by: Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad.
The Astana International Forum (AIF) holds significant importance as it aligns with Kazakhstan’s objectives and commitments of actively underscoring diplomatic engagement, security, regional as well as international stability, and economic development.
At its core, the country emphasizes the value of coexisting harmoniously, rooted in the principles of mutual respect for diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. With a rich history of fostering positive international development, Kazakhstan is dedicated to promoting and fostering prosperity on a global scale through cooperation.
The country’s commitment to peace is evident through its initiatives and facilitations for peaceful resolutions, offering to mediate between both sides. In complex geopolitical circumstances, Kazakhstan has maintained diplomatic engagement through its pro-active foreign policy, leading to positive relations with various countries. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been a promoter of world peace and cooperation. He is a strong voice for encouraging intercultural and interreligious communication as well as the disarmament and non-proliferation of WMDs.
Kazakhstan’s unwavering belief in mutual respect is accompanied by a dedication to global collaboration, encompassing dialogues, trade, multilateralism, and the exchange of ideas. As the prevailing threat to global peace and stability is power politics between major powers, the Astana International Forum (AIF) has emerged as a pivotal tool for global peace and stability.
Its purpose extends to rebuilding a culture of multilateralism on a global scale, offering a platform for middle powers to discuss viewpoints and positions, enabling nations to present solutions to challenges and problems, and also facilitating enhanced engagement among nations.
The Astana International Forum (AIF) is putting a high focus on cooperation, understanding, and collaboration as key concepts of an effective global order to confront crises including terrorism, extremism, the energy crisis, the economic crisis, climate change, pandemics, and the refugee crisis. This platform stands as a beacon of hope and progress, championing a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and meaningful diplomatic dialogue.
Astana International Forum 2023: From June 8–9, Kazakhstan held the Astana International Forum (AIF) in Astana, which focused on overcoming world challenges through dialogue and discussion. This event became a new global platform where experts, business leaders, and governments from East and West, the Global North, and the Global South gathered to discuss practical solutions for global foreign policy, climate, and economic challenges.
During his speech, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted about Middle Corridor, a route connecting East and West. He mentioned that this route is creating new opportunities for trade and investment while also promoting economic development and intra-regional connectivity.
He called for stronger connections between nations and people, fostering bonds among communities as partners and friends. Additionally, President Kassym Tokayev addressed environmental concerns in the region and stressed the need for close cooperation and tailored joint measures to ensure water security and prevent environmental disasters.
Kazakhstan government’s role in the Astana International Forum (AIF) has been pivotal in shaping and galvanizing country as a proactive and responsible global player. Kazakhstan maintains that the only way to a better future for humanity is through reconciliation, collaboration, negotiation, and openness rather than conflict, hegemony, confrontation, and seclusion.
Kazakhstan as a symbol of Peace: Kazakhstan has showcased its diplomatic efforts, promoted conflict resolution, and facilitated economic partnerships. As the forum continues to evolve, Kazakhstan’s contributions to international peace and cooperation are likely to remain essential for addressing the complex challenges of our interconnected world.
For many of the most urgent problems in the world, such as conflict, hunger, climate change, and disease, the international cooperation is essential. Countries may pool their resources, share their knowledge, and use their combined strength to address these issues. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to internationalism and its role in promoting stability, humanity, and progress on an international level.
