Kazajstán alberga foro internacional de voluntarios para promover cooperación mundial
ASTANÁ – Astaná will host the International Volunteer Forum on June 20 and 21 to exchange knowledge about volunteer work and strengthen international cooperation. The event is bringing together more than 40 speakers from 34 countries, including representatives from national, regional, and foreign volunteer organizations. From left to right: The Secretary General of the OIC, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the UN Resident Coordinator for Kazakhstan, Michaela Friberg-Storey, film director Timur Bekmambetov, Mazhilis Deputy Nurtore Zhussip, and the UNFPA representative for Kazakhstan, Ronny Lindstrom. Photo credit: Aibarshyn Akhmetkali/The Astana Times
The forum participants are exploring social and inclusive volunteering, volunteering in education, the contribution of volunteering to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the contribution of volunteering to solving environmental problems. During the first panel, Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), emphasized CICA’s experience in the volunteering sector by highlighting President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to hold a rally of CICA volunteer movements under the auspices of the Youth Council in 2024. «We have already begun our efforts to implement this global initiative, as evidenced by the panel session being held today, as part of our preparatory activities for the rally,» said Sarybay. Over 400 people are participating in the forum, including 140 representatives from international organizations. Photo credit: Aibarshyn Akhmetkali/The Astana Times
Many countries recognize the importance of volunteering and the Asian region is no exception, he noted. «It is no coincidence that many countries with strong humanitarian values prioritize the development of volunteering as a long-term goal. The Asian region is no exception in this regard, with CICA’s 28 member states hosting numerous organizations, associations, and volunteer movements working in close coordination,» said Sarybay. «This reaffirms the importance of strengthening multilateral interaction in the social, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, and promotes dialogue between civilizations and contacts between peoples within CICA and beyond,» he added.
Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Turkic States Organization, highlighted the central role of volunteering among Turkic nations, which for centuries has been built on the cultural spirit of service and generosity. «In our Turkic tradition, and especially in the countries of Central Asia, there is a concept of Ashar (Asar), a tradition of mutual aid. It plays a special role in the life of our sister nations. In any life situation where someone desperately needs help, the whole family would come to the rescue,» he said.
Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator for Kazakhstan, said that volunteering can support social, economic, and environmental change as a driver of civic engagement. The UN Resident Coordinator for Kazakhstan, Michaela Friberg-Storey, spoke about the mission of volunteers and Kazakhstan’s contribution to volunteering. Photo credit: Nargiz Raimbekova/The Astana Times
«Volunteers play an absolutely crucial role when it comes to eradicating poverty, quality education, gender equality, and climate action. Many first responders are volunteers,» she said. She also highlighted Kazakhstan’s contribution to volunteering initiatives. «It is clear to recognize that Kazakhstan is absolutely at the forefront in promoting volunteering in society, as well as its contribution to the United Nations. Kazakhstan’s external support means that we now have nine international volunteers in different duty stations and 65 national volunteers working with the UN family here in Kazakhstan,» she said.
Nurtore Zhussip, member of the Senate, the upper house of the Kazakh parliament, described the participation of Kazakh citizens in combating the recent fires in the Abai region and wildfires in the Kostanai region last year. He also highlighted the contributions that Kazakh citizens make on the world stage, particularly in helping those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. As part of the work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seven Kazakh volunteers have worked in various UN agencies, Zhussip said. He also highlighted the joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the UN Volunteer Programme in Kazakhstan to develop a draft roadmap that promotes President Tokayev’s initiative to declare the International Year of Volunteer Mobilization during his speech at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly. «Last year, at the initiative of Kazakhstan, the first Central Asian Volunteer Forum was held for the first time. Over 600 delegates participated and issues of volunteering development were raised,» Zhussip added.
Katariina Jarvi, Policy Programs Officer at the UN World Food Programme, shared her volunteering experience, hoping to inspire a new generation. After finishing her law career, Jarvi worked in various non-governmental organizations to help refugees and combat human trafficking. «My experience is that volunteering can provide us with the means to release ourselves from these limitations for young and inexperienced people. Volunteering allows us to do more interesting and fulfilling things than we imagine possible,» she said. According to her, volunteering can instill new leadership skills as well as adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication. «Whether it’s project management, teamwork, or leadership skills, volunteering provides us with a diverse set of tools that can help us succeed in any professional path we choose to follow. I myself haven’t learned these skills anywhere else but as a volunteer in my student union,» she said. Volunteering activities are also important for exploring one’s own potential and talents. «Volunteering serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery. It provides an ideal platform for us to explore our passions, interests, and talents. Engaging in various volunteer roles exposes us to a wide range of experiences, allowing us to discern what truly ignites our souls,» said Jarvi.
