Tomas Mateos Werner recently spoke at the “Culture of Peace, Accord and Spirituality” Forum of National Cultural Centers of CICMA countries held in Astana. Prominent public figures, domestic and foreign scholars, members of Kazakhstan’s parliament, representatives of the state authorities and diplomatic missions of CICMA countries in Kazakhstan discussed the culture of Peace, Accord and Spirituality within the framework of the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICMA) held at the State University of Arts. Forum participants discussed issues pertaining to the strengthening of inter-ethnic tolerance, cooperation of the scientific and expert community, practical recommendations on retaining and expanding cultural diversity, and inter-cultural dialogue.

Mr. Werner spoke in detail about the Kazakhstan Center of Peace and Accord (KCPA) in London, the idea of which he initially proposed at the 21st session of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan (APK) this past April. As Mr. Werner noted, the purpose of this center is to expand awareness in the international community about Kazakhstan as one of the most peaceful, ethnically diverse and integrated countries of this region.

Nursultan Nazarbayev supported the idea and approved the opening of the Center. As a result of this successful cooperation with the APK, the opening ceremony of the KCPA was held on the 26th of August in London.

“From the very beginning this Center was established for the purpose of tolerance and goodness. London is a multinational and multi-confessional city; therefore it was chosen as a place of center incorporation. We believe in the successful performance of the Center’s Management Board, which consists of honored politicians experienced in the field of international relations and professors of the best universities of the world. Currently we are working on the establishment of a strong partnership relationship with UNESCO”, explains Mr. Werner.

Presently KCPA is focusing on several important language, safety, and education projects that support peace building and stability in our region.