Chairman of the Senate of the Republic of Kazakhstan Speaks at UNESCO Conference on the Integration of Persons with Disabilities through Sports

Paris, August 28, 2024 – The Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, President of the Boccia Federation of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev, participated in a conference held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on the topic «International Forum on Disability Integration: Harnessing the Transformative Power of Parasports». The event was organized on the eve of the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Key international figures spoke at the conference, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres (written message was delivered), UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and President of the International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parsons. The event also included the participation of about 20 ministers responsible for sports development in their countries, as well as well-known para-athletes and figures from the parasport movement.

In his speech, M. Ashimbayev welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude to the leadership of UNESCO for organizing such an important forum ahead of the Paralympic Games. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in supporting people with special needs and promoting a culture of inclusion in society.

The Senate Chairman highlighted that issues of inclusion and support for people with special needs are priority areas in the reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan. He also expressed support for UNESCO’s Fit for Life initiative. In this regard, the cooperation of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan and the Secretariat of the National Commission for Women and Family-Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan should be noted.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Senate Chairman held bilateral meetings with the Director-General of UNESCO and the President of the International Paralympic Committee.

In a discussion with A. Azoulay, he briefly presented the concept of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, noting the history of UNESCO’s participation in the event. A. Azoulay expressed interest in further cooperation and in UNESCO’s continued involvement in the Congress.

During his meeting with A. Parsons, the parties discussed the prospects for further development of Paralympic sports and exchanged views on measures being taken in Kazakhstan to support people with special needs. The Senate Chairman’s interlocutor expressed his commitment to further support the development of parasports in Kazakhstan.

At the conclusion of the event, M. Ashimbayev confirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to continue active cooperation with UNESCO and the International Paralympic Committee to promote inclusion and develop parasports both in the country and globally.