“Steppe & Mountains” Cultural Diplomacy Evening Held in Geneva
06.09.2026 09:57:05
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Geneva, 4 September 2026 – The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva hosted the “Steppe & Mountains” gastronomic evening, aimed at strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties and promoting cultural diplomacy.
The event brought together representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, Swiss public, political and business circles, the cultural community and the media.
The concept of “Steppe & Mountains” was built around a symbolic dialogue between two cultures – the Kazakh steppe and the Swiss mountains. A special gastronomic programme was jointly prepared by chefs from Kazakhstan and Switzerland, bringing together national culinary traditions, local ingredients and contemporary approaches to fine dining. The format highlighted the two countries’ shared respect for cultural heritage and traditions, as well as the hospitality deeply rooted in both societies.
Welcoming the guests, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva Erzhan Kazykhan highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and trust between countries and peoples. He noted that such informal gatherings help strengthen contacts with international organizations, the diplomatic community and Swiss partners, complementing traditional mechanisms of multilateral and bilateral engagement.
Gastronomy served as another instrument of this dialogue, offering an opportunity to introduce an international audience to Kazakhstan’s history, culture and traditions through its national cuisine. The contemporary interpretation of Kazakh cuisine and the interaction between Kazakh and Swiss culinary traditions demonstrated the potential of gastronomy as a platform for cultural exchange.
The “Steppe & Mountains” evening formed part of Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to promote the country’s cultural and tourism appeal among the international community in Geneva. Such initiatives contribute to a broader understanding of contemporary Kazakhstan and create additional opportunities for international dialogue and cooperation.
