By Martin Banks

The upcoming Astana International Forum (May 29 to 30), aims to continue its mission of “fostering cross-border dialogues on international diplomacy and cooperation.”

In an era of increasing polarisation and geopolitical division – highlighted this week by Donald Trump’s controversial tariff plans – Kazakhstan, the conference host, says it “continues to champion the Forum as a vital platform for global dialogue and cooperation.”

The forum brings together leading speakers from governments, international organisations, businesses, and academic institutions to engage in transformative discussions and develop practical solutions to our most pressing global challenges.

For this year’s edition, AIF expands its focus to address a comprehensive range of issues including energy security, climate action, geopolitical cooperation, international trade, technological innovation, and sustainable development—reflecting the interconnected nature of today’s global landscape and the need for collaborative, cross-sectoral approaches.

The strategic partner for the event, held under the auspices of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is the United Nations

Under the theme “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future,” this year’s Forum aims to set the agenda for a new era of multilateralism and diplomacy.

It will be divided into three core themes – Foreign Policy and International Security, Energy and Climate Change, and Economy and Finance.

Key speakers include Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic, the PM of Albania Edi Rama and Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame.

Participation in the forum can be registered through the official website: https://astanainternationalforum.org/