Astana International Forum 2025
On May 29, 2025, the Astana International Forum commenced in the capital of Kazakhstan.
The Forum’s plenary session was officially opened by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In his address, the Head of State extended sincere gratitude to the distinguished guests and all participants of the Forum.
The Kazakh leader noted that the Forum's organizers harbor significant hopes for a productive exchange of views on issues concerning the global economy, regional cooperation, and other pertinent challenges on the international agenda.
President Tokayev emphasized that the current Forum is taking place during a period of profound global uncertainty. The Head of State mentioned that “We meet at a time of profound global uncertainty. It is tempting to describe this moment as a crossroad, as an inflection point in world affairs. But such formulas should be left for historians to fix. What matters now is how we respond. That choice lies with us – in the decisions we make and the values we uphold.”
In this context, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan views the turbulent modern world through the prism of constructive interaction. In its foreign policy, Kazakhstan prioritizes dialogue over division and emphasizes respect for sovereign rights.
Concluding his speech, the Leader of Kazakhstan remarked, “We are entering a new phase of global development – where human-to-human trust, knowledge sharing, and civic collaboration will shape the new architecture of international relations. Therefore, we must widen the circle of cooperation. Kazakhstan stands ready to contribute to this shift – as a convener of ideas, a builder of consensus, and a trusted partner across regions and cultures.”
The full text of the President of Kazakhstan's speech is likely available on the website https://www.akorda.kz/ru/vystuplenie-prezidenta-kasym-zhomarta-tokaeva-na-plenarnoy-sessii-mezhdunarodnogo-foruma-astana-2944245
The Astana International Forum stands as a premier platform for discussing key contemporary challenges and seeking avenues to strengthen international cooperation. This year, the Forum is held under the theme “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future.”
The Forum’s primary focus will be on the following core themes: foreign policy and security, international development and sustainability, energy and climate, economy and finance.
From May 29th to 30th, the Forum will host over 40 panel sessions and specialized events, featuring more than 100 speakers and moderators.
Representatives from over 70 countries have arrived in Kazakhstan’s capital to participate, including heads of states and governments, leaders of international organizations and transnational corporations, prominent politicians, distinguished public figures and scholars, experts, and business leaders. The Forum’s proceedings will be covered by over 100 foreign journalists.