A Kazakh delegation headed by Majilis Chairman Yerlan Koshanov joined parliamentarians from more than 155 countries at the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Istanbul, Türkiye. The four-day gathering carried the theme "Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace, and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations," reflecting mounting concerns about the fragility of the international order.
Global Instability Demands Stronger Parliamentary Dialogue
Speaking during the assembly's general debate, Koshanov painted a sobering picture of the current geopolitical landscape. The world is navigating a period of profound complexity and instability, he said, characterized by the erosion of international law, escalating armed conflicts, and deepening economic crises that strain nations across every region.
"In such times, the role of parliamentary diplomacy becomes especially important," Koshanov told delegates. Modern inter-parliamentary dialogue, he argued, serves as a mechanism to rebuild respect, trust, and cooperation among nations while reinforcing the unconditional protection of international agreements.
Koshanov positioned the assembly's theme as a direct call to action for legislators worldwide. He reaffirmed Kazakhstan's steadfast adherence to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, its advocacy for open and constructive dialogue, and its unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Central Asia as a Model for Regional Cooperation
Beyond its stance on global affairs, Kazakhstan has actively contributed to peace and security through participation in United Nations missions. Koshanov highlighted that the country's peacekeeping contingent has operated for the third consecutive year in the Golan Heights, supporting the ceasefire regime and stabilizing conditions in that volatile region.
At the regional level, Koshanov noted that Central Asia today exemplifies balanced and multi-vector diplomacy. Border disputes between neighboring countries in the region have been fully resolved, opening the way for ambitious joint infrastructure initiatives spanning hydropower development, transport corridors, and logistics networks. The Kazakh parliament plays an active role in advancing these cooperative frameworks.
Koshanov also underscored Kazakhstan's commitment to sustainable development goals. A dedicated parliamentary commission has been established to monitor progress on the SDGs, with the country placing particular emphasis on food security, water resource management, and climate change mitigation. Next week, Astana will host a Regional Ecological Summit supported by the United Nations, where participants are expected to present practical approaches to water governance, the transition to a green economy, and the reinforcement of regional stability.
Domestic Reforms Anchored in Justice and Public Trust
Turning to domestic policy, Koshanov emphasized that the growing global demand for justice—reflected prominently in the IPU Assembly's agenda—mirrors the priorities set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The creation of a Fair and Progressive Kazakhstan has been defined as the central objective of the presidential term.
To that end, large-scale political reforms have been carried out across multiple fronts. Koshanov pointed to the recent adoption of a new constitution through a nationwide referendum as tangible evidence of public confidence in state institutions and broad-based support for the President's reform agenda. The referendum outcome, he said, demonstrated that citizens recognize and endorse the direction of change.
Astana and Almaty have repeatedly served as venues for peace negotiations between conflicting parties, further cementing Kazakhstan's reputation as a credible broker in international diplomacy.