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Astana Think Tank Forum 2024 set to spearhead the role of middle powers as global unifiers

September 04, 2024

Astana Think Tank Forum 2024 set to spearhead the role of middle powers as global unifiers

Astana, 4 September, 2024 – Kazakhstan is poised to address foundational pillars of our global international system once again, this time from the perspective of middle powers, with its inaugural Astana Think Tank Forum taking place between the 16th and 17th of October 2024.

Held under the auspices of the Astana International Forum (AIF) and organised by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, this Forum will bring together directors of leading foreign policy think tanks, researchers, advisors, and diplomats. This notable gathering will meet in a closed academic environment to explore the strategic and diplomatic roles that middle powers play in today’s global landscape.

In the current geopolitical climate, middle powers face increasing complexities in navigating international dynamics, forming partnerships, and building diplomatic relationships. Addressing the polarised international system and understanding the evolving roles of these nations is crucial. By sharing strategies and lessons learned, middle powers can enhance their global impact, fostering a more connected and multilateral environment.

Expert voices will convene to discuss “Middle Powers in a Changing Global Order: Enhancing Security, Stability, and Sustainable Development.” The Forum’s program will cover five key themes: Foreign Policy, Economic Influence, Security Dynamics, Multilateralism and Global Institutions, and Emerging Challenges. These topics will be explored through dynamic panel sessions, roundtables, armchair discussions, and high-level plenary addresses, revitalising the conversation around middle powers.

Kazakhstan’s status as a middle power further reinforces the significance of this Forum, with its attending officials and think tank leaders well-prepared to lead comprehensive and impactful dialogues on their experience as middle powers, as well as the future challenges and opportunities they face.

Established as a focused extension of the Astana International Forum, the Astana Think Tank Forum promises a valuable platform for elevating discussions about middle powers to the world stage.

Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship in SCO: Achievements and Future Directions

July 10, 2024

Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship in SCO: Achievements and Future Directions

As the chair of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Kazakhstan hosted the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State, an important organization representing more than 40% of the world’s population and contributing over $23 trillion to the global GDP.

Middle powers have the power to save multilateralism

May 28, 2024

Middle powers have the power to save multilateralism

Countries like Kazakhstan must step forward together with renewed vigour and assert our role not just as participants but as responsible managers in the global arena, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev writes in a Euronews exclusive

President Tokayev Cancels 2024 Astana International Forum Amidst Massive Floods

April 13, 2024

President Tokayev Cancels 2024 Astana International Forum Amidst Massive Floods

ASTANA – In an unexpected move, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced the cancellation of the Astana International Forum (AIF) scheduled for June 13-14, 2024.

Such a decision was made in connection with the unprecedented flooding in Kazakhstan.

“Due to the severe flooding in Kazakhstan and the need to allocate financial resources for relief efforts and aid for affected citizens, I have made the decision to cancel the Astana International Forum that was scheduled for June 13-14 this year,” wrote Tokayev in his X account.


Astana International Forum and Boao Asian Forum signed a memorandum of cooperation

March 29, 2024

Astana International Forum and Boao Asian Forum signed a memorandum of cooperation

During the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), held on 26-29 March 2024 and attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Astana International Forum (AIF) and the BFA signed a memorandum of cooperation.

The two organizations use their respective platforms to promote dialogue, to advance international cooperation in addressing common challenges in Asia and beyond, and to support efforts to strengthen multilateralism and collective responsibility for building a better world.

The AIF and BFA will enhance collaboration through joint events and cooperation between them to promote knowledge exchange, resource-sharing, and increased visibility of their respective platforms.

In China, Kazakh President highlights Asia’s leading economic role

March 29, 2024

In China, Kazakh President highlights Asia’s leading economic role

The President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted Asia’s leading role in new development paradigms at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) on the Chinese island of Hainan on Thursday (28 March).

The Boao Forum for Asia, initiated by 25 Asian countries and Australia, is a non-profit organisation based in Beijing, hosting high-level forums for leaders from government, business, and academia in Asia and other continents, sharing their vision on the most important and urgent issues in this region and the world at large. The Chairman of BFA is Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General.


Harnessing the power of AI with a distinctively Kazakh touch

March 28, 2024

Harnessing the power of AI with a distinctively Kazakh touch

From international collaboration to cutting-edge software cropping up in sectors such as healthcare and education, Kazakhstan is looking to effect real change through AI applications.

This spring, an exhibition of over 120 paintings opened in Almaty as part of the NeuroKazakhstan 2024 project. Presenting an overview of nature, architecture, cuisine, and other elements of Kazakh culture, the show had an unusual origin – the works were crafted with neural networks.


A new era of Gulf-Central Asian cooperation

March 15, 2024

A new era of Gulf-Central Asian cooperation

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev last month visited Doha for two days of extensive discussions with the Qatari leadership. During the visit, President Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s readiness to increase exports to Qatar across 60 non-resource commodity items totaling $250 million and proposed increasing mutual trade to $500 million in the near future. This visit, which marked 30 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, reflected Kazakhstan’s commitment to expanding its relationship with the Gulf states, as well as its evolving position as an active and productive power on the world stage.


Kazakhstan’s Balancing Act with Russia, China, and the West

March 13, 2024

Kazakhstan’s Balancing Act with Russia, China, and the West

Kazakhstan has been catching the attention of Western countries recently. Through projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the complementary Middle Corridor, both of which pass through Kazakhstan, the country is becoming an important bridge and a global hub for trade and diplomacy between the economies of Europe and Asia. Consequently, Kazakhstan’s foreign policy has major implications for the East and West. Its policies and alliances could greatly influence trade, economic stability, and diplomatic relations in the wider Eurasian region.