An expert meeting focused on artificial intelligence and digital transformation has been held in Astana, bringing together government officials, academics, startups and technology specialists, DKNews.kz reports.
The event, titled “Digital Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities for Kazakhstan,” took place at the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Around 50 participants attended, including representatives of state institutions, international organizations, innovative companies, researchers, AI developers, engineers, university faculty and students.
AI declared strategic priority for Kazakhstan
Opening the meeting, Presidential Center Director Bakytzhan Temirbolat said digitalization and artificial intelligence have become central to the country’s long-term competitiveness.
“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 comments reflect Kazakhstan’s broader effort to build a technology-driven economy.
Participants discuss digital transformation
The meeting served as a platform to assess the current state of digitalization in Kazakhstan and develop proposals for faster technological progress.
Main topics included:
- accelerating AI use in the economy
- expanding digital tools in social services
- improving public sector efficiency
- scaling successful AI solutions
- preparing workforce skills for future industries
Universities stress need for adaptability
Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University, said future success will depend on learning speed rather than static knowledge.
“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.”
The statement highlights how education systems may need to evolve alongside rapidly changing technology.
Women in technology highlighted
Aziza Shuzheyeva, Chair of TechnoWomen and founder of the Digital Transformation Public Foundation, emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in IT and AI sectors.
She pointed to the IT Aiel initiative as a successful 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.
Broad representation at the event
Additional speakers included representatives of parliament, universities, UNICEF, national technology institutions and private AI companies.
This mix of participants suggests Kazakhstan is trying to involve both public and private sectors in shaping AI policy.
Priorities agreed after discussions
Following the meeting, participants identified several shared priorities:
- developing a common understanding of global and regional AI trends
- adapting international experience to Kazakhstan and Central Asia
- strengthening cross-sector and international cooperation
- expanding youth and civil society participation
- launching joint regional initiatives
- creating a roadmap for ethical AI implementation
Why this matters
Kazakhstan is increasingly positioning AI as a national development priority rather than a niche technology topic.
If implemented effectively, such initiatives could support:
- economic diversification
- more efficient public services
- new jobs in digital sectors
- stronger regional cooperation in Central Asia
- ethical and inclusive technology adoption
The discussion also shows that talent development may become as important as technology itself.
