Tokayev Holds High-Level Meetings with Global Business and Educational Leaders in New York

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev began his working visit to New York with a series of high-level meetings on Sept. 21. With Cameco Corporation CEO Tim Gitzel,...


Institutionalizing Central Asian Regional Cooperation 

In early August, Central Asian presidents met in Awaza in Turkmenistan along the sidelines of a UN conference, in preparation for their seventh formal consultative meeting, which...


Kazakh Citizens Split on AI’s Role in Education, New Survey Shows

ASTANA – Artificial intelligence has quickly become a routine study companion in Kazakhstan, but its place in the classroom remains contentious, according to fresh data from the...


25 Years of SCO: Central Asian Bloc Evolves into Global Player 

ASTANA – The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) marked its 25th anniversary with its largest summit to date, signaling its evolution from a regional bloc focused on Central...


Kazakh Media Company Launches First National Streaming Platform 

ALMATY – Uni-Q Group, a local media company, has officially launched Unico Play, a new streaming service positioned as a national digital entertainment platform on Sept. 12. ...


Switzerland’s House of Religions Highlights Path for Peace

ASTANA — Religious leaders have the power to calm conflicts swiftly and lay the groundwork for lasting peace when they choose to unite across communities and promote...


This Weekend’s Picks: Almaty City Day, Astana’s Stage Lights 

ASTANA – Prepare for an unforgettable weekend filled with thrilling events and captivating experiences across the vibrant cities of Kazakhstan. From fascinating exhibitions to dynamic festivals and...


10 Years, 30 Countries: Kazakhstan Names 2025 Foreign Media Award Recipients

ASTANA – Celebrating a decade of storytelling about Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the winners of its 10th-anniversary Kazakhstan Through the Eyes of...


Kazakhstan Rises to 34th in IMD World Talent Ranking 2025

ALMATY – The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has released its World Talent Ranking 2025 on Sept. 9, where Kazakhstan has advanced to 34th place, moving...


Kazakhstan Football Federation Academy Achieves FIFA Talent Academy Status

ALMATY – The ceremony to mark the Kazakhstan Football Federation (KFF) Academy receiving the official status of a FIFA Talent Academy was held in Talgar, Almaty region,...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Faith Diplomacy, Food Security, Green Education, and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights religion’s role in diplomacy, Kazakhstan’s emerging food...


Kazakhstan Restructures Digital Ministry 

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree on Sept. 18 to transform the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry into the Ministry of...


Tokayev Honors National Boxing Team After Historic World Championship Triumph

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the Kazakh national boxing team on Sept. 18, commending their performance at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, where Kazakhstan ranked...


Turkic States Advance Regional Integration and Digital Connectivity at Bishkek Meeting

ALMATY – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov joined his counterparts from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Bishkek on Sept. 18 to discuss boosting trade, modernizing...


Tokayev to Visit New York for High-Level UN General Assembly

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a working visit to New York on Sept. 21–23.  While in New York, he will participate in the 80th session...


US Program Boosts English Proficiency for Economy Professionals Across Central Asia

ALMATY – The C5+ Opening Networks through English (C5+O.N.E.) program launched its fifth cohort on Sept. 17, bringing together more than 700 government, private sector, and NGO...


Kazakh Scientist Presents How Nuclear-Test Sensors Track Glacier Change 

VIENNA – As the shadow of nuclear testing hangs over the world, scientists from Kazakhstan reveal on-the-ground applications of nuclear test monitoring systems in glacier research at...


Kazakhstan’s Digital Tenge Project Wins Award at Global CBDC Conference

ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has received the Pioneering CBDC Initiative Award at this year’s CB+DC Conference, which took place on Sept. 9-11 in...


Kazakh Flour Supplied to US Market

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has begun supplying flour to the United States, with the first 50 tons of wheat flour under the Eurasian Legacy brand shipped to New...


Tokayev Highlights Role of Religious Leaders in Promoting Peace at Congress Closing

ASTANA – Peace is humanity’s greatest asset and a value shared by all peoples and religions, said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the closing ceremony of the...


