The Astana
International Forum (AIF) kicked off in the Kazakh capital, bringing together
over 5,000 delegates, including heads of state, prominent politicians,
diplomats, and representatives of leading international organizations. This
year’s theme focuses on the importance of unity for the future of the world.
Speaking at the forum’s plenary session, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
addressed global challenges and ways to overcome them. He identified armed
conflicts as one of the key issues of our time, noting that 52 countries
experienced such conditions last year alone. The economic impact of violence
has reached $19 trillion, around 13.5% of global GDP.
«We must also
focus on an even more challenging perspective: the growing strain between
nuclear-armed states. Today, nine states possess a combined arsenal of over
13,000 nuclear weapons. Experts warn that the risk of use is increasing –
whether by miscalculation, accident, or escalation. The consequences of a
single detonation would become disastrous. Scientists estimate that beyond the
immediate destruction, it could trigger global climate disaster and destroy
harvests,»
Tokayev said.
However, as the
Head of State noted, threats to global security extend beyond geopolitics.
Protectionism and trade tensions are also on the rise. In this context, he
emphasized the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of the United Nations.
To this end, Kazakhstan supports the expansion of the Security Council, he
added. The country views today’s turbulent world through the lens of
constructive engagement. Its foreign policy is based on the primacy of dialogue
over division and on respect for sovereign rights.
«We continue to deepen our capabilities in key
sectors – from digital technologies and AI to clean energy and value-added
manufacturing. We are making significant progress in digital transformation,
reflecting our desire to become an IT hub in Eurasia.We place emphasis on
artificial intelligence. The goal is to become an academic and innovation hub
with a number of foreign university branches and Research and Development
partnerships,» Tokayev added.
However,
sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the climate
crisis. Central Asia is among the regions most vulnerable to climate change
worldwide, experiencing warming at twice the global average. As President
Tokayev noted, in response, we are advancing a pragmatic and coordinated
climate agenda across Central Asia. Next year, Kazakhstan, in partnership with
the UN, will host a regional environmental summit.
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