Ulaanbaatar, June 5, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The Astana International Forum-2025 was held in Astana, the Republic of Kazakhstan, on May 29-30, 2025, convening prominent figures of the United Nations, European Union, and public and private sector leaders from over 70 countries. At the International Forum, discussions were held on pressing global issues, including peace initiatives, economic partnerships, and sustainable resource management.

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered opening remarks, highlighting how armed conflicts and trade wars have inflicted a staggering USD 19 trillion in economic damage globally. The President of Kazakhstan underlined the urgent need for enhanced international dialogue and cooperation, while proposing reforms to expand the UN Security Council. The Head of State of Kazakhstan presented Kazakhstan's ambitious modernization agenda, including plans for an AI and clean energy-driven economy and the development of a "Crypto City,” and noted that, in collaboration with NVIDEA, a groundbreaking supercomputer capable of two quintillion flop operations per second was installed, and that it will be a facility that will be accessible to Kazakhstan's business, academic, and research communities.

President Kasym Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan is taking phased measures to limit the country’s presidential term to seven years, strengthen parliamentary oversight, and ensure greater governmental accountability through legal reforms in its Constitution and other laws. The President noted that Kazakhstan will host a major regional environmental summit in 2026, with President Tokayev expressing his vision for the Astana Forum to evolve into a premier platform for international cooperation.

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, Chairman of the Economic Policy and Competitiveness Research Center of Mongolia Tsagaan Puntsag attended the Forum and engaged in discussions with Kazakhstan's Chamber of International Trade and Industry and business leaders.

Mining industry veteran Robert Friedland, known for his pivotal role in developing the Oyu Tolgoi mine, was among the Forum's distinguished guests. In an exclusive interview, he shared insights on the mining sector's green transformation, highlighting innovations in robotic mining and energy-efficient technologies. Friedland emphasized the growing global race to secure "critical minerals," essential resources for national security and economic competitiveness, through foreign investment and cutting-edge technology. Leading up to the Forum, he met with President Kasym Jomart Tokayev to discuss Ivanhoe Mines' copper exploration projects in Kazakhstan and other strategic initiatives.