Congress in Kazakhstan Highlights Youth Voices in Global Peace

ASTANA – The second day of the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on Sept. 18 featured a series of panel sessions addressing urgent...


Kazakh 12-Year-Old Scores First-Ever Drone Racing World Cup Prize

ASTANA – Twelve-year-old Timofey Muravyov from Karagandy became the first Kazakh citizen to win a prize at the Drone Racing World Cup in Istanbul. The competition brought...


Kazakhstan Establishes National Standards for Artificial Intelligence in Education

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has approved its first national framework for integrating artificial intelligence into education, setting standards for ethical use, data protection, and academic integrity across schools,...


Kazakhstan Advances Major Investment Projects in Pharmaceuticals, Agro-Industry, and Food Processing

ASTANA – First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar chaired a meeting of the Investment Headquarters on Sept. 17 to review the implementation of key investment...


Bibisara Assaubayeva Wins Bronze at FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss in Samarkand

ASTANA – Twenty-one-year-old grandmaster Bibisara Assaubayeva has triumphantly completed the prestigious FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss in Samarkand, claiming third place and securing her place in the history...


Why Kyrgyz Republic’s Voice Matters in Afghan Affairs

The Afghan question plays a decisive role in the security and regional development of Central Asia. The states of the region increasingly regard Afghanistan as an inseparable...


IAEA to Support Kazakhstan at All Stages of Nuclear Power Plant Construction

ALMATY — The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to provide assistance for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant construction during a Sept. 17 meeting...


Backstreet Boys Concert in Astana to Attract Over 12,000 Tourists

ALMATY — Astana Arena will host a historic event as the legendary pop group Backstreet Boys performs in Kazakhstan for the first time on Sept. 21. Their...


KazMunayGas Resumes Oil Exports Through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline

ALMATY— KazMunayGas (KMG) resumed oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline system with a shipment of 8,800 tons of Kashagan crude from the port of Aktau on...


Religious Leaders Call for Dialogue, Solidarity at Congress in Astana 

ASTANA – The eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions opened Sept. 17 in Astana, drawing 100 delegations representing major world faiths, religious and civic...


Tokayev Calls for Peace at Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

ALMATY — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the opening of the eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on Sept. 16 in Astana, highlighting the growing...


Kazakh Oscar Entry Movie Premieres in US Theaters

ALMATY — The Kazakh film “Bauryna Salu” (Adoption), the country’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, will premiere in the United...


Kazakhstan Ranks 81st in Latest Global Innovation Index

ASTANA – The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 on Sept. 16, with Kazakhstan positioned at the 81st spot.   Published annually...


Kazakhstan to Boost Agricultural Exports to Afghanistan 

ALMATY — Kazakhstan’s agricultural exports to Afghanistan are set to increase by more than $100 million following a series of negotiations between NC Food Contract Corporation JSC...


Kazakhstan and US Sign Joint Statement on Nuclear Safety at IAEA Conference

ALMATY — Kazakhstan and the United States signed a joint statement on the sidelines of the 69th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference...


Central Asia, EU Forge Hydrogen Path for Green Transition

ASTANA — Green hydrogen, renewable integration and tighter European Union-Central Asia cooperation are pivotal to a just energy transition, said energy and foreign policy leaders during the...


Tokayev Calls for On-Time Harvest, Bigger Agricultural Role in Economy

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital will host the second AgriForum in November to discuss sectoral development and state support measures, said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a...


Kazakhstan’s National Museum Showcases 86 Unique Exhibits of World Religions

ASTANA – The National Museum of Kazakhstan has opened the exhibition Priceless Treasures of Religious Traditions of the World, featuring 86 exhibits such as sacred texts, icons,...


Kazakhstan Reaffirms Support for Qatar at Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha

ASTANA — Kazakhstan expressed support for Qatar and its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. Chairman of the Mazhilis Yerlan Koshanov represented the country at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic...


Kazakhstan to Introduce Legal Framework for Digital Financial Assets, Including Stablecoins

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to regulate digital financial assets (DFAs) under a new banking law, introducing stablecoins, tokenized assets, and digital financial instruments as a distinct...


