A roundtable titled “Best Practices of Intercultural Dialogue Among Kazakhstani Youth” was held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, marking the 30th anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The event was organized by the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan to UNESCO with the support of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK), the public association Assembleya Zhastary, and UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, DKnews.kz reports.
Ahead of the event, Marat Azilkhanov, Head of the Secretariat and Deputy Chairman of the APK, met with UNESCO Assistant Director-General Lydia Arthur Brito. The teams of the Assembly and the UNESCO engaged in a constructive discussion on Kazakhstan’s experience and model for safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity, as well as the prospects for Kazakh youth organizations to participate in UNESCO projects and initiatives.
During the opening of the roundtable, welcoming remarks were delivered by Azilkhanov, Brito, and Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Askar Abdrakhmanov.
According to Azilkhanov, the APK today represents a unique public institution uniting representatives of more than 120 ethnic groups and actively contributing to the preservation of the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity. He recalled that on the eve of the recent APK session, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who serves as Chairman of the Assembly, received a congratulatory letter on its 30th anniversary from UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. In her letter, she emphasized that “since its creation, the APK has played an important role in strengthening interethnic harmony and social inclusion in the country, and at a time when the world faces complex challenges, it serves as an inspiring example of promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual respect – values at the core of UNESCO’s mandate.”
In this regard, M. Azilkhanov noted that “the APK is interested in further expanding its ties with UNESCO, as our missions and goals intersect.”
In her remarks, Brito emphasized the crucial role of youth as drivers of positive global change. According to her, “Kazakhstan stands out as an example of how inclusive and harmonious societies can be nurtured; with its long-standing tradition of multi-ethnic and multi-faith coexistence and a deep respect for diversity, Kazakhstan has shown that its cultural richness is a strength to build upon, and the Assembly plays an important role in this, helping to lay the groundwork for lasting peace and unity.”
Commenting on the youth-led projects of the APK, she noted that “from advancing youth participation and inclusion, to promoting cultural diversity and gender equality, the work young people are undertaking in Kazakhstan mirrors the values we promote around the world.” To this end, she warmly welcomed the interest and enthusiasm of the Assambleya Zhastary in strengthening its cooperation with UNESCO at the regional level and beyond.
Particular attention during the roundtable was given to the experience of the youth wing of the Assembly – the “Assambleya Zhastary” organization, which brings together over 10,000 active young people across the country. Its Chairman Timur Zhumurbaev spoke about projects aimed at developing soft skills, student self-governance, social inclusion, and the creative industries. “Our philosophy is simple – every project should be practical. A young person should feel that they are important, that they have opportunities regardless of where they live or their social status,” he said.
APK Friendship Ambassador in France, Malgorzata Touar, emphasized that “the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan offers an inspiring vision in which cultural diversity is valued and protected, and this is not a dogma but an invitation to build a common future based on recognition, dignity, and cooperation.”
Participants in the roundtable from among the members of the APK and “Assambleya Zhastary” also included Alina Gavrina, Valikhan Bakhretdinov, Maksim Kogai, Lugmar Bularov, Rafik Mirzoev, Rufina Usanova, Rustam Kairyev, Elena Semidotskikh, Murad Shamilov, Salimkhan Sabitov, Daniel James Danladi-Bway, and Zhanibek Yesimseitov. Their presentations reflected a wide range of projects aimed at strengthening dialogue among youth – from creative initiatives to sports tournaments.
As part of the event, the UNESCO Headquarters also hosted a photo exhibition titled “30 Years of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan: Youth in Action Through Intercultural Dialogue,” which showcased both bright moments and the everyday work of the APK in implementing relevant social initiatives involving a broad circle of Kazakhstani youth.
Guests of the event were also invited to a tasting of dishes from Kazakhstan’s multicultural cuisine, symbolizing the richness and diversity of the country’s culinary traditions, their synthesis, and mutual enrichment.
Attendees, including diplomats from UNESCO Member States, the Secretariat staff, public figures, and representatives of Kazakh communities in France, praised the substantive nature of the roundtable presentations, the quality of the photo exhibition, and the creative character of the culinary showcase.
The event served as an excellent opportunity to present at the headquarters of this reputable intergovernmental organization the practical mechanisms used to promote Kazakhstan’s cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, civic education, and the country’s approach to regulating interethnic relations through patriotism and active civic engagement. Moreover, the discussion vividly demonstrated how youth can be a driving force of social harmony, and that Kazakhstan’s experience in intercultural dialogue offers a practical contribution to global efforts to foster peace, mutual respect, and inclusive development.
