В Атырау +22.8 
The annual meeting of the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ICESCO was held under the chairmanship of State Counselor of the Republic of Kazakhstan Erlan Karin.
“Driven by the attention and support of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan's cooperation with these international organizations has advanced to a new level”, State Counsellor Erlan Karin noted.
In his address, Deputy Chairman of the National Commission Erzhan Ashikbayev reported on the progress of foreign policy initiatives aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan's standing on the world stage. In particular, he highlighted the country's proactive engagement within UNESCO, supported by the Kazakhstan's membership in the World Heritage Committee and the Council of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program, as well as its chairmanship of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs. In this regard, he informed participants about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts to promote Kazakhstan's candidacy for the UNESCO Executive Board for 2027-2031 term.
Participants discussed priority areas for the National Commission's future work, in the context of constitutional reforms, as well as issues related to the preparation and advancement of new Kazakhstani nominations within the UNESCO’s lists. The strengthening of bilateral cooperation with ICESCO was also noted, as reflected in the organization's plans to award the city of Turkestan the title of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2027.
In concluding the meeting, the members of the National Commission emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination between relevant government bodies and civil society institutions. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Kazakhstan's position within UNESCO and ICESCO.