Bulat Utemuratov Foundation and GAAC Establish Regional Autism Center for Central Asia and South Caucasus

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation is partnering with the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC) to establish a regional hub serving countries in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. This new center will consolidate international and regional expertise to develop systemic support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The center's primary goal is to adapt and implement international practices tailored to the specific conditions of countries within the region. It aims to convene professionals, relevant organizations, and government representatives to facilitate knowledge exchange and improve access to evidence-based approaches and research data.

GAAC was founded in 2025 at the United Nations headquarters, with the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation as a founding member. The establishment of this regional center represents the next phase of the foundation's collaboration with GAAC. The initiative was presented by Almaz Sharman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, during the UN General Assembly in September 2026.

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has prior experience through its program "Autism. One World for All," which operates 13 autism centers in Kazakhstan. Executive Director Ainur Karbozova highlighted the importance of integrating Kazakhstan's practical experience into the international discourse.