Astana, 26 April 2026 – The Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) hosted the Spring Charity Bazaar on 26 April 2026.
The event, held at the CICA Headquarters in Astana, served as a vibrant venue for dialogue and engagement, bringing together the diplomatic corps – represented by the Embassies of CICA Member States and Observer States and beyond – alongside the academic community from Nazarbayev University, volunteers from KMG Volunteers and Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, and representatives of the Kazakhstani small and medium enterprise sector.
In his opening remarks, CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay emphasized that the Secretariat launched the Spring Charity Bazaar to encourage generosity, civic responsibility and volunteerism. While the CICA Secretariat has established a strong tradition of cultural and sports events, this initiative further integrates people-to-people connections, showcasing the cultural richness of participating countries.
Secretary General Sarybay noted that this initiative is also aimed to strengthen the organization’s public standing in the lead-up to the Secretariat’s 20th anniversary in Astana this June. Furthermore, it serves to enhance CICA’s visibility as a multifaceted platform, creating positive momentum for the Seventh CICA Summit in Baku in October 2026.
Translating social responsibility of diplomatic community in Astana into concrete action, the proceeds from the Bazaar are directed to the Center for Special Social Services in the city of Akkol in Akmola region. Specifically, the raised funds will finance the modernization of the Center's “Rassvet” (Sunrise) summer camp, providing comfortable and modern recreational facilities for children.
The event featured a vibrant cultural programme, allowing visitors to experience the rich heritage of different countries through a series of traditional dances, musical performances, and a national clothing show.
Beyond the performances and charity sales, visitors engaged in an interactive quiz with engaging questions about CICA’s history, milestones, and core mission designed to raise public awareness and foster a closer connection with attendees.
The first edition of the Spring Charity Bazaar fostered meaningful interaction between international partners and the public. Inspired by the season of spring and the spirit of Nauryz, recently celebrated across the region, the Bazaar embodied values of balance and mutual respect, strengthening the culture of philanthropy and regional cooperation.
High-resolution photographs from the event are available for download at the following link: https://1917.kz/disk/26-04-2026-26-04-26-cica-qk3n32.
