Nazarbayev University (NU) hosted the conference “Governing Transitions: Climate, Artificial Intelligence, and a Sustainable Future for Kazakhstan and Central Asia”, organized by Chapter Zero Kazakhstan with the support of NU, DKNews.kz reports.
The event brought together representatives from government bodies, business, academia, and international organizations. Participants discussed strategies for managing climate and technological risks, as well as the evolving role of corporate governance amid global transformations.
The conference focused on three key transitions — climate, energy, and technology — that are shaping new benchmarks for sustainability and competitiveness across Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Discussions explored adaptation to geopolitical fragmentation, climate risk management, decarbonization, the development of artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of digital sovereignty.
Among the speakers and participants were representatives of NU, the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the British Embassy in Kazakhstan, INSEAD Business School, KazMunayGas, the Association of Corporate Secretaries of Central Asia, as well as leading experts in sustainability and corporate governance.
Arai Serikzhanova, CEO of Chapter Zero Kazakhstan, noted:
“We are entering an era in which corporate governance must become not only a tool for efficiency but also a key driver of resilience. Kazakhstan and Central Asia have a unique opportunity to shape their own model of responsible leadership — where climate, technology, and human capital converge into a single direction of progress.”
Roza Nurgozhayeva, Professor at NU’s Graduate School of Business and moderator of the closing session, emphasized:
“Our goal was to create a space for meaningful dialogue about the future of governance. It is essential that business, academia, and government work together to develop practices that strengthen trust, resilience, and innovation in the region.”
Participants paid particular attention to the role of boards of directors and senior management in ensuring sustainable development and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Chapter Zero Kazakhstan is a national think tank operating at the board of directors level within the framework of the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative, which has been joined by over 70 countries worldwide. Chapter Zero Kazakhstan is part of this international network.
The organization supports boards of directors and company leaders in Kazakhstan in building leadership on climate, technology, and sustainability issues.
Nazarbayev University (NU), established in 2010, is a leading research university in Kazakhstan, committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation. In the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, NU is ranked in the 401–500 band globally.
