The first UNICEF Gala Dinner in Kazakhstan: a world tradition comes to Astana
ASTANA, October 30, 2024 – Today, The St. Regis Astana hosted the announcement of the first UNICEF gala dinner in Kazakhstan, which will be held on November 29, 2024, in the capital. This event marks the beginning of world-class charity events in Kazakhstan aimed at supporting children's rights and creating an inclusive society.
During the presentation, Kazakhstan announced it was joining the global tradition of hosting UNICEF gala dinners, which are held in major cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo, among others. The gala dinner, called ‘A Sky Full of Stars’, is aimed at raising funds for the UNICEF programme to support children requiring tailored academic support. The funds raised at the auction and from ticket sales will provide more than 2,000 children with the equipment and specialized programmes necessary to master digital skills.
According to the latest data (2022–2023), more than 137,000 children in Kazakhstan have disabilities, and over 188,000 children require tailored academic support. Sixty-five per cent of these children study in regular schools. As such, UNICEF will prioritize expanding access to quality education at the gala. With the funds raised and the business community’s continuing support, UNICEF intends to create an inclusive learning space for children.
A portion of funds from the gala dinner will be raised by a charity auction, where international and local sponsors will present valuable lots. One unique lot is being provided by the famous Kazakh businessman and philanthropist Nurlan Smagulov. Along with works of art, the lots also include sports memorabilia, such as a t-shirt autographed by famous British cyclist Mark Cavendish, who competes for Astana Qazaqstan. This lot will be especially valuable for collectors and sports fans.
UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar said: “The start of UNICEF gala dinners in Kazakhstan on the 30th anniversary of the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child underlines our commitment to protecting the rights of every child. This event is an important platform for mobilizing efforts to ensure that children requiring tailored academic assistance can exercise their right to an inclusive education.”
It is worth noting that many participants support the event on a voluntary basis. The host of the evening will be famous stand-up comedian Nurlan Saburov, while National UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors from the band NINETY ONE will delight attendees with their performance.
"We are honoured to support the UNICEF mission and participate in such an important event. We believe that every child, regardless of their characteristics, deserves equal opportunities for development and success," said the members of NINETY ONE.
UNICEF Kazakhstan Goodwill Ambassador and famous Kazakh chess player Dinara Saduakassova will also be taking part in the gala dinner.
The first UNICEF gala dinner in Kazakhstan will be held at The St. Regis Astana. Tickets for the gala dinner are available on Freedom Ticketon. The event is expected to draw attention to the important issues of inclusion and support for children with learning disabilities.
Editor notes
For more information about the UNICEF gala dinner and tickets, please click here.
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UNICEF works to protect and promote the rights and well-being of every child. We sustain that commitment in 190 countries and territories, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable children.
