The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Forum “The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture, and Identity,” held on 19-20 May 2026 in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, by the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education, in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The event saw the presence of His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and brought together 350 participants from 20 countries and several international organizations.

In his opening remarks, the President of the Republic expressed his country’s pride in belonging to the Golden Horde civilization, describing it as a historically and culturally significant legacy in both the natural and legal spheres, the influence of which is still evident in the contemporary world. He emphasized that commemorating the past is not merely a symbolic act of remembrance, but rather a genuine pathway to understanding the present and building the future.

ICESCO was represented at the Forum by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, who delivered an insightful presentation on the Organization’s vision for the preservation of civilizational memory and the revival of historical consciousness, as the cornerstone of understanding the present and anticipating the future. He affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at reviving the glorious pages of Islamic history and consolidating its achievements in strengthening national and collective identity.

Moreover, Ambassador Fathalrahman highlighted several distinctive features of the Golden Horde civilization, notably its vast territory and rich ethnic and cultural diversity, which Kazakhstan has successfully managed through a coherent civilizational model. He also emphasized the role of individual leadership in harnessing and managing national resources, as well as the pioneering role of this civilization in establishing values of humane treatment, particularly regarding the status of women.

The Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue also reviewed the existing cooperation between ICESCO and the Republic of Kazakhstan, noting the selection of Turkestan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2027 and Astana’s hosting, early next year, of the meeting of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Committee, as two indicators of the depth of the partnership between the two parties in the areas of culture, heritage, and intercultural dialogue.

Following his participation in the Forum, Ambassador Fathalrahman accepted an invitation extended by the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue in Astana. During his visit, he met Mr. Marat Kalizhanov, Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center, to discuss the implementation of the Action Plan emanating from the partnership agreement recently signed between ICESCO and the Center, stressing the importance of identifying joint programs to be implemented in 2027.