Kazakhstan Celebrates its' 35th Anniversary of Independence
The Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the United Nations hosted a reception to mark Republic Day and the forthcoming 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The event brought together permanent representatives and diplomats from UN Member States, representatives of the UN Secretariat and international organizations, Kazakh nationals working within the UN system, as well as experts and media representatives.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Kairat Umarov noted that, since gaining independence, the country had strengthened its statehood, become Central Asia’s largest economy and established itself as a reliable international partner.
Particular attention was paid to political and socioeconomic reforms, including the adoption of a new Constitution, the transition to a unicameral Parliament and the establishment of the office of Vice-President. The Ambassador highlighted progress in economic diversification, digitalization, the adoption of artificial intelligence and the development of transport links between Asia and Europe. He emphasized that improving citizens’ well-being remained the central priority of these reforms.
Cooperation with the United Nations featured prominently in the address. The Kazakh diplomat recalled the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and Kazakhstan’s voluntary renunciation of its nuclear arsenal, reaffirming the country’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and assistance to those affected by nuclear testing. He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s experience as a member of the UN Security Council and the participation of its military personnel in UN peacekeeping operations.
Turning to sustainable development, Mr. Umarov highlighted the work of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. He presented President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization to strengthen global cooperation in water resources management. He also noted Kazakhstan’s contribution to intercultural and interreligious dialogue and its initiative that led to the proclamation of 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
In closing, the Ambassador thanked international partners for their friendship and cooperation, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s readiness to continue making practical contributions to peace, security and sustainable development.
Guests congratulated Kazakhstan on the forthcoming 35th anniversary of its independence, commending the country’s achievements and its contributions to nuclear disarmament, regional cooperation and multilateral dialogue within the United Nations.
The reception featured performances by soloists from “Kazakhconcert” and offered guests an opportunity to experience Kazakhstan’s cultural and culinary traditions.
Statement by H.E. Mr. Kairat Umarov, Permanent Representative of the
Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations
21 October 2026, 1.15 pm
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ambassadors and colleagues,
Members of the United Nations family,
Dear friends,
Good afternoon, and warm welcome!
It is a true honor to celebrate Kazakhstan's Republic Day and
the 35th anniversary of our independence with you. Your presence
means a lot to us, because the story of modern Kazakhstan has
never been written alone. It has been shaped by friendship,
partnership and trust.
On October 25, we commemorate the adoption of the
Declaration of State Sovereignty, a defining milestone on our path to
independence.
Thirty-five years ago, our people stepped onto the world stage
as a sovereign nation. It was a moment of hope, and also of great
uncertainty. We had a vast land, a rich history, and a people of
many ethnicities and faiths. What we did not have at that time –
global ties that a young state needs to thrive.
Today, I am proud to say that we have built them: brick by
brick, partnership by partnership. That progress belongs, above all,
to our people and their belief in a better future.
This anniversary also marks a year of major national political
transformation. The adoption of a new Constitution, the
establishment of a unicameral Parliament and introduction of the
office of Vice-President open a new chapter in our nation-building.
Excellencies,
Our economy tells much of this story. In 2025, Kazakhstan's
economy grew by 6.5 percent, and our GDP reached 306 billion US
dollars. Just as important is how we are growing. Manufacturing
now contributes more to our economy than mining. For a country
long known for its natural resources, that is a milestone we
celebrate with real pride.
We have also learned to see our geography in a new light. As
the world's largest landlocked country, we were once seen as
distant from global markets. Today, we are a bridge between them.
Through the Middle Corridor across the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan is
linking Asia and Europe at a time when resilient supply chains
matter more than ever.
And we are investing in our most valuable resource: our
people. From modern education to digital government and artificial
intelligence, we are preparing the next generation not only to
compete, but to lead.
Kazakhstan now ranks 24th in the UN E-Government
Development Index.
Our commitment to multilateralism is reflected in the processes
of establishment of the UN ESCAP regional center on digital
solutions, to share our knowledge and experience with our Asia-
Pacific partners.
Dear colleagues,
If one choice defines Kazakhstan's independence, it is our
choice for peace.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Central Asian
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, signed in Semey, a city that
knows well the cost of nuclear weapons. We firmly believe that
nuclear-weapon-free zones, which now include more than 100
countries, strengthen nuclear stability across the entire world.
We remain firmly committed to disarmament, non-proliferation,
and support for those affected by nuclear testing.
That same belief in peace guides us in our work at the United
Nations. In 2017 and 2018, Kazakhstan became the first Central
Asian country to serve on the Security Council. Today, 167 Kazakhs
peacekeepers proudly serve under the blue flag in 7 UN
Peacekeeping Missions contributing to international peace and
security. And through the Conference on Interaction and Confidence
Building Measures in Asia and the Congress of Leaders of World
and Traditional Religions, we continue to bring nations, cultures and
faiths together in dialogue.
Dear guests,
We are convinced that a peaceful and prosperous Central Asia
makes the whole world more secure. That is why we are working
with our neighbors to expand trade, improve transport links, and
tackle challenges no country can solve alone.
Water security and climate change are key among them.
These issues do not stop at borders, and neither should our
solutions. Our region proudly hosts UN centers for sustainable
development and preventive diplomacy.
And at the global level, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has
proposed an International Water Organization, because water must
be a source of cooperation, not conflict.
Dear friends,
Our faith in multilateralism is not abstract. The United Nations
welcomed us as a young nation, and we have worked ever since to
give back.
Among a number of Kazakhstan's initiatives at the UN, we are
especially proud that, 2026 was proclaimed the International Year of
Volunteers for Sustainable Development. To us, volunteering
captures the very spirit of the United Nations: ordinary people,
joined by a shared purpose, making the world a better place each
day. We warmly invite you to participate at the UNGA plenary
meeting on December 3 to mark the outcomes of this important
year.
Excellencies,
The United Nations has always held a special place in our
foreign policy.
This connection is deeply personal to our President Kassym-
Jomart Tokayev, who served as United Nations Under-Secretary-
General and Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva. His
experience within this Organization has helped shape Kazakhstan’s
strong belief in the value of multilateralism and the central role of the
United Nations.
Since joining the UN shortly after independence, Kazakhstan
has sought not only to benefit from multilateral cooperation, but to
contribute to it.
Dear friends,
As we celebrate 35 years of independence, we look ahead with
confidence. Our goal is a Kazakhstan that is more prosperous, more
innovative and more inclusive. A Kazakhstan that remains a reliable
partner, an honest broker, and a steady voice for peace.
To the many friends in this audience who have walked
alongside us, I say: thank you. Your trust and cooperation have
been a gift to our nation.
And speaking of friendship, tomorrow, October 22, we will hold
our annual flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green, here in New
York.
We are grateful to the City of New York for continuing this
wonderful tradition.
Speaking about tradition I want to say that in Kazakh tradition,
a guest is a blessing to the home. Today, you honor us with your
presence.
So please, allow me to raise a toast:
To the people of Kazakhstan, to the enduring friendship
between our nations, and to a future of peace, dignity and shared
prosperity for all!
And as we say in Kazakh: Республика күні құтты болсын!
Thank you, and please enjoy our hospitality.
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