Burabay, 30-31 May 2026 – Sporting spirit, picturesque landscapes and a shared commitment to a greener future brought diplomats together in the Burabay resort area in an informal atmosphere of friendship.
The annual CICA Bicycle Tour 2026 gathered 44 participants on a bike lane, uniting members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international institutions.
This sports celebration was jointly organized by the CICA Secretariat, the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan and the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan, with the support of the Akimat of Akmola Region.
This year's event was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the CICA Secretariat. Opening the Bicycle Tour, CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay outlined plans to commemorate this milestone through a series of anniversary events. These include an informal round table with the participation of heads of Asian regional organizations, a commemorative reception, the publication of a book on the history of the Secretariat, and a presentation of the CICA Fund to international development institutions scheduled for September 2026.
Speaking about the Bicycle Tour, Ambassador Sarybay noted that over the past five years the initiative, regularly held in Astana and Burabay, has acquired an increasingly broader significance. Today, it is far more than a sporting event; it serves as an instrument of “sports diplomacy”, fostering an atmosphere of open partnership.
Held on the eve of World Bicycle Day, established by the United Nations upon the initiative of Turkmenistan, a CICA Observer State, the Bicycle Tour promotes healthy lifestyles and environmental responsibility. The participation of diplomats and their solidarity throughout the route reflected their collective commitment to the principles of sustainable development.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, which was co-organized by the United Nations, Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, reminded participants that the bicycle is not merely a means of transportation, but also a symbol of inclusivity, health and climate action. She encouraged the wider use of this accessible mode of transport as a way to reduce environmental pressures and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, inviting everyone to move together to a greener future.
In the evening, the sporting activities gave way to an official gala dinner. In a festive atmosphere, participants were presented with commemorative certificates. The organizers emphasized that the commitment of each participant makes such initiatives valuable platforms for strengthening mutual understanding, turning the Bicycle Tour into a celebration of unity, where friendship is the ultimate winner.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Abdulaziz Sharifi of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Kazakhstan noted that the route travelled together symbolized the very spirit of CICA – a commitment to continuous development, partnership and mutual support. He stressed that genuine human interaction in a friendly setting brings nations closer together no less effectively than formal negotiations.
A traditional palaw, generously prepared by the Embassy of Tajikistan, provided a fitting conclusion to the day's activities and became a well-deserved source of energy, reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the region.
The diplomatic weekend concluded the following day with a guided walk through the unique natural landscapes of Burabay.
Please access the photo gallery from the Bicycle Tour via this link - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lY0Xgf_q3trAVLEk3wN23dXmoZXYo2Wp
