Worldwide Unity Through Journalism: Editor of Astana Times Discusses Spanning Semei to Hiroshima

In the heart of Central Asia, The Astana Times, a leading English-language newspaper, is making waves in the global disarmament discourse. As the editor-in-chief, Zhanna Shayakhmetova, steers the publication's course, it remains committed to putting Kazakhstan's voice on the global stage, building momentum for a world free of nuclear testing.

The newspaper's dedication to accurate and consistent reporting on disarmament is evident. It focuses on the nuclear file, amplifying Kazakhstan's contributions to global non-proliferation efforts. Most notably, it has covered the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at the UN Headquarters in New York, making it the only English-language Kazakh outlet reporting directly from the event.

Remembering and conveying the experiences of those affected by Soviet-era nuclear tests in Kazakhstan is a cause close to Shayakhmetova's heart. She believes it's vital that Kazakhstan continues to preserve and tell these stories, ensuring they are remembered and passed on to future generations. One such individual is Karipbek Kuyukov, an internationally recognized non-proliferation activist and painter, born without arms as a result of the 456 nuclear tests conducted over 40 years at the Soviet Union's Semipalatinsk Test Site.

The Astana Times also provides a platform for young voices, working with advocates such as social scientist Marzhan Nurzhan to increase public awareness about the nuclear legacy consequences. This approach is in line with Shayakhmetova's belief in personal storytelling and education as effective methods for ensuring the stories of nuclear testing victims are remembered.

In September, The Astana Times journalist Aibarshyn Akhmetkali will represent Kazakh media at the Science and Technology Conference series (SnT2025) in Vienna, hosted by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). This is another step forward in Kazakhstan's efforts to contribute to strengthening international solidarity among nuclear-affected communities, a cause shared by Japan, given their shared history of nuclear weapons.

The nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki serve as grim reminders of the horrifying, destructive power of nuclear weapons. Today, Kazakhstan, under Shayakhmetova's leadership, stands as a beacon of hope, connecting nuclear-affected countries, shining light on human stories, and helping people understand the personal, generational, and unjust consequences of nuclear weapons.

The 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled for September in Kazakhstan, is another testament to the country's commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and tolerance. As the world grapples with the nuclear threat, the role of media outlets like The Astana Times becomes increasingly crucial in fostering understanding, empathy, and global solidarity.

This article was originally published in the INPS Japan online platform, authored by Katsuhiro Asagiri, the head of INPS Japan. Tore Naerland from Norway, who co-founded Bike for Peace in 1977 and dedicated his life to helping others after losing his eyesight, serves as an inspiration. Naerland was inspired by a Hiroshima survivor to focus on the nuclear disarmament movement, a cause that continues to resonate today.

Worldwide Unity Through Journalism: Editor of Astana Times Discusses Spanning Semei to Hiroshima