BOARDROOM ISSUES

took the momentous decision in 1991 to renounce the world’s fourth largest nuclear arsenal, enabling Kazakhstan and the entire Central Father of the Asian region to become free of nuclear weapons. The First President’s thoughtful and wise leadership has been clearly demonstrated over the past thirty years of distinguished public service. The First President has articulated a clear vision for Nation – Kazakhstan as a secure, stable and prosperous nation. The twin objectives of security and stability combined with economic development, in the common interest, have informed Man of Peace the First President’s international outlook throughout his years of leadership. His commitment to global cooperation and his success By RUPERT GOODMAN DL in strengthening relations with existing allies and forging new Chairman and Founder, FIRST, international partnerships has resulted in improved security and Chairman of the British-Kazakh Society greater economic opportunity for the people of Kazakhstan and the wider region. t gives me great pleasure to con- The First President has demonstrated significant leadership and gratulate First President Nursultan vision in the domestic, regional and global context and has exercised Nazarbayev on his 80th Birthday. the moral and intellectual courage to transform Kazakhstan’s socio- I first visited Kazakhstan shortly economic and political landscape, for the benefit of all Kazakhstan’s Iafter independence and have had a citizens. chance to witness the country’s many Kazakhstan’s dramatic transformation since independence marks significant changes and achievements out First President Nursultan Nazarbayev as the greatest nation over the past three decades. Kazakhstan’s builder to have emerged from the post Soviet era in Central Asia and transformation has been extraordinary- the wider region. He is a remarkable national leader and I congratulate steering a careful course from a him on this important anniversary. F RUPERT GOODMAN command economy to an open market- was educated at Eton led economic structure. and Trinity College, First President Nursultan Nazarbayev Cambridge. He is the has been the architect of his country’s Founder and Chairman success – overseeing dramatic of FIRST. He is Chairman improvements in the living standards and a founder Trustee of the people of Kazakhstan, wisely of The British-Kazakh establishing stable international relations Society, Founder of The and creating the conditions for significant Responsible Capitalism economic growth. With its strategic Initiative, a Vice geographic location and dominant President of Fauna and position in Central Asia, Kazakhstan Flora International now plays an important international and Chairman of the role, helping to maintain stability in the Thai-United Kingdom region and offering major investment Business Council. He is opportunities. Trustee and The Deputy In 1991, following the break-up Chairman of The Prince’s of the Soviet Union, Nursultan Trust International Nazarbayev became the first President – the international of an independent Kazakhstan. The Charity founded by HRH country faced difficult times and the Prince of Wales. through determined leadership he has He is a Deputy transformed Kazakhstan into one of the Lieutenant of Greater fastest developing and most dynamic London and received states in Eurasia. He has also instigated a Metropolitan Police many international initiatives with the Commissioner’s Award aim of maintaining global security, for bravery in 2012. promoting economic development and encouraging inter-faith harmony. It was 14 President Nursultan Nazarbayev who