The Kazakh government has announced the launch of the Astana International Forum, a conference to be held on 8-9 June, bringing together the international community to address key global challenges.
Held under the patronage of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the forum aims to serve as a platform for eminent delegates from governments, international organizations, as well as business and academia to engage in a dialogue and seek ways to address current global challenges, like climate, food scarcity and energy security challenges.
The Astana International Forum is a new international conference which will be a tool for rebuilding a culture of multilateralism on a global level.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
“In the face of global challenges, we remain committed to global cooperation by championing dialogue, trade, multilateralism and the exchange of ideas”, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev commented on the launch of the conference. “We will continue to defend international law and to pursue constructive engagement with nations across the world. In this context, we have launched the Astana International Forum, a new international conference which will be a tool for rebuilding a culture of multilateralism on a global level. Most importantly, the Forum will also provide new means to amplify voices which are often minimized.”
One of the main themes for discussion will be climate change. The consequences of climate change “have a devastating impact on the planet, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events and loss of biodiversity all taking a toll”, the president said. “At the same time, the world’s dependence on fossil fuels is making it increasingly difficult to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. On the other hand, we cannot overlook the critical role of the oil and gas industry in ensuring energy security and in the energy transition.”
The energy transition is a complex matter which must be approached with caution to ensure that the developing world is not left behind.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The idea for the Astana International Forum arose after the Astana Economic Forum proved to be a success. Under the theme “Tackling Challenges through Dialogue: Towards Cooperation, Prosperity and Progress”, the conference will address four main pillars, foreign policy, security & sustainability, energy & climate and economy & finance, through a series of keynote speeches, panel sessions, armchair discussions, as well as several side events.
“While these challenges may seem daunting, they can also be seen as opportunities for global cooperation and progress. By working together, the international community can address these issues at the Astana International Forum and contribute to a more stable, equitable, and prosperous world for all”, President Tokayev highlighted.
The programme is packed with plenary sessions, over 40 panel discussions, as well as several side events, all concerned stakeholders being invited to sign up for “an excellent dialogue to cooperate in identifying explicit and actionable solutions to shared global challenges”.
Over 1,000 participants and guests from around the world, including government leaders, international organizations, CEOs of major multinational companies and international experts, are expected to participate. Among others, confirmed speakers include Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, H.E. Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic and H.E. Željka Cvijanović, Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
