Astana International Forum 2025: Kazakhstan, the new host of key global talks and cooperation
The Astana International Forum (AIF) is a prominent global event held annually in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, since 2008. The forum brings together political, business, and academic leaders from around the world to engage in dialogue on global challenges and develop collaborative solutions. Over the years, AIF has broadened its agenda well beyond economic issues to include international security, climate change, energy, sustainable development, and geopolitical cooperation.
History and growth of the Astana International Forum
The AIF evolved from the Astana Economic Forum, founded in 2008, to focus dialogue on global economic challenges, macroeconomic regulation, and global competitiveness. In its early years, the forum primarily attracted central bankers, financial professionals, and development agencies, with an emphasis on economic modernisation and public sector reforms. After 2015, the forum expanded its scope to include growing political, security, and sustainability issues—reflecting Kazakhstan’s increasing diplomatic engagement and regional influence. In 2023, the event was officially renamed the Astana International Forum, signalling its expanded global and thematic focus.
AIF 2025 agenda and key highlights
The 2025 edition of the Astana International Forum will take place May 29–30 and will be opened by Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. As Central Asia’s premier business and diplomatic gathering, the forum is set to host more than 600 international guests, including heads of state, prime ministers, leaders of global organisations, corporate executives, and scholars.
This year’s forum will centre around three main thematic pillars:
– Foreign Policy and International Security: Addressing global security threats, geopolitical cooperation, and emerging directions in multilateral diplomacy.
– Energy and Climate Change: Exploring sustainable energy solutions, energy security, and climate protection strategies.
– Economy and Finance: Focusing on international trade, investment, financial stability, and innovations driving economic development.
The program includes high-level plenary sessions, 25 panel discussions, and exclusive one-on-one meetings, offering participants a chance for in-depth dialogue and strategic partnerships.
Key figures and guests
AIF 2025 will feature a range of distinguished political and business leaders, including:
– Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan (host of the forum)
– Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda
– Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania
– Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia
– Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar
– Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General and President of the Global Green Growth Institute
– Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD
– Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
– Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
The forum’s mission is to promote global dialogue and cooperation in a world that is increasingly polarised and complex. AIF advocates for revitalising multilateralism and serves as a platform for diverse nations and sectors to collaboratively shape the future.
Overview
In summary, the Astana International Forum is a dynamic global event that underscores Kazakhstan’s diplomatic philosophy of multi-vector foreign policy. It has become a vital platform for international cooperation and dialogue. This year’s forum will tackle some of the most pressing global issues while reinforcing Kazakhstan’s central role on the world stage.
For more details, visit the official event website: astanainternationalforum.org
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