The plenary session of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, "AIU 2026: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation – a Vector of Youth Science Development," took place at the Presidential Center of the DPA RK.
The event coincided with the celebration of Science Day in Kazakhstan and was organized as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, as declared by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The event was organized by the Presidential Center of the DPA RK in collaboration with Astana International University, Beijing Language and Culture University (Beijing, China), and I. Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan).
Approximately 100 young scientists, leading experts, practitioners, and students from Kazakhstan and abroad participated in the conference.
The event aims to facilitate discussion on the integration of AI into diverse disciplines, including pedagogy, law, natural sciences, and design. Participants are expected to present innovative ideas that will contribute to a portfolio of solutions for Kazakhstan's digital development.
"Today, AI has permeated virtually all spheres of human activity, including manufacturing, trade, banking, public administration, science, education, medicine, and finance, becoming a part of daily life. It is unsurprising that leading global powers and transnational companies such as Google, Meta, Baidu, and Alibaba have joined the global race to develop AI. The development of artificial intelligence is an objective process and a natural result of scientific and technological progress. However, it is important to remember that AI is, first and foremost, a product of the human mind, with all its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it is humanity's responsibility to nurture and educate it. Scientists should play a leading role in this process. Kazakhstan, in alignment with global trends, is prioritising the development of artificial intelligence. At the direction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Concept for AI Development in Kazakhstan for 2024-2029 was developed and approved, the Law on Artificial Intelligence was adopted, the Committee for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Development under the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan was established, and AI training programs were implemented at universities. The current year, 2026, has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence," noted Bakytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in his speech.
"The conference, organized at the international level, fully achieved its objectives. The speakers comprehensively analyzed the main trend of our time—digital transformation and the potential of artificial intelligence. All seven papers presented were innovative. The new ideas and meaningful discussions received high praise and resonated with participants," stated Anar Myrzagaliyeva, Rector of Astana International University.
The discussion platform included presentations by Madiyar Abilov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of National Agency for Innovation Development QazInnovations JSC; Xia Mengyao, Doctor of Management at Jiangsu Ocean University (China); Kuandyq Zhailashev, Director of the Systems Maintenance and Development Department at National Information Technologies JSC; Umut Omurzakova, Candidate of Economic Sciences and Associate Professor at I. Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University (Kyrgyzstan); Muhammad Nurazlan abd Azis, Deputy Director of the Strategic Department at the Sultan Idris University of Education (Malaysia); Firuz Boboev, Representative of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Tajikistan (Tajikistan); Vasily Desnitsky, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Computer Security Problems at the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Elhadj Benkhelifa, Professor of Computer Science and Digital Innovation at Staffordshire University; and Rakhat Erezhepov, First-Year Doctoral Student at Astana International University.
Conference proceedings will be compiled following the event.
The second day of the conference, featuring breakout sessions, roundtables, and master classes, will take place on April 23, 2026, at Astana International University.
