Astana International Forum 2025 opens with focus on global challenges
The Astana International Forum (AIF) officially opened in Kazakhstan’s capital on May 29, 2025, under the theme “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future,” welcoming global leaders, experts, and business figures.
Purpose and Participants
The two-day AIF 2025 aims to reinvigorate multilateralism, foster international dialogue, and develop practical solutions to pressing global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and economic uncertainty. The forum emphasizes Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy and its strategic position as a bridge between East and West. Now in its second year, the AIF is structured around three core themes: foreign policy and international security, energy and climate change, and economy and finance.
The opening ceremony featured speeches by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and several UN agency leaders. Over the course of the event, more than 25 panel discussions are scheduled, where top experts and policymakers will tackle key issues. The forum hosts over 600 high-level attendees from more than 70 countries, including heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, corporate executives, and academics. Among the media present are 55 foreign journalists, including representatives from Hungary’s Helló Magyar and Daily News Hungary.
President Tokayev’s Opening Address
In his keynote speech, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the world is facing unprecedented geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges. He emphasized that only through cooperation, open dialogue, and a reaffirmation of multilateral principles can the international community find sustainable solutions.
“The world is becoming increasingly polarized, geopolitical tensions are escalating, and issues such as energy and food security, climate change, and economic instability affect all of us. In this situation, Kazakhstan is ready to serve as a bridge between East and West, facilitating constructive dialogue and cooperation,” the president stated.
He also pointed out the global spread of conflicts and wars. Last year alone, 52 nations were involved in armed conflicts, with the economic toll of violence reaching $19 trillion—about 13.5% of global GDP.
“Behind these figures lies a more troubling reality: today’s conflicts are longer-lasting and more complex. They often involve multiple actors, including non-state groups, and are driven by deeply rooted grievances,” Tokayev said.
A core focus of his speech was sustainable development and environmental protection. Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to a green transition, the development of renewable energy, and addressing environmental challenges. He also highlighted the vital role of innovation and technology in driving economic growth, which is why digitalization and the knowledge-based economy remain key themes of this year’s forum.
Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan’s unique geographic and political position makes it a natural bridge between East and West, North and South. The country aims to play an active role in promoting global stability, peace, and development. He said the forum offers not only Kazakhstan but also the broader region and the world a platform for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and shaping a shared future.
“Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is firmly rooted in the belief that dialogue must take precedence over division, and that the sovereign rights of states must be fully respected. We reject all forms of national arrogance and the disregard of other peoples’ cultural and historical traditions. At the same time, it is essential to respect the rights of national minorities to use their own languages and preserve their cultures. That’s why Kazakhstan remains steadfast in its commitment to the principle of ‘unity in diversity,’” the president said.
Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future
This year’s forum theme, “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future,” reflects the AIF’s mission to bring together ideas, experiences, and innovative solutions for a more sustainable and secure world. Following remarks from Tokayev and other keynote speakers, the plenary sessions and panel discussions began, covering topics such as global security and the future of energy supplies.
It is clear that the Astana International Forum 2025 reinforces Kazakhstan’s central role in international dialogue, offering a unique platform for global leaders to address some of the 21st century’s most pressing issues.
The forum also has a notable economic impact. Numerous discussions and business deals are taking place in conjunction with the event, with hotels in the Kazakh capital fully booked. The estimated economic gain from the forum exceeds 2.6 billion tenge (about 1.82 billion forints).
As we wrote two days earlier, the newest flight between Budapest and Central Asian city launched
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