Akmaral Arystanbekova

Overview

Akmaral Arystanbekova born Kazakhstan May 12, 1948. Chemist and diplomat. First Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, 1989-91. Initiated destruction of world’s fourth-largest cache of nuclear weapons; closed Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, 1991. Proposed Central Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone.

Quotations

“[T]he most effective tool for global concerted action in addressing pressing global issues remains the United Nations.” (Eurodialogue interview, March 19, 2012; photo UN)