UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Visit Kazakhstan, DKnews.kz reports.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan as part of his trip to Central Asia. The visit will commence on Saturday, 29 June, with his first stop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. From there, he will continue to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
Schedule and Meetings
On 3-4 July, Antonio Guterres will visit Almaty and Astana. During his time in Kazakhstan, he will hold meetings with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, other senior government officials, and UN staff members. The Secretary-General has also been invited to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, which will take place in Astana on 4 July, where he will deliver remarks at the SCO Plus session. This marks his second official visit to Kazakhstan, with the first having taken place in 2017.
Focus on Multilateralism and Global Issues
During his visit, the Secretary-General is expected to emphasize the importance of reaffirming a common commitment to multilateralism based on the UN Charter, international law, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He will highlight that the central goal of the multilateral system must be peace. Additionally, Guterres is anticipated to address the significant global divisions that hinder countries from uniting to tackle the serious threats posed by climate change and digital technologies.
Statements from UN Officials
UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Michaela Friberg-Storey expressed: “We are honored to welcome the UN Secretary-General to Kazakhstan for his second official visit, reflecting Kazakhstan’s steadfast commitment to the principles and goals of the United Nations. Kazakhstan's proactive engagement with the UN since its independence underscores its dedication to global peace, security, and sustainable development. Kazakhstan stands as a strong advocate for multilateralism, deeply valuing its partnership with the United Nations.”
UN Initiatives in Kazakhstan
The UN initiatives in Kazakhstan cover a wide range of issues, including expanding access to education and healthcare, promoting gender equality, enhancing economic rights and opportunities, and safeguarding human rights. All these efforts aim to build a more inclusive society. In 2023, the UN, in collaboration with its partners, provided support to Kazakhstan amounting to $33.3 million.
Antonio Guterres's official visit to Kazakhstan underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges collectively. Kazakhstan’s active role and partnership with the United Nations continue to contribute significantly to global peace, security, and sustainable development.
