International Forum Held in Astana Commences Today
The Astana International Forum, a significant global platform for dialogue and collaboration, kicks off today at the Congress Centre in Astana's EXPO Business District.
The theme for this year's event is "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future", and it brings together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, businesses, and academia for transformative discussions and the development of practical solutions to contemporary global challenges.
The forum commences with a prominent plenary session, featuring an address by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other distinguished speakers. This year's event expands its agenda to cover pressing global issues, such as climate change, energy security, trade, innovation, and sustainability.
The forum's two-day program consists of plenary and one-on-one discussions, with panel discussions focusing on themes like transitions to renewable energy, cross-border cooperation, and effective water resource strategies. The expanded agenda reflects the interconnected nature of the current global landscape and the need for collaborative, cross-sectoral approaches.
Over 5,000 international visitors, including delegates, heads of delegations, corporate executives, and over 100 foreign journalists, are expected to attend the forum. This prestigious gathering is supported by key partners, such as Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund as the general partner, ERG Komek Corporate Fund as the general sponsor, and Freedom Bank Kazakhstan as the official banking partner.
The 2021 Astana International Forum serves as a significant platform for exchanging ideas and forging partnerships to tackle complex global issues, such as those pertaining to climate change, food security, peace and security, economic cooperation, and digital transformation.
In addition, the forum emphasizes Kazakhstan's strategic position in global dialogue, innovation, and regional cooperation. Key issues addressed during the forum include water security and sustainable agriculture, global peace and security, geopolitical stability and multilateralism, economic resilience and trade connectivity, and technological innovation and digital transformation.
Prominent speakers include President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), various international leaders, as well as representatives from the Government of Kazakhstan and international organizations.
References:[1] FAO. (2021). Food Insecurity and Nutrition in Central Asia. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/ca9401en/ca9401en.pdf[2] Office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2021). Statement by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Opening Ceremony of the 8th Astana International Forum. Retrieved from https://www.akorda.kz/en/news/statement-by-president-kassym-jomart-tokayev-at-the-opening-ceremony-of-the-8th-astana-international-forum[3] government.kz. (2021). Astana International Forum. Retrieved from https://www.government.kz/en/topics/astana-international-forum[4] The Diplomat. (2021). Kazakhstan's Middle Corridor: Cornerstone of Central Asian Connectivity?. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/kazakhstans-middle-corridor-cornerstone-of-central-asian-connectivity/[5] Astana International Forum. (2021). Program. Retrieved from https://aif2021.kz/program/
- The expanded agenda of the 2021 Astana International Forum covers pressing global issues such as climate change, a topic that falls under the umbrella of environmental science.
- For transformative discussions on climate change, this forum brings together high-level representatives from governments, businesses, academia, and international organizations, including QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Financing solutions for climate change and energy security is a priority, with key partners like Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund supporting the forum, demonstrating the role of finance in shaping the future.
- The forum emphasizes the importance of cross-sectoral approaches, as panel discussions focus on transitions to renewable energy, a goal that intertwines politics, industry, and general news.
