Your Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends,
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!
Welcome to the CICA Iftar! We gather tonight not just as diplomats and partners, but as a community united by the sacred traditions of Ramadan. This blessed month invites us to pause our busy agendas and reconnect through the simple, yet powerful act of sharing a meal and a conversation.
As we enjoy these blessings, our thoughts remain with those facing hardship and conflict across Asia and beyond. The current global climate serves as a poignant reminder of how fragile peace can be, as crises continue to cause immense human suffering across our vast continent.
The teachings of Islam remind us that restraint, wisdom and dialogue must prevail over anger and confrontation. These timeless principles resonate deeply with the CICA philosophy — that trust can only be built through dialogue, mutual respect and sincere commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Against this backdrop, dear guests, let me outline a few encouraging developments within our organization.
Under the dynamic Chairmanship of Azerbaijan, CICA Member States continue to advance ambitious agenda, focusing on the preparations to the Seventh CICA Summit in Baku on 15 October 2026. As you know, the deliberations on the draft Charter represent a cornerstone of the CICA transformation process and reflect Member States’ collective aspiration to strengthen the legal and institutional foundations of CICA.
Since last year’s Iftar, CICA has achieved substantial institutional progress. Under the Chairmanship’s stewardship, two new advisory bodies – Finance Summit and Women Council – have been established. We hope to see active engagement of Member States at the upcoming inaugural meeting of the CICA Women Council in Baku on April 14 to further amplify women’s voices across Asia.
The work of other CICA institutions has also been given substantial impetus. Last September, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies convened a historic meeting of the Think Tank Forum in Baku when for the first time the Head of the hosting state – H.E. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan addressed the audience with a forward-looking vision of CICA’s role in shaping regional cooperation and inclusive dialogue, while the TTF chairmanship was handed over to the Indian Council of World Affairs. In 2025, Baku also hosted impactful annual meetings of the CICA Business Council and Youth Council. Chairing the Coordination Council of the newly established Partnership Network of Leading Universities, Azerbaijan’s ADA University hosted an international conference dedicated to the role of universities in green energy and sustainability – a crucial priority of the Chairmanship.
As we observe the International Year of Volunteers in 2026, the Secretariat is launching an e-publication on volunteerism, culminating in a side-event at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York this July.
Speaking of another institution – CICA Fund – I am grateful to Bangladesh for its recent donation and for proposing a project aimed at supporting climate-affected vulnerable communities. I hope that such contributions, along with the successful project assisting Afghan farmers implemented last year thanks to Iraq’s donation, Turkiye’s sponsorship and IOFS support on Kazakhstan’s proposal, will pave the way for further donations and projects. Another noble example of utilizing the Fund is Sri Lanka’s call seeking humanitarian assistance after the devastating floods and landslides last November. CICA Fund remains our organization’s most tangible instrument for assisting those who suffer and are truly in need – a particularly meaningful mission during the holy month of Ramadan.
Excellencies,
I express my deepest gratitude to our Host Country for this beautiful Headquarters and the unwavering material and in-kind support. My special thanks go to the Azerbaijani Chairmanship and other Member States for their financial contributions and in-kind support, including artwork donations to our Headquarters.
May I remind that in 2006, the CICA leaders decided to establish a Secretariat. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of this Summit decision, we will host a series of events this year to showcase our achievements and look toward our shared prospects.
This year, Eid al-Fitr coincides with the ancient holiday of Nauryz (Novruz) celebrated in many CICA Member States. To celebrate this spirit of renewal, we will host a Spring Charity Bazaar here at the Headquarters on April 26, gathering the Diplomatic Corps, media and wider public. It will provide all Embassies in Astana with a platform to showcase their national cultures and cuisine while raising funds for charitable causes and promoting the spirit of solidarity and cooperation. I sincerely thank those who have already confirmed their participation and hope that more will join this meaningful initiative.
Let’s carry the spirit of this evening beyond these walls and into our collective work for a more secure and harmonious Asia and the world. May this month bring you, your families, and your nations renewed hope and lasting peace.
Thank you and Ramadan Kareem!
