Kazakh Journalist Assel Satubaldina Selected for UN’s Reham Al-Farra Fellowship

Assel Satubaldina, managing editor of The Astana Times, has been selected for the prestigious Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship, a flagship United Nations program that aims to deepen journalists’ understanding of international affairs and the UN system. Her selection marks a significant achievement both for her career and for Kazakhstan’s growing representation in global media initiatives.

The fellowship, which runs virtually during September and October 2025, brings together journalists from developing countries and economies in transition. Fellows participate in high-level briefings with senior UN officials, take part in interviews and press events, and build professional networks with media professionals across the world. The program is known for fostering long-term collaboration and shaping the next generation of journalists reporting on international diplomacy and development.

Satubaldina has more than a decade of experience in multimedia journalism. Over the years, she has reported on Kazakhstan’s political, economic, and cultural developments and has helped build The Astana Times into a leading English-language outlet covering Central Asia. Reflecting on the fellowship, she expressed her gratitude and emphasised the importance of bringing Central Asian perspectives to global conversations. She said she hopes to use the opportunity to amplify the voice of Kazakhstan and the wider region in international policy discourse.

The fellowship was established in memory of Reham Al-Farra, a Palestinian journalist and UN staff member who was killed in the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. It aims to honour her legacy by supporting journalists who are committed to public service, global understanding, and ethical reporting.

Satubaldina’s selection underscores the increasing recognition of Central Asian journalists on the world stage. It also reflects the importance of inclusive journalism that connects local realities with international narratives. As conflicts, climate change, and global inequalities continue to dominate the international agenda, programs like this are essential to ensuring diverse and representative media coverage.

Her participation in the fellowship promises not only to advance her work but also to highlight Kazakhstan’s role in international affairs and support stronger connections between the region and the global community.

Reference –

https://astanatimes.com/2025/08/the-astana-times-journalist-selected-for-uns-prestigious-reham-al-farra-fellowship/