State Counselor Erlan Karin praises Kazakhstanis’ contribution to international volunteer movement development

The event held under the aegis of the CICA Youth Council, brought together 450 delegates from 21 countries, including Azerbaijan, Iran, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka and other countries.

State Counselor of Kazakhstan Erlan Karin, Secretary General of the CICA Kairat Sarybay, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva as well as leaders of volunteer organizations of foreign countries participated in the Rally’s plenary session.

Taking the floor, Erlan Karin highlighted that the Kazakh President gives special attention to volunteering work, praising its role in strengthening social justice, and promotion of fundamental values of unity and solidarity.

The State Counselor pointed out the scale of the volunteer  movement in Kazakhstan, noting that over 740 volunteer organizations are working fruitfully countrywide today, which implement large-scale initiatives, and contribute to shaping a new culture of behavior.

Erlan Karin also noted Kazakh volunteers’ contribution to the development of the international volunteer movement and their participation in volunteer programs of the UN, UNICEF and other international initiatives.

The event witnessed substantial discussions, during which various initiatives and propositions were put forward, the key aspects of volunteer movement and its role in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals were discussed.

Upon completion of the event, the participants compiled a set of recommendations on joint development of volunteering activities in the CICA space and outlined a number of propositions on the organization of the upcoming International Year of Volunteer Mobilization.    

The CICA Rally of Volunteer Movement Leaders proved to be an important platform for exchange of knowledge and expertise, and another step towards development of volunteerism in Asia.