Kazakhstan’s Transformative CICA Chairmanship: A Year of Institutional Milestones
Kazakhstan Completes Successful Chairmanship of CICA, Advances Transformation into International Organization
ASTANA—Kazakhstan has successfully concluded its four-year chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), marking a significant milestone in the organization’s institutional growth. In an interview with Kazakhstanskaya Pravda on Dec. 25, CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay discussed Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in transforming CICA into a full-fledged international organization.
Sarybay described CICA’s transformation as a natural progression reflecting the institution’s evolution since its inception over 30 years ago. He emphasized that Kazakhstan’s leadership during its tenure has been instrumental in expanding the number of Member States to 28, with Kuwait joining in 2022 and Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia attaining observer status. Additionally, Morocco’s application for observer status is currently under consideration, highlighting the growing relevance of CICA in fostering cooperation in Asia.
“With the ‘time of Asia’ upon us, the countries of the region are global leaders in various areas. The demand for a platform that can elevate cooperation among Asian countries and strengthen their ties and interactions is greater than ever,” said Sarybay.
During Kazakhstan’s chairmanship, efforts were made to strengthen CICA’s legal framework, including discussions on the Charter and Rules of Procedure, enhancing the Secretariat’s international profile, and implementing new modalities for confidence-building measures to promote more effective collaboration among Member States. Sarybay highlighted the need for increased support from Member States to finance the Secretariat’s activities and ensure optimal performance.
Under Kazakhstan’s leadership, key initiatives such as the CICA Fund and the Council of Eminent Persons were institutionalized, while existing structures like the Business Council and Youth Council were revitalized to address pressing issues such as deradicalization, human capital development, and volunteerism. The emphasis on the climate agenda, as well as initiatives to enhance connectivity and address vulnerabilities in transport and logistics, were also priorities during Kazakhstan’s chairmanship.
Looking ahead, Azerbaijan has assumed the chairmanship of CICA, focusing on completing the organization’s transformation into a fully-fledged international entity by adopting its charter at the 2026 Summit. The new chairmanship will continue many of Kazakhstan’s initiatives, including promoting volunteerism and sectoral cooperation, demonstrating continuity and consistency within the organization.
As CICA continues to expand its global profile and strengthen external relations, Sarybay emphasized the importance of collaboration with a wide range of partners, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, among others. By developing a comprehensive framework that addresses the key needs of Member States and avoiding duplication of functions performed by other organizations, CICA aims to enhance its relevance and effectiveness in addressing regional and global challenges.
With its growing influence and pragmatic approach to institutional development, CICA is poised to strengthen its role as a platform for trust-building and cooperation across Asia, ensuring its continued relevance and impact in the years to come.
