The Astana Think Tank Forum, organized under the auspices of the Astana International Forum (AIF), brought together experts from 22 countries to discuss the role of middle powers in shaping global security, stability, and sustainable development. Held in Kazakhstan, the forum featured high-level discussions on how middle powers, including Kazakhstan, can influence international diplomacy and governance amidst geopolitical turbulence.&nbsp;Keynote speakers highlighted the importance of middle powers as vital players in international relations, capable of acting as bridges between conflicting nations and contributing to global peace. Kazakhstan's strategic position and multi-vector foreign policy were emphasized as examples of a successful middle power model.<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:1024/691;width:90.59%;" src="https://aif-24-bucket.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/ckeditor/7ee6efa9385bed565c629490d06b0e5c.jpg" width="1024" height="691">Sessions covered critical topics such as energy security, global governance, and the role of mediation in resolving international conflicts. The forum also facilitated bilateral talks, notably between Kazakhstan and China, on expanding cooperation in research and strategic partnerships.&nbsp;The forum underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering dialogue among middle powers and advancing cooperation on key global issues, marking a significant step in strengthening Kazakhstan's role in the international arena.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://kazpravda.kz/n/v-kazahstanskoy-stolitse-prohodit-pervyy-astana-think-tank-forum/">kazpravda.kz/n/v-kazahstanskoy-stolitse-prohodit-pervyy-astana-think-tank-forum/</a>

The Astana Think Tank Forum, organized under the auspices of the Astana International Forum (AIF), brought together experts from 22 countries to discuss the role of middle powers in shaping global security, stability, and sustainable development. Held in Kazakhstan, the forum featured high-level discussions on how middle powers, including Kazakhstan, can influence international diplomacy and governance amidst geopolitical turbulence.Keynote speakers highlighted the importance of middle powers as vital players in international relations, capable of acting as bridges between conflicting nations and contributing to global peace. Kazakhstan's strategic position and multi-vector foreign policy were emphasized as examples of a successful middle power model.Sessions covered critical topics such as energy security, global governance, and the role of mediation in resolving international conflicts. The forum also facilitated bilateral talks, notably between Kazakhstan and China, on expanding cooperation in research and strategic partnerships.The forum underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering dialogue among middle powers and advancing cooperation on key global issues, marking a significant step in strengthening Kazakhstan's role in the international arena.

The Astana Think Tank Forum, held on October 16 to 17, provided a platform for diplomats, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing global challenges. The sponsors of the forum were the Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), Kazakhmys Corporation LLC, and the Central-Asian Institute of Environmental Research (CAIER). The forum's seventh session, moderated by Prof. Dr. Muhittin Ataman, Editor-in-chief of Insight Turkey, delved into how nations can act as stabilizing forces, fostering dialogue, promoting multilateralism, and contributing to conflict resolution in various regional and global contexts. Panelists included Bruno Tertrais, Deputy Director of the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), Ambassador Rainer Rudolph, Vice Chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Minhyeon Jeong, Head of Russia and Eurasia of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) ), and Mendee Jargalsaikhan, Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies of the National Security Council of Mongolia.

The Astana Think Tank Forum 2024 concluded on October 17 in Kazakhstan, advancing crucial discussions on the evolving role of middle powers in the complex, multipolar international landscape. With top think tanks, foreign policy advisors, diplomats, and researchers from over 20 countries in attendance, the two-day event offered thought-provoking insights that are set to have a lasting impact on global policy discussions around the growing role of middle powers.

ASTANA: The two-day Astana Think Tank Forum 2024 concluded yesterday in the capital, which centred on the theme, ‘Middle Powers in a Changing Global Order: Strengthening Security, Stability, and Sustainable Development’ and was organised by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies.

Ongoing reforms are essential for sustaining internal stability and promoting economic growth in Kazakhstan, stated President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his keynote address at the Astana Think Tank Forum.“Kazakhstan has achieved significant progress in the economic sector, having successfully attracted $400 billion in foreign direct investment,” he remarked. The president highlighted the critical role of these investments in building a strong economy and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment environment.

AIF 2023