With the organizational support of CCAAIBWS and the active participation of its member schools, the Festival of Hope took place in Astana, Kazakhstan — uniting IB students from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in a powerful celebration of youth voice, intercultural understanding, and collective impact.

The Opening Ceremony began with heartfelt words from Francesco Banchini, Chairman of CCAAIBWS, CEO & Director of EAS, who welcomed all participants and set an inspiring tone for the day. Katrin Fox, representing the IB and the Festival of Hope initiative, also addressed the audience, encouraging students to engage fully and wishing them success in the day’s collaborative activities.

Organizers introduced the themes of the Festival — reimagining the future, addressing global challenges, and driving youth-led solutions — and outlined the conference’s purpose and experiential learning approach. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was filled with hope, connection, and curiosity for what the day would bring.

At the heart of the Festival of Hope, the Speed Networking session brought together young changemakers from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia — creating an energizing space where ideas flowed, friendships formed, and collaboration took its first steps. Through quick, engaging rounds of conversation, students and educators shared their stories, values, and visions for a better future. In just a few minutes, barriers faded, cultures blended, and a shared purpose took root — this is how communities of hope are built.