In Paris, as part of the events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of renowned opera singer and People’s Artist of the USSR Yermek Serkebayev, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Kyrykbayev met with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany. At Kazakhstan’s initiative, the centenary of the artist’s birth was included among the anniversaries to be celebrated under the auspices of UNESCO in 2026.

Arman Kyrykbayev expressed his gratitude to UNESCO’s leadership and Secretariat for supporting the initiative and highlighted the organization’s significant contribution to preserving and promoting Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage internationally.

During the meeting, the parties discussed priority areas for further cooperation, including the preparation of new nominations for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

At the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan submitted a request to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for a preliminary assessment of the serial nomination “Sacred Wooden Architecture of Zhetysu: A Heritage of Intercultural Dialogue and Resilience.” The nomination includes the Zharkent Mosque and the Ascension Cathedral.

Khaled El-Enany noted the significant potential for expanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and UNESCO. The parties also paid particular attention to the activities of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty and its role in developing cooperation across Central Asia.

Following the bilateral meeting, the UNESCO headquarters hosted a gala concert entitled “The Voice of an Era”, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Yermek Serkebayev. The event was attended by Lazar Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as the singer’s relatives and close friends.

Opening the gala evening, Arman Kyrykbayev emphasized the exceptional significance of the renowned singer’s artistic legacy.

“President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev attaches particular importance to further strengthening Kazakhstan’s cooperation with UNESCO and promoting our national cultural heritage internationally. It is a great honour for us to celebrate the anniversary of the great singer at UNESCO. Yermek Serkebayev performed in nearly 50 countries around the world. His voice was also heard on the stages of France. Therefore, I see tonight’s concert as a continuation of the creative dialogue between the great singer and the Parisian audience,” the Minister said.

The “Voice of an Era” concert featured soloists, the choir, and the symphony orchestra of the Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre. The programme included outstanding works from Kazakh and world opera classics, including pieces from Yermek Serkebayev’s repertoire. The evening also featured a performance by renowned violinist Jamila Serkebayeva, the daughter of Murat Serkebayev, Yermek Serkebayev’s younger brother.

A concert dedicated to the singer’s centenary was previously held in Astana. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent a congratulatory message to the participants of the anniversary event. The Head of State described Yermek Serkebayev as an outstanding and unique talent who made an invaluable contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s national arts.