Before his appointment in Geneva, Mr. Alimbayev served as Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to India. He previously held diplomatic posts at Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, as well as at embassies in South Korea and India. Within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he held various senior roles, including Ambassador-at-large, national coordinator for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and leadership positions in departments focused on Asia, Africa, and bilateral cooperation. In this interview, he reveals how the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva remains actively engaged across a broad range of multilateral initiatives, reflecting the country’s enduring commitment to peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
Kazakhstan is set to host the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty. How is the country preparing for this important initiative?
Sustainable development is deeply embedded in Kazakhstan’s national strategies, with strong involvement from local authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Last year, we established a special parliamentary commission to coordinate and monitor SDG implementation across the country. We’re also preparing to submit our second Voluntary National Review to the UN in New York this summer.
Hosting the UN Regional Centre for SDGs in Almaty is both an honor and a natural next step in our commitment to the 2030 Agenda. We are providing robust financial and operational support and integrating the Centre into the International Organizations building in Almaty, where 18 other UN agencies are already present. This will ensure close collaboration and resource efficiency.
Our aim is for the Centre to become a dynamic platform for regional cooperation — one that enables the sharing of best practices and implements cross-border projects that address Central Asia’s unique challenges, from climate adaptation to economic diversification. The unanimous support this initiative received at the UN General Assembly speaks volumes about the trust placed in Kazakhstan’s leadership.
Kazakhstan has long championed primary health care. What does the new Global Coalition on Primary Health Care aim to achieve?
Our commitment to primary health care dates back to the historic Alma-Ata Declaration in 1978 and was reaffirmed in the 2018 Astana Declaration. With the Global Coalition on Primary Health Care (PHC), we seek to build a global platform for political advocacy, policy coordination, and knowledge sharing — all centered around PHC as the foundation of universal health coverage.
We envision health systems that are more accessible, people-centered, and resilient. The Coalition offers a space for countries to align strategic priorities and share innovations that empower communities and reduce health disparities.
We’re proud to host the WHO European Centre for PHC in Almaty, and we also organized a side event on accelerating PHC implementation at the 78th World Health Assembly back in May, co-sponsored by partners such as Brazil, Canada, Ethiopia, France, and Hungary. This underscored the growing international momentum behind primary health care reforms.
Biological safety has become a global priority. How does Kazakhstan view international cooperation in this area?
Kazakhstan has recognized the importance of biological safety for many years. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we proposed the creation of an International Agency for Biological Security (IABS). This initiative seeks to bolster global biosecurity by promoting peaceful uses of biotechnology, enhancing transparency, and supporting the implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) — which, notably, still lacks a formal implementation mechanism.
We believe international cooperation in this field must be inclusive and science-driven. Kazakhstan has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the G7 Global Partnership, as well as scientific communities.
Our goal is to build consensus around a cost-effective and accessible framework that strengthens global resilience against biological threats. We are committed to transparent dialogue and practical collaboration as we advance this proposal with other BTWC States Parties.
With global conflict on the rise, what is Kazakhstan’s objective behind the new international initiative on humanitarian law?
Our initiative on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a call to refocus international attention on the fundamental principles that protect civilians and uphold human dignity in armed conflict. In today’s tense geopolitical climate, IHL remains a unifying legal and moral framework that all states have pledged to respect.
We aim to elevate the political priority of IHL, reinforce its relevance, and encourage its full implementation. Kazakhstan sees this initiative as a chance to build consensus around the Geneva Conventions and the humanitarian norms that underpin them.
By promoting inclusive dialogue and constructive diplomacy, we hope to strengthen the global commitment to IHL — not only in legal terms but also as a shared human value in a time of increasing polarization.
In a divided world, what role does the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions play in promoting intercultural dialogue?
Dialogue among cultures and religions is more important than ever. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, initiated by Kazakhstan, provides a truly unique and inclusive platform. It’s not limited to religious leaders — we also bring in international organizations, scholars, and civil society voices to foster mutual understanding and trust.
The Congress helps prevent conflict and promote peace by encouraging concrete cooperation and policy recommendations. It goes beyond symbolic gestures, offering actionable initiatives in support of human rights, humanitarian law, and education based on respect and humanism.
We’re currently preparing for the 8th Congress, which will take place in Astana on 17–18 September 2025 under the theme: “Religious Dialogue — Synergy for the Future.” It will once again serve as a bridge between cultures and a reaffirmation that dialogue is essential for global peace and cooperation.
Kazakhstan will host a regional climate summit in 2026. What are your main priorities for this event?
Environmental protection and climate action are at the heart of Kazakhstan’s development agenda. In 2023, we adopted a Carbon Neutrality Strategy to 2060 and are finalizing a national implementation plan that focuses on renewables, electric vehicles, sustainable agriculture, and a gradual transition to natural gas.
We are working closely with our regional neighbors — particularly Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan — to sustain the momentum from COP-29 in Baku and the regional climate forum in Samarkand. In 2026, Kazakhstan will host a UN Regional Climate Summit, coordinated by our Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.
This summit will tackle regional priorities including climate adaptation, finance, mitigation, and food security. It will also serve as a catalyst for coordinated action and innovation across Central Asia. We believe regional collaboration is key to confronting the climate crisis effectively.
Finally, how would you summarize Kazakhstan’s broader vision for multilateral engagement through its work in Geneva?
Kazakhstan believes that multilateralism is the most effective path toward a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. Whether through regional cooperation, global health initiatives, interfaith dialogue, or climate diplomacy, our Mission in Geneva reflects that enduring belief.
We are committed to practical action, inclusive partnerships, and international law. In today’s interconnected world, we all share responsibility for building peace, promoting development, and protecting human dignity — and Kazakhstan is proud to contribute constructively to that shared mission.