Director-General's remarks at the Opening of the Kazakh Film Week

Kazakh Film Week
Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at 4.00 p.m.
Building A, 1st floor, Kazakh Room (XIV), Palais des Nations

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations for the opening of this Kazakh Film Week.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for bringing this rich cultural activity to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

It is particularly fitting that this Film Week takes place here in Room XIV — the Kazakh Room — a lasting and meaningful contribution of Kazakhstan to the United Nations. This room stands not only as a symbol of national heritage, but also as a living venue for dialogue, cooperation and exchange among nations.

Over the coming days, this programme will offer a unique window into Kazakhstan’s history and cultural identity, through the powerful medium of cinema. Film has a distinctive ability to transcend language and borders, allowing us to experience stories, emotions and perspectives that might otherwise remain hidden.

From historical narratives to stories of artistic expression and human connection, the three films presented this week reflect values that resonate far beyond Kazakhstan’s national boundaries— solidarity, resilience and intercultural understanding. They invite us not only to observe, but to reflect and to engage.

In a world where divisions can too easily be amplified by misunderstanding, such moments of cultural exchange are more important than ever. They remind us of the importance of listening, of empathy, and of openness to the richness of the experiences of others.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Here in Geneva — a global hub of multilateralism — representatives of Member States, United Nations entities, international organizations, civil society and academia come together every day to address shared challenges. While formal negotiations and policy discussions are essential, they are complemented and enriched by initiatives such as this one.

Cultural diplomacy plays a vital role in fostering mutual respect and trust. It creates spaces where dialogue can unfold in a different register — one that speaks to our shared humanity and encourages connection beyond national positions and interests.

As the UN Secretary-General has often emphasized, dialogue remains the most effective way to build understanding and foster peace.

In this spirit, this Film Week contributes meaningfully to strengthening cultural dialogue, deepening mutual understanding and fostering connections across communities in International Geneva.

I hope that the films you will discover in the coming days will inspire reflection, conversation and a renewed appreciation for the diversity that enriches our global community.

Thank you.