Burabay (TDI): The annual CICA Bicycle Tour 2026, held on 30–31 May in Kazakhstan’s picturesque Burabay resort area, brought together members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international institutions.
Jointly organized by the CICA Secretariat, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan, and the Embassy of Tajikistan, with support from the Akimat of Akmola Region, this year’s event celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the CICA Secretariat.
Opening the tour, CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay described the event as far more than a weekend sporting outing.
Over five years of regular editions in Astana and Burabay, he said, the Bicycle Tour has evolved into a meaningful instrument of “sports diplomacy.”
Anniversary celebrations planned for September 2026 will include a round table with heads of Asian regional organizations, a commemorative book on the Secretariat’s history, and a presentation of the CICA Fund to international development institutions.
Timed to coincide with World Bicycle Day, the tour underscored the collective commitment of participants to healthy living and environmental responsibility.
Read More: CICA Kicks Off Its Annual Bicycle Tour 2026 in Kazakhstan’s Scenic Burabay
UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, reminded participants that the bicycle represents more than a mode of transport; it is a symbol of inclusivity, climate action and the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
She called on all present to embrace cycling as a practical step toward reducing environmental pressures and building a greener future together.
The spirit of camaraderie extended well beyond the bike lane. In the evening, participants gathered for a gala dinner where commemorative certificates were presented in recognition of each rider’s contribution to the initiative.
Speaking at the dinner, Abdulaziz Sharifi of the Embassy of Tajikistan in Kazakhstan reflected that the shared route embodied the very essence of CICA; a journey of continuous development, partnership and mutual support.
“Genuine human interaction in a friendly setting,” he noted, “brings nations closer together no less effectively than formal negotiations.”
A fitting close to the day came in the form of a traditional palaw generously prepared by the Tajik Embassy, a warm gesture of hospitality that left a lasting impression on all in attendance.
The diplomatic weekend concluded the following morning with a guided walk through Burabay’s distinctive natural landscapes.
