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

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation will serve as a regional partner for the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC), establishing a coordination hub for countries in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. This new platform aims to pool expertise from international and regional organizations to provide comprehensive support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The center's primary objective is to adapt and implement international best practices tailored to the specific contexts of the region's nations. It will convene specialists, relevant organizations, and public representatives to foster knowledge exchange and improve access to evidence-based approaches, research, and data.

GAAC was founded in 2025 at UN Headquarters, with the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation being one of its initial members. The foundation has prior experience through its "Asyl Miras" centers in Kazakhstan, which support over 17,500 children with autism and focus on developing early diagnostic and intervention tools.

Almaz Sharman, Chairman of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, presented GAAC's regional model in New York in September 2026. The foundation's CEO, Ainur Karbozova, highlighted the importance of sharing Kazakhstan's acquired experience internationally. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance regional autism support services.