ATOM Project Ambassador: Kazakhstan Can Call for Nuclear Weapon-Free Future for Mankind

December 29, 2016

ASTANA – Thinking of New Year’s resolutions, everyone sets goals to become better, faster, larger and one-year wiser. The ATOM Project’s Honorary Ambassador Karipbek Kuyukov is no exception. In a recent interview with The Astana Times, the renowned painter, activist and strong-willed man, whose character has been moulded by terrible life consequences, shared his thoughts about the upcoming year.

Kuyukov’s drive to paint, despite being born without arms as a consequence of exposure to nuclear radiation, was followed by success and acceptance by the world community. He creates his paintings by drawing with his feet and mouth. Today the ATOM Project online petition, launched by President Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2012 as part of the nuclear disarmament campaign, has amassed more than 310,000 signatures worldwide. Since its introduction, the ATOM Project has travelled through numerous countries to raise awareness of the consequences of the nuclear past and Kuyukov had the chance to exhibit his works.

“I am an optimist by nature,” he admitted. “I have to be, because I don’t think I have a choice. Therefore everything I do …

Read Kuyukov’s full comments here.