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Astana, Kazakhstan - June 23, 2023 - The capital city of Kazakhstan, Astana, successfully hosted the inaugural edition of the Astana International Forum on June 8-9, 2023. This groundbreaking event, held under the theme 'Overcoming Challenges through Dialogue: Towards Cooperation, Development, and Progress,' provided a new global platform for experts, business leaders, and governments from around the world to engage in meaningful discussions on pressing global challenges and find actionable and lasting solutions.
The Astana International Forum convened more than 5,000 delegates from over 40 countries. The distinguished Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session were presided over by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and moderated by renowned CNN journalist, Richard Quest. Prominent world leaders, including Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chairman Zeljka Cvijanovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan, and former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, were present during the opening sessions. They shared their insights on the global challenges we face and engaged in discussions with moderator Richard Quest.
The Plenary Session featured speeches and discussions with leaders from various international organizations and financial institutions, such as UNESCO Director-General Audre Azoulay, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Salcia Alisjahbana, and OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid. Distinguished guests, including OSCE PA President Margareta Cederfelt and SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming, also attended the session.
With over 40 panel sessions, one-on-one discussions, and other side events organized by partners and sponsors, the Astana International Forum offered a diverse range of opportunities for dialogue. Renowned journalists and experts from Bloomberg, the Financial Times, BBC, Le Figaro, Al Jazeera, and others expertly moderated these discussions. These platforms facilitated the global community's encouragement and promotion for new forms of international cooperation necessary to address the challenges posed by growing geopolitical tensions.
The discussions covered a wide array of topics, ranging from inter-state competition to climate change and renewable energy, food and water security, and the role of the UN in a time of geopolitical turbulence. Experts and participants emphasized the need for additional funding directed towards addressing emerging global challenges and the increased transparency of international institutions as essential steppingstones for international sustainable development.
Central Asia's development formed a significant part of the discussions during AIF2023. Experts explored the feasibility of establishing an energy hub in the region and agreed that sustainable development hinges on an environment of stability, trust, and geopolitical equilibrium.
In addition, the Astana International Forum delved into topics such as advancing women's leadership and gender equality, the future of digitalization and artificial intelligence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health preparedness.
The AIF also served as a key event for global investors, with the Astana Finance Days Conference and the Foreign Investors' Council taking place as part of the Forum.
The Astana International Forum was supported through strategic partnerships with the United Nations, CNN, and The Astana Times, as well as the support of its sponsors. The general sponsors included Samruk-Kazyna JSC and the Eurasian Resources Group. Bank Freedom Finance Kazakhstan served as the official bank of AIF2023, while Kazakhmys Corporation LLP, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. JSC, North Caspian Operating Company N.V. JSC, Baiterek NUH JSC, Maten Petroleum JSC, Kozhan JSC, Caspi Neft JSC, Allure Group JSC, BI Group Ltd Private Company, KAZ Minerals Management LLP, KMC Astana Motors JSC, Bereke bank JSC, and Bazis Construction LLP all served as official sponsors.
Organising Committee of Astana International Forum:
info@aif.forum
June 23, 2023
November 14, 2024
The first Astana Think Tank Forum is taking place in the Kazakh capitalThe 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.
Source: kazpravda.kz/n/v-kazahstanskoy-stolitse-prohodit-pervyy-astana-think-tank-forum/
October 21, 2024
Astana Think Tank Forum 2024: Security Challenges in a Multipolar WorldThe 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.
October 20, 2024
Kazakhstan Hosts Astana Think Tank Forum 2024: Dialogue on Middle Powers' Global InfluenceThe 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.
October 18, 2024
Emerging role of middle powers in world order discussedASTANA: 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.