Latest news with #KassymJomartTokayev
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Astana International Forum 2025 Opens with Resounding Call for Global Cooperation
Astana, Kazakhstan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - The Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 opened today with a high-level ceremony that set the stage for two days of strategic dialogue and cross-border collaboration. Held under the auspices of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, this year's Forum gathers global leaders to address some of the world's most urgent challenges under the theme "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In his opening remarks, President Tokayev emphasized the urgency of restoring multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world: "The post-war global order is fragmenting. Protectionism is rising. Multilateralism is faltering. In this emerging disorder, the task before us is clear: to preserve cooperation where it still exists, and to restore it where it has broken down... That's what we in Kazakhstan strongly pursue: 'The unity in diversity'." The Forum welcomed several high-profile speakers, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu, and Ban Ki-moon, Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and former UN Secretary-General. The session was moderated by Julia Chatterley. Reflecting on the progress that Kazakhstan has made, President Kagame noted that "Kazakhstan's prosperity is the reflection of its leadership, resilience and its people." President Siljanovska-Davkova addressed how to resolve current global crises, stressing that, "We need to use the collective wisdom and experience to think fast, or faster, in order to cope with the pressing challenges of our time." Alain Berset emphasized democratic values as central to global security, stating: "We gather here... to discuss security, energy, climate, and the economy. But let us be honest, these cannot be secured if democracy fails." Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon praised Kazakhstan's role as a convener: "This year's theme reflects the kind of leadership we need today. One that is collaborative, forward-looking, and rooted in shared responsibility." Qu Dongyu highlighted the role of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in ensuring global food security. "Central Asia stands at the crossroad geopolitically, economically, and climatically," he said, adding: "Kazakhstan's territory is 2,800 square kilometres. With proper management, investments and new technologies - Kazakhstan can easily feed 1 billion people worldwide." The agenda featured action-oriented sessions on climate change, energy security, and conflict resolution. In a one-on-one with journalist Tony Barber, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz welcomed growing attention to Central Asia: "Europe is now seeing the need for deeper cooperation with this part of the world." UN-backed discussions were a highlight of the Forum, with the organization serving as a strategic partner. Sessions marked the UN's 80th anniversary and addressed priorities like the Pact for the Future, migration, and water security. A standout was a conversation between CNN's Max Foster and Amy E. Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on migration's role in sustainable development. As day one concluded, AIF reaffirmed its mission to elevate the role of middle powers, reinforce the value of multilateralism, and accelerate practical global solutions. Day two will continue to foster partnerships and dialogue that aim to shape a more stable, inclusive, and interconnected world.
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- Health
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Kazakhstan to Allow Hunting Once Endangered Antelopes
Kazakhstan said Wednesday it will authorize the hunting of saiga antelopes, once an endangered species that the government says is now threatening farming in the vast Central Asian country. The country previously backtracked on lifting a hunting ban on the species, recognizable by their long, trunk-like rounded snout. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had called the antelopes "sacred animals for the Kazakh people". The saiga was massively poached in the 1990s. State media cited Kazakhstan's deputy minister of ecology as saying the decision to hunt them was "necessary due to the rapid growth of their population" and "complaints from farmers". A spokeswoman for Kazakhstan's ecology ministry told AFP Wednesday that "according to scientific research, it is possible to eliminate up to 20 percent of the total population without harming the species". The exact number of animals allowed to be culled and the start date of the hunt are yet to be determined, she added. Farmers complain that saigas have stomped thousands of square kilometers of farms, where crops are also threatened by climate change. According to the latest estimates, there are 4.1 million saigas in the former Soviet republic, representing almost the entire global population, a number that could rise to five million by the end of the year. An attempt to lift the ban was met with opposition in 2023, a rare occurrence in Kazakhstan, where freedom of expression is limited. The authorities reversed the decision a few months later. Poaching of the antelopes exploded after the collapse of the Soviet Union, particularly as their horns are used in traditional medicine. Water shortages and disease had also endangered the species before the Kazakh authorities introduced a policy to protect them.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi arrives at Presidential Palace in Astana
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has arrived at the Presidential Palace in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, H.H. Sheikh Khaled was received by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. An official reception ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, during which Kassym-Jomart Tokayev escorted the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to the ceremonial platform, where the national anthems of the UAE and the Republic of Kazakhstan were played. H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reviewed the guard of honour lined up in the palace courtyard to greet them. During the reception, H.H. Sheikh Khaled greeted Kazakh ministers and senior officials, while Kassym-Jomart Tokayev greeted members of the UAE official delegation accompanying His Highness. H.H. Sheikh Khaled is accompanied on the visit by a high-level official delegation comprising several ministers and senior UAE government officials.
