Bulat Utemuratov Foundation Partners with GAAC to Launch Autism Center in Central Asia and the Caucasus

A Landmark Initiative for Autism in Central Asia

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has recently announced an inspiring partnership with the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC) to establish a groundbreaking regional autism center. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive support hub for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

The Vision Behind the Center

The newly formed center will not only consolidate expertise from both international and regional organizations but will also work towards developing systemic support for individuals affected by autism. The main goal is to adapt and implement international best practices tailored specifically to the unique socio-cultural contexts of the countries within the region.

The collaborative effort will involve bringing together professionals, relevant organizations, and government representatives to facilitate knowledge sharing and ensure broader access to evidence-based practices, research findings, and relevant data.

Background of the Initiative

Established in 2025 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the GAAC was born out of a collaborative effort involving the Qatar Foundation, Autism Speaks, WHO, and UNICEF. With the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation as a founding member of this coalition, the establishment of the regional autism center marks a significant advancement in the partnership between the two organizations, paving the way for further promotion of the coalition’s initiatives.

Almaz Sharman, Chairman of the Board of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, presented the regional GAAC model for Central Asia and the South Caucasus during the UN General Assembly in September 2026. According to Sharman, “For sustainable development of support systems for individuals with autism, having proven solutions is not enough; it is equally important to create conditions for their adaptation and implementation considering national and regional circumstances.”