key Facts

Tokayev and Ban Ki-moon discussed reforming the United Nations and adapting it to current realities during a meeting in Seoul on September 14.
Ban Ki-moon is the 8th UN Secretary-General and currently chairs the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
Tokayev highlighted GGGI's role in helping developing countries transition to a green growth model that ensures social stability, climate resilience, and economic development.
Ban Ki-moon welcomed Kazakhstan's achievements in sustainable development and expressed readiness for further cooperation on the global climate agenda.
Tokayev previously served as UN Deputy Secretary-General and Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva from 2011 to 2013.

UN Reform Agenda

Tokayev and Ban Ki-moon exchanged views on reforming the United Nations and adapting it to the current international situation, according to the Kazakh presidential press service. Tokayev has repeatedly advocated for increasing the effectiveness of the UN while emphasizing that there is no alternative to the organization as the central global institution. Recently, Tokayev proposed creating a separate International Water Organization under the UN's auspices, linking water scarcity to food and energy security, social stability, and economic development. Tokayev has direct experience within the UN system, having served as UN Deputy Secretary-General and Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva from 2011 to 2013.

Green Growth Cooperation

Tokayev noted the importance of GGGI's activities aimed at supporting developing countries in transitioning to a green growth model. Ban Ki-moon welcomed Kazakhstan's achievements in sustainable development and stated readiness for further cooperation within the global climate agenda. The meeting took place during Tokayev's state visit to South Korea, where he also awarded the Dostyk Order II degree to five South Korean state and public figures. Tokayev noted that more than 100,000 ethnic Koreans live in Kazakhstan and called South Korea a strategic partner.