Kazakhstan Holds Series of 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.

The discussions with Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, reaffirmed Kazakhstan's steadfast commitment to multilateral diplomacy and active engagement with the UN. Valovaya commended Kazakhstan's contributions to advancing international initiatives, including 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 its initiative to create a UN-affiliated International Water Organization.

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

With Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), implementation of a "roadmap" on decent work was reviewed. Positive dynamics in protecting labor rights and strengthening international labor standards within national legislation were noted. Kazakhstan confirmed its support for the Global Coalition for Social Justice and expressed interest in expanding ILO regional programs in Central Asia.

The meeting with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), underscored a high level of partnership and Kazakhstan's backing for WHO efforts to build resilient people-centered health systems. Special focus was placed on advancing primary health care (PHC), including through the Global PHC Coalition initiated by Kazakhstan. Discussions also covered 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 Gilles Carbonnier, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), priority humanitarian issues were discussed alongside advancing a Global Initiative aimed at strengthening political commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), including preparations for a 2026 High-Level Conference in Jordan.

Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), discussed implementing international standards and expanding regional cooperation in transport, trade, environment, energy, and innovation. The Commission confirmed its interest in participating in Kazakhstan's Regional Environmental Summit and implementing its outcomes based on multilateral environmental conventions.

Discussions with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), focused on prospects for deepening collaboration on digital transformation. She noted Kazakhstan's active role in promoting global digital agendas through e-government development, fostering an innovation ecosystem, and advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

Sona Lilić-Kapetanović Deputy Director General IOM praised Kazakhstans migration policy including its chairmanship within Almaty Process framework confirming mutual interest further expanding practical interaction

Additionally during sidelines High Level Week Human Rights Council Conference Disarmament Ashikbayev spoke parallel event dedicated protection places worship armed conflicts His speech emphasized significance religious sites part cultural heritage spaces humanitarian support reaffirming Kazakhstans commitment promoting Global Initiative strengthening political commitment IHL calling states support practical implementation

During all meetings heads international structures were briefed detail ongoing constitutional reform Kazakhstan key provisions draft new Constitution described human centric oriented further strengthening principles justice rule law expanding guarantees human rights freedoms also enshrining constitutional level protection citizens rights digital sphere including safeguarding personal data ensuring cybersecurity