UNICEF Mobilizes the Business Community to Protect Adolescent Mental Health

Almaty, 3 October 2025 — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Office in Kazakhstan officially presented the programme and concept of Almaty’s first charitable UNICEF Gala Dinner – ‘Dreams Without Borders’ – which will take place on 28 November 2025. The event will bring together business, cultural, and media leaders to raise funds for the national programme aimed at strengthening adolescent mental health.

The evening's key goal is to ensure the scaling-up of a comprehensive support system for adolescents. When fully implemented, the programme is designed to train 50,500 specialists and reach 140,000 adolescents across the country. Additionally, up to 10,000 adolescents with serious needs will receive timely, specialized support.

Why This Matters: Figures and Impact

The gala format has proven effective: last year’s UNICEF charity dinner in Astana raised over 92 million tenge [$171,255 USD], which was allocated to the Digital Inclusion Programme and translated into concrete equipment deliveries and specialist training. With these funds, UNICEF supplied schools in the Akmola, Karaganda, East Kazakhstan, and Zhambyl regions with tablets, laptops, adaptive smartphones, Braille displays, special keyboards, licenses for alternative communication applications, and other necessary equipment, as well as trained over 1,000 teachers and assistants.

In 2025, the gala dinner’s focus is on raising support for and awareness of a systemic programme supporting mental health. This programme includes early detection, social-emotional skills training in schools, and individual and group therapeutic sessions for adolescents experiencing psychological difficulties in target regions. UNICEF positions this as a long-term investment in the country’s human capital: prevention and support for adolescents directly influence indicators in education, healthcare, and social stability.

Announcements Made at the Almaty Presentation

At the presentation held on 3 October 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, the organizers unveiled the evening’s programme, auction format, and cultural segment. This year, the gala dinner will once again be supported by Dinara Satzhan – a journalist, public figurе and fashion entrepreneur.

The evening’s musical headliner will be ALEM – one of the most prominent artists of the new music scene in Kazakhstan – known for hits that blend national motifs with a contemporary sound. In addition, Alexander Lim – singer, international competition laureate, and owner of a unique vocal timbre – will deliver a special performance.

Organizers noted that the cultural program will not be limited to these names: they also expect other star guests, whose anonymity preserves the evening’s intrigue.

A separate highlight from the presentation was the signing of a partnership memorandum between UNICEF and The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, formalizing the hotel’s role as the host and official initiative partner.

Who Is Already Involved and How to Support

Among confirmed partners and participants are the Nurlan Smagulov Foundation and Baurzhan Sagiev, as well as public figures ready to contribute lots for the charity auction.

Support for the project can be provided by purchasing individual tickets or corporate tables at https://unicefgala.kz/

UNICEF Representative’s Comment

“Today, Almaty officially joins the global tradition of UNICEF gala dinners — a modern reflection of the zhylu zhinaу tradition when the community gathers to support those in need. Our goal is to ensure that no child’s or adolescent’s dream is cut short due to loneliness or lack of support”

stated Dr. Rashed Mustafa, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan.