Kazakhstan marks the UN’s 80th anniversary with symphonic gala and unveiling of UN80 commemorative stamp

On the occasion of the United Nations Day, Kazakhstan marked the Organization’s 80th anniversary with a festive gala that brought together over 600 attendees from the Government, diplomatic corps, civil society, business, media and youth at the Quanyshbayev Kazakh Drama Theater. Organized by the UN Country Team in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the evening paired a concert by the Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev Academic Symphony Orchestra led by Yernar Nurtazin with the unveiling of a UN80 commemorative postage stamp issued in partnership with Kazpost—honouring eight decades of multilateral cooperation and the UN-Kazakhstan partnership.

Opening the ceremony, Mr. Yerzhan Ashikbayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, welcomed guests and underscored the enduring value of collective action for peace, sustainable development and human dignity. 

“The United Nations remains a force for peace, a guardian of international law, a catalyst for sustainable development, a lifeline for those in crisis, and a lighthouse for human rights. Today’s challenges should not overshadow the tremendous progress the world has made with the UN’s support. The UN’s founding vision—peace and hope—remains as vital today as ever, but the Organization must continue to adapt and reform to stay fit for purpose”, - emphasized UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa.

“United Nations remains today a symbol of hope for billions around the globe. As emphasized by the President of Kazakhstan the United Nations stands as an indispensable and irreplaceable pillar of a just and stable international order. Astana is proud to be an active contributor to global dialogue, whether in nuclear disarmament, climate resilience, or regional cooperation. For Kazakhstan, the United Nations is more than an institution. It is a strategic partner, a compass, and a platform where we work together to shape solutions for humanity’s most pressing challenges”, emphasized Mr. Yerzhan Ashikbayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The concert, entitled “Music for Global Goals,” showcased how the universal language of music conveys the spirit of peace, unity and sustainable development. Each piece symbolically echoed the Sustainable Development Goals, inspiring the audience to feel the message of building a just, inclusive and sustainable world. Guests experienced a curated journey spanning Kazakh and global classics alongside orchestral covers of contemporary hits and iconic film scores, with works by Max Richter, John Williams, Adele, Coldplay, Hans Zimmer and Ludovico Einaudi, as well as Kazakh masterpieces by Nurgisa Tlendiyev, Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev and Gaziza Zhubanova.

The UN80 commemorative stamp, presented with Kazpost, serves as a visual tribute to unity in diversity and shared progress. Its concept reflects communities—women and men, girls and boys, persons with disabilities and older people—gathered under the symbol of the Peace Dove, an image intended to capture the spirit of the UN and its commitment to harmony and sustainable development.

Throughout the evening, brief interludes linked performance blocks to real-world impact across the UN’s pillars in Kazakhstan: Peace, People, Prosperity, Partnership and Planet, highlighting how the UN Country Team works with national partners. 

The 80th anniversary offers a moment to reflect on the UN’s historic role in advancing multilateral diplomacy while reaffirming its relevance in addressing today’s most pressing challenges.