Why Kazakhstan is hosting the Astana International Forum this year
In an increasingly polarized world, Kazakhstan often plays the role of a bridge between East and West, North and South. This is a product of our unique history and geography. For centuries, Kazakhstan has been a meeting point between cultures, fostering not only diversity amongst our peoples, but a true spirit of mutual respect. That…
Kazakhstan’s president: We’re moving full speed ahead toward reform
Editor’s note: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived on Sept. 19 in the United States where he is expected to address the General Debate at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Не is also meeting top executives of leading American companies and top management of financial institutions to intensify cooperation with Kazakhstan and brief…
Kazakhstan: A Bridge Between West and East
Editor’s note: As Kazakhstan hosts on Sept. 14-15 the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, influential U.S. magazine National Interest published an article by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev where he dwells on the significance of the two-day congress amid rising global tensions. At times like this, we need to build bridges, not…
Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions: from idea to inclusive dialogue
The Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is a unique interfaith forum, convened every three years in Astana at the initiative of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. For 15 years, this forum has played an important role in the rapprochement of cultures and civilisations, in searching for answers to the key challenges of our…
Global Agenda Requires New Approaches
In this article I would like to reflect on some of the major international trends in the context of the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence. This milestone is not only a good opportunity to make observation of the country’s remarkable achievements bearing in mind that at the dawn of Kazakhstan’s Independence many political scientists believed…
Shimon Peres in Our Memory
This week the whole world has come together to pay its last tribute to Shimon Peres, a patriarch of world politics, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, one of founders of Israel, and a friend of Kazakhstan. At such moments, we say, “A whole epoch is gone”, because the life of Shimon Peres in itself mirrors…
Kazakhstan amidst Four Major Transformations in Eurasia
Being geographically located both in Asia and Europe, Kazakhstan considers itself a Eurasian country. In this article, based on my opening remarks at the annual Singapore Forum on April 2, I share some insights on the Eurasian perspective and Kazakhstan’s efforts to harness the fundamental changes on the continent. Eurasia, a backbone of the…
Religious Dialogue Is Needed for Peace and Development
As we look around our troubled world today, we see more intercultural and interfaith tensions in different parts of the world. Unfortunately, religious differences are often exaggerated and exploited to incite hatred and violence. This practice has become a dangerous weapon in the hands of those who deliberately distort people beliefs for their deceitful ends.…
