Kazakhstan Holds High-Level Talks with UN Agency Heads in Geneva

During an official visit to Geneva, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev held a series of bilateral meetings with the heads of ten major United Nations agencies and other international organizations to discuss practical aspects of cooperation.

In talks with Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, Kazakhstan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to multilateral diplomacy and active collaboration with the UN. Valovaya commended Kazakhstan's contributions to advancing international initiatives. These include hosting the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Regional Environmental Summit, establishing the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, and proposing a UN-affiliated International Water Organization.

The meeting with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk confirmed Kazakhstan's dedication to constructive engagement with UN treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, as well as its support for the OHCHR mandate. Türk highlighted the high level of trust-based cooperation, including progress on a joint "roadmap" adopted following his visit to Kazakhstan in 2023.

With International Labour Organization Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, discussions centered on implementing a "roadmap" for decent work. Positive dynamics were noted in protecting labor rights and integrating international labor standards into national legislation. Kazakhstan confirmed its support for the Global Coalition for Social Justice and expressed interest in expanding ILO regional programs in Central Asia.

During a meeting with World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, both sides acknowledged a high level of partnership and Kazakhstan's support for WHO efforts to build resilient, people-centered health systems. Special attention was given to advancing primary health care (PHC), including through the Global PHC Coalition initiated by Kazakhstan. The parties also discussed providing medical and humanitarian aid during crises and Dr. Tedros's participation in the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in Astana in April 2026.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih positively assessed Kazakhstan's commitment to cooperation on migration issues and protecting refugees and stateless persons. He noted progress on voluntary commitments made at the Global Refugee Forum, including implementing digital solutions in migration management processes.

With Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Gilles Carbonnier, priority humanitarian issues were discussed alongside advancing the Global Initiative aimed at strengthening political commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This includes preparations for a High-Level Conference scheduled in Jordan in 2026.

The meeting with Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe Tatiana Molcean focused on adopting international standards and expanding regional cooperation in transport, trade, environment, energy, and innovation. The ECE confirmed its interest in participating in Kazakhstan's Regional Environmental Summit and implementing its outcomes through multilateral environmental conventions.

Discussions with Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union Doreen Bogdan-Martin explored prospects for deepening collaboration on digital transformation. Bogdan-Martin recognized Kazakhstan's active role in promoting global digital agendas, developing e-government services, fostering an innovation ecosystem, and advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration Sona Lili positively evaluated Kazakhstan's migration policy framework—including its chairmanship within the Almaty Process—and mutual interest was confirmed regarding further expansion of practical interaction.

On another note—on sidelines events during both high-level sessions at both Human Rights Council meetings as well as Disarmament Conference proceedings—Ashikbayev addressed an event dedicated specifically towards safeguarding places worship amidst armed conflict situations; here he emphasized religious sites' significance not only culturally but also their potential role providing humanitarian assistance spaces while reiterating Kazakhstani support toward Global Initiative strengthening political commitment toward IHL implementation urging states back practical realization thereof accordingly too!

Throughout all these engagements senior officials from various international structures received detailed briefings regarding ongoing constitutional reform process currently underway within Republic itself along key provisions contained within draft new Constitution which places human-centric approach forefront further strengthening principles justice rule law while expanding guarantees human rights freedoms including enshrining constitutional protections citizens’ rights digital sphere covering personal data protection ensuring cybersecurity measures are upheld accordingly moving forward into future years ahead!