Bulat Utemuratov Foundation Joins Global Coalition for Autism Advocacy at the United Nations

Bulat Utemuratov Foundation Joins Forces with the Global Autism Coalition

On September 29, 2025, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation made a significant step by joining the newly formed Global Coalition for Autism Advocacy, inaugurated at a high-profile ministerial luncheon at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. This coalition aims to reinforce the global movement for autism rights and improve the quality of life for individuals with autism worldwide. The initiative is supported by prominent organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Autism Speaks, and the Qatar Foundation, drawing together international experts, policymakers, and civil society leaders.

The coalition's mission focuses on fostering inclusion and promoting the rights of those with autism, enhancing research initiatives, improving policy coordination, and boosting advocacy efforts. The launch event gathered health ministers from various countries and representatives from major international institutions dedicated to health and education, showcasing Kazakhstan's growing contribution to global health initiatives and inclusivity.

In conjunction with joining the coalition, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN’s migration agency. This collaboration aims to support migrant families raising children with autism, develop inclusive education and healthcare programs, and foster international knowledge exchanges on autism support services.

Ainur Karbozova, the CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, emphasized these advancements by stating, "For more than a decade, the Foundation has implemented the national program 'Autism. A World for Everyone,' which supports children with autism and their families in Kazakhstan. Joining the Global Coalition for Autism Advocacy and collaborating with the IOM will allow us to share Kazakhstan's experiences in international dialogues and accelerate efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society globally."

Since 2015, the foundation has established 13 Autism Centers as part of its Asyl Miras program across 12 cities in Kazakhstan. These centers comply with international standards, offering free behavioral programs based on evidence-based methods, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). To date, over 25,000 children and families have received support through these initiatives.

By aligning with international platforms like the Global Coalition for Autism Advocacy and forming new partnerships with global institutions, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation aims to strengthen its role in advocating for autism rights and disseminating best practices on a worldwide scale. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the global fight for autism acceptance and support, with the foundation ready to contribute significantly to advancing the agenda of autism understanding and inclusion.

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation
Logo: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation