From 27–28 August 2024, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Government of Kazakhstan co-organized a workshop to enhance global cooperation among nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan in Astana. During the “Workshop on Fostering Cooperation and Enhancing Consultation: Mechanisms among the existing nuclear-weapons-free zones,” representatives from NWFZs, international agencies and civil society discussed measures to bolster cooperation among these zones and explore ideas to further institutionalize mechanisms to communicate and exchange information. SGI delegates participated as a part of civil society. The workshop’s focus was not only on sustaining the existing frameworks of NWFZs but also on expanding their geographical scope.

H.E. Mr. Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized in his welcoming remarks that Kazakhstan has consistently been a leading advocate for nuclear disarmament. He highlighted the country's historic decision to close the Semipalatinsk Test Site 30 years ago. This decisive action not only underscored Kazakhstan's dedication to global disarmament but also established the country as a key contributor to international initiatives, including the designation of 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests and the formation of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.

In her welcoming remarks, H.E. Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, noted that NWFZs are increasingly recognized as vital components of the global nuclear disarmament framework. These zones, covering over half of the world's landmass, are crucial regional mechanisms for enhancing both global and regional peace and security. The workshop in Astana provided a valuable platform for exchanging best practices and sharing updates on activities related to these zones, with a particular focus on the potential establishment of new NWFZs.

Nakamitsu highlighted the critical importance of NWFZs in maintaining international peace and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. She stressed the need for enhanced communication and cooperation among existing zones, especially given the current security climate, where the risk of nuclear weapon use remains alarmingly high.

The workshop also featured impactful remarks from Karipbek Kuyukov, a renowned artist and a member of the affected community. Born without arms due to exposure to Soviet nuclear testing in Kazakhstan, Kuyukov shared his personal experience and insights.

The Astana workshop concluded with a commitment to further strengthen existing frameworks and continue dialogues aimed at establishing NWFZs in other regions. Kazakhstan, which will chair the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2025, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the global nuclear disarmament agenda.

As a side event to the workshop, a screening of a documentary co-produced by the Center for International Security and Policy, Kazakh NGO and SGI was held on the evening of 28 August. The screening, attended by UN officials, international delegates, and victims of the Semipalatinsk Test Site, featured harrowing testimonies and sparked discussions on the urgent need for nuclear disarmament. Among the speakers was Diana Murzagaliyeva, a young woman who shared her personal experience of overcoming disabilities caused by the nuclear tests. Murzagaliyeva spoke with great strength and resilience, inspiring the audience to take action.