The Presidential Center of the DPA RK hosted an expert meeting titled "Digital Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities for Kazakhstan." The event convened approximately 50 participants, including representatives from government bodies, international organizations, startups, innovative companies, scientists, researchers, AI developers, engineers, faculty members, and students from leading universities in Kazakhstan.
"Digital transformation is no longer limited to specific industries; it now serves as the foundation for new models of public administration, the economy and social structure. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized that digitalization and AI are not just a trend but a strategic priority that determines the country's competitiveness in the 21st century. It is no coincidence that 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. In recent years, our country has made significant progress in digitalization. The Concept for the Development of AI in Kazakhstan for 2024-2029 has been developed and approved, the Law "On Artificial Intelligence" has been enacted, and universities have introduced programs to train AI specialists," stated Bakytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan,".
The event provided a platform to discuss and analyze the current state of digitalization in Kazakhstan. Participants developed proposals to accelerate technological transformation in the economy and social sphere, and to expand successful AI applications in public life.
"Behind every discovery, there is always a person – whose work and knowledge literally shape our future. "The key skill today isn't knowledge of tools, but the ability to quickly master new things," said Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University.
Aziza Shuzheyeva, Chair of the Board of TechnoWomen, founder of the Digital Transformation Public Foundation, and member of the National Commission for Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized the growing importance of engaging women in IT and developing digital competencies. She highlighted the IT Aiel project as a notable example.
"IT Aiel is one of the largest initiatives for the development of women in technology in Kazakhstan. The project opens access to new digital and AI professions for women with diverse backgrounds—from housewives to entrepreneurs." Since 2023, over 21,000 women have completed the training, more than 4,000 have received certificates in AI specialities, and over 1,500 participants have obtained employment in the IT sector or as freelancers,” she said.
The event also included speeches by Aidarbek Khodzhanazarov, Member of the Mazhilis; Dinara Shcheglova, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education; Anar Myrzagaliyeva, Rector of Astana IT University; Alibi Dzhangeldin, Technical Director of the UNICEF AI Project in Kazakhstan; Alibek Sailanbayev, Managing Director for AI at National Information Technologies JSC; Anar Tuleubayeva, Deputy Chair of the Association for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan and Arman Ospanov, CEO of CEREBRA.AI LTD.
Following the expert meeting, the participants agreed on the following priorities:
- Developing a common understanding of global and regional AI development trends and adapting them to the national digital transformation strategies of Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries;
- Strengthening intersectoral and international collaboration for the responsible use of technology;
- Expanding the participation of youth and civil society in shaping equitable digital approaches;
- Identifying potential areas of international cooperation, including launching joint initiatives and developing a regional roadmap for the implementation of ethical AI practices.
