New York, NY - The Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) works around the world to inform and foster dialogue amongst critical stakeholders on key global issues. We do this through our programs with the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, engaging young people, supporting cultural diplomacy, and working on humanitarian programs.
On Friday, May 27, 2022, an HDI organized U.S. Congressional Staff delegation departed Washington, D.C., for the Republic of Kazakhstan. The program began on May 29 with a visit to the ancient city of Saraishyk. This city, founded in the 10th century, was an important trading center during the Golden Horde and the Kazakh Khanate eras. The following day the delegation toured the oil fields of Tengizchevroil. This is the largest petroleum complex in Kazakhstan with significant U.S. investment. This visit was useful to the delegation as a goal of these delegations is to learn about the needs of the U.S. industry overseas. On May 31, the delegation traveled to Almaty and checked into one of the city’s landmark hotels, the Rixos Almaty.
While in Almaty, the Congressional staffers had in-depth discussions with civil society leaders and representatives of U.S. business. They also had the privilege of visiting the grave of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, a Kazakh National Heritage Site and recognized by the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad.
The final portion of the program took place in Kazakhstan’s capital Nur Sultan. The delegation lodged at the Hilton Garden Inn Astana adjacent to the famed Astana Opera. While in the Nur Sultan, the Congressional staffers met with senior Government of Kazakhstan officials, including the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The delegation also had the opportunity to tour the Museum-Memorial Complex of Victims of Political Repressions and Totalitarianism (ALZHIR).
This bipartisan delegation was composed of five senior Congressional Staffers: Mr. Stephen Simonetti, Senior Policy Advisor for Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Mr. Dave Davis, Chief of Staff for Rep. Kevin Brady (T-TX), Mr. Dylan McGowan, Legislative Assistant for Rep. Donald S. Beyer (D-VA), Ms. Katie Gallagher, Legislative Assistant for Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), and Mr. Patrick O’Connor, Tax and Policy Advisor to Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL).
Energy, culture, and civil society issues were among the principal focuses of the program. The delegation also explored the importance of Kazakhstan to regional security.
HDI is honored to arrange programs that foster dialogue and advance U.S. strategic interests. All HDI’s Congressional Programs adhere to regulations set forth by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics and are approved prior to travel. The Congressional Staff Delegation to Kazakhstan was conducted under the authority and regulations of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchanges Act of 1961.
