Bulat Utemuratov Foundation Joins Global Coalition for Autism Advocacy at the UN

A New Era for Autism Advocacy: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation's Role

On September 29, 2025, during a high-level ministerial working lunch held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation took a significant step by joining the newly established Global Autism Advocacy Coalition. This coalition, backed by notable organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Autism Speaks, and the Qatar Foundation, aims to amplify the voices of those affected by autism and improve their quality of life across the globe.

The mission of the coalition is ambitious yet crucial: it seeks to consolidate the efforts of governments, international organizations, and non-profits to advocate for the rights of individuals with autism. Through fostering research, enhancing policy coordination, and promoting awareness, the coalition intends to create a more inclusive society for people with autism.

During the launch event, high-ranking health ministers from various countries, along with representatives from leading global health and education organizations, gathered to mark this pivotal occasion. The inclusion of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation highlights Kazakhstan’s growing influence in global health initiatives and its commitment to inclusion and advocacy.

In conjunction with joining the coalition, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation entered into a cooperation agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency dedicated to migration issues. This agreement focuses on providing support to migrant families raising autistic children, developing inclusive education and healthcare programs, and promoting the international exchange of best practices in autism care.

Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, emphasizes the significance of these advancements, stating, "For over ten years, our foundation has been implementing the national program 'Autism: A World for All,' which supports children with autism and their families throughout Kazakhstan. By joining the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition and collaborating with the IOM, we aim to bring Kazakhstan’s experiences into the international dialogue and expedite the creation of a more equitable and inclusive society worldwide."

Since 2015, the foundation has set up 13 autism centers under its Asyl Miras program across 12 cities in Kazakhstan. These facilities operate under international standards and offer free behavioral programs based on proven methods, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). To date, more than 25,000 children and families have benefitted from their services.

Through participation in international platforms like the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition and by establishing new partnerships with global institutions, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation is poised to enhance its advocacy efforts for autism and extend its best practices on a global scale. This collaboration signifies a positive stride towards a future where individuals with autism receive the support and understanding they deserve, fostering an environment of kindness and inclusivity for all.

Bulat Utemuratov Foundation