U.S. Consulate General & KNU organize int’l model UN conference in Kazakhstan

20:21, 29 April 2014

ALMATY. KAZINFORM - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, in partnership with the U.S. Consulate General Almaty and the United Nations Information Office in Kazakhstan, will host the Third Annual International Model United Nations New Silk Way on May 1-3, 2014, according to the press release of the U.S. Consulate General Almaty.

At the conference, more than 200 future leaders from eight Central and South Asian countries will gather in Almaty, Kazakhstan to discuss and propose solutions for common security, social, and economic problems. The delegates will discuss the situation in Afghanistan, international narcotics trade, violence against women, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.

The opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Kazakh National University, New Library Building. Her Excellency Akmaral Arystanbekova, Ambassador-at-Large and the first Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, and other high-profile guests from the diplomatic community and representatives of U.N. will attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the conference.

Ties between Central Asia and South Asia go back to antiquity; the regions retain strong economic, cultural, and geopolitical connections. By including students from Central and South Asia, as well as Afghan students studying in Almaty and Bishkek, this conference recognizes the importance of these interconnected ties, and seeks to strengthen the bonds between the region's future leaders.

"Almaty is the financial and cultural capital of Kazakhstan, an economic engine of Central Asia located at the cross-roads of the New Silk Way. Almaty's role in trade and exchange among the nations of Central and South Asia, supported by extensive and convenient international air links, make it an ideal choice for a conference designed to bring the region together - a New Silk Way," said U.S. Consul General Theresa Grencik.

The event will serve as a networking opportunity for the region's young leaders, allowing them to meet one another and forge relationships that can grow into a valuable network as they move forward in their careers. Also, the presence of students from many different universities across Central and South Asia will strengthen cooperation among institutions of higher education on regional issues.

Education and Science UN Almaty