Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia Ambassador Kairat Sarybay took part in the CICA Youth Development Forum in Beijing on 31 August 2023 and held consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
The Forum was organized by the China International Communications Group (CICG) and the CICG Center for Europe and Asia (China Pictorial Publications – CPP). The Forum was held under the banner “Igniting Youth Power for Asian Development”.
In his welcoming remarks, CICG President Du Zhanyuan stressed the role of the younger generation in maintaining security and sustainable development in Asia, and encouraged the youth to reflect on the key issues of the future of Asia and the whole world. Mr. Du Zhanyuan called on young people to promote humanitarian exchanges and cooperation, adhere to the principles of openness and tolerance, strive for innovation and respect cultural diversity.
CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay in his welcoming address stated that the youth is the main driving force of sustainable development and prosperity in Asia. Kairat Sarybay informed about essential areas of CICA activities, including the work of the Youth Council, Business Council and CICA Fund, as well as work on the creation of the Partnership Network of Leading Universities of the CICA Member States and preparation for the Rally of Leaders of the Volunteer Movements of the CICA Countries. The Secretary General noted that joint efforts are needed to build a bright future that is inclusive, innovative and based on the enormous potential of the younger generation.
Palestinian Ambassador to China Fariz Mehdawi and leaders of China's major think tanks also delivered welcoming addresses, highlighting the significant role of youth in Asia's development, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as touching upon volunteering and mutual assistance.
About 100 delegates, including diplomats, experts, scholars, and youth representatives from 18 CICA Member States (Cambodia, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam) participated in the forum in a hybrid format.
As part of his working visit to Beijing, Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay held consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. Director-General of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs Mr Liu Bin said that CICA is an important mechanism for regional cooperation. The Secretary General thanked the Government of China for its continued support to CICA. During the meeting, the parties discussed relevant issues of the current CICA agenda and its prospects.
