Asia is playing a rising role in global affairs as the main driver of economic growth and technological breakthroughs, said Kairat Sarybay, secretary general of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 in south China's Hainan Province.
In an interview on Wednesday with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Sarybay highlighted Asia's leadership in seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts and divergences.
"We are celebrating in our 25th anniversary of the Boao Forum, so it means that in the very beginning of the 21st century, we all believed in the role of Asia. And it is not a coincidence that CICA was also established in the beginning of this century. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is going to celebrate its 25th anniversary. All that showing that Asia has its own historical mission. In today, China [is] proposing good ideas. [For] Central Asia, if you look into the last year, it was the settlement of border issues. It was the agreement on the regional approach to the water resources management, a very important question. We have so many good, positive examples within the Asia that we have to promote it," he said.
In Sarybay's view, a re-emergence of Asia as the global center would contribute significantly to world peace. In particular, he pointed to initiatives proposed by China as a prime example of Asian global leadership.
"Asia today has to play a major role in the political sphere as well because today Asia is the main driver of economic development, technological breakthrough, and we do observe that rising role of Asia in the global affairs. It must be also well reflected into the global governance. I believe that the re-emergence [of] Asia as the global center will serve the global peace. If you have disagreement, you have to settle this disagreement, but through diplomatic, meaningful conversation, not by using force. Force is the very last tool but it is not constructive, too; it's very destructive. And we do observe that many Asian countries providing resources to this economic development, look to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. This is the mega-project for the development. The global community [is] benefiting from this wonderful idea," he said.
Founded in 2001, the BFA is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.
Running from March 24 to 27, this year's conference is themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation".
Asia plays rising role in global affairs as main growth driver: CICA secretary general
