New York, July 14, 2026 - The official opening ceremony of an exhibition dedicated to volunteerism in the member states of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) took place at the United Nations Headquarters. The event was organized by the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the UN, the CICA Secretariat, and Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. The exhibition marks the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (2026), which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Opening the ceremony, Ambassador Kairat Umarov, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN, emphasized that the exhibition reflects the region’s deep commitment to solidarity and youth leadership. He noted that the selfless efforts and solidarity of volunteers on the ground make a vital contribution to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from climate action to supporting vulnerable populations.

Welcoming remarks were also delivered by CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay, who highlighted the crucial role of volunteerism in strengthening the organization’s human dimension and deepening trust across the Asian continent, and Indira Hajiyeva, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, who emphasized the growing potential of civic engagement among the younger generation.

On display at the UN Headquarters, the exhibition brings together photographs from various CICA member states. Images from Kazakhstan illustrate the work of the "Taza Qazaqstan" (Clean Kazakhstan) ecological movement and saxaul planting on the dry bed of the Aral Sea. Azerbaijan presented projects from its historical and cultural heritage restoration program, alongside volunteer initiatives from the COP29 climate conference in Baku. Photos from Bangladesh and Russia capture flood relief efforts and animal protection, while images from Cambodia depict landmine clearance. Ecological and social projects from China, Kyrgyzstan, India, and Uzbekistan stand alongside inclusive programs from Israel, Thailand, and Turkiye aimed at promoting equality, friendship, and childcare.

The exhibition will remain on display at the UN Headquarters, vividly demonstrating to the international community how the daily efforts of volunteers in CICA countries transform global Sustainable Development Goals into real and tangible progress for the benefit of all humanity.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kazakhstanun/press/news/details/1265002?lang=ru