Caspian Sea is Shrinking, and Faster Than We May Think

ASTANA – The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, is shrinking. Scientists warn that water levels could fall by as much as 21 meters...


Kazakhstan to Build Major Dry Port and Logistics Hub on Chinese Border 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to construct a large-scale transport and logistics center, the Kolzhat Dry Port, on its border with China, LS.com reported on Sept. 15. The...


CICA Could Become Asia’s Collective Voice, Says Secretary General

ASTANA – As Asia moves from the periphery to the center of global affairs, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) holds the...


Kazakh Government Approves Action Plan to Implement President Tokayev’s Address

ALMATY – The government approved the National Action Plan to implement President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state-of-the-nation address at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on Sept....


Coursera Recognizes Kazakhstan’s Efforts to Modernize Higher Education System

ASTANA – Kazakhstan earned global recognition in the field of digital education as Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek received the prestigious Learning Hero Award...


FC Kairat Announces Ticket Sales for UEFA Champions League Home Matches

ALMATY – Almaty’s FC Kairat has unveiled the procedure and timeline for ticket sales ahead of its UEFA Champions League group stage home matches, reported the club’s...


Almaty to Host Denis Ten Memorial Figure Skating Tournament in October

ALMATY – Almaty will host the sixth Denis Ten Memorial Challenge, an international figure skating tournament of the ISU Challenger Series, at the Halyk Arena from Oct....


Turkic Nations Consolidate Identity with Historical Monograph and Space Symbol

ALMATY – Scientists from Turkic countries have finalized the work plan for a landmark academic project, titled “History of Turkic States”, during the second working meeting held...


Vatican Extends Blessing to Kazakhstan’s Major Interfaith Congress

ALMATY – Pope Leo XIV will send a special message to participants, continuing a tradition of papal support for Kazakhstan’s flagship interfaith initiative at the eighth Congress...


Kazakhstan Tops Medal Table at Historic World Boxing Championships in Liverpool

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakhstan’s boxers on their outstanding performance at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, where the national team claimed first place...


Dialogue Must Outlast Today’s Crises, Says Soka Gakkai Leader

ASTANA — Interfaith dialogue remains essential for lasting peace, said Yoshiyuki Nagaoka, an international affairs executive director at Soka Gakkai, in an interview with The Astana Times....


Scientist Arkhat Abzhanov on Why Evolution Isn’t Over, and Challenges of Modern Genetics

ASTANA – High school textbooks may frame evolution as a thing of the past, but it is very much alive, said Dr. Arkhat Abzhanov, a Reader in...


Language Is Not Just About Grammar: It’s Culture Too

Editor’s note: The Astana Times continues a section featuring articles by our readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations, we believe that this...


Inside State Structure that Shaped Kazakh Khanate

ASTANA – The Kazakh Khanate, formed around 1465 in the Semirechye Region, was the first national state of the Kazakhs. It emerged after the migration of Kerei...


Kazakhstan Plans to Expand Protected Areas to 34 Million Hectares by 2035

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to grow its network of protected lands from 30.9 million hectares today to 34 million hectares by 2035, setting a new regional benchmark...


Natural Gas Production Soars 9.2% in 7 months

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s natural gas production grew by 9.2% in seven months, according to the Kazakh Energy Ministry. The ministry reports steady growth in natural gas production....


Netflix Co-Founder Among Global Leaders to Join INMerge Innovation Summit 2025 in Baku

ASTANA – The INMerge Innovation Summit, organized by PASHA Holding, will return for its fifth edition on Sept. 29-30 in Baku, bringing together global industry leaders and...


Researchers Map Karlag to Preserve History for Future Generations

ASTANA – Researchers delve into the vestiges of the Karagandy corrective labor camp, also known as Karlag, to preserve untold stories. Their work sheds light not only...


Spanish Artist Juan Saliquet Explores Urban Soul in Art Exhibition 

ALMATY — The Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Kazakhstan and ART FUTURE, a contemporary culture development project, opened a solo exhibition by renowned Spanish artist...


Almaty to Host World Chess Championship for Children in September

ALMATY – Almaty will host the World Chess Championship for Children in the U8, U10, and U12 categories from Sept. 19 to 30, bringing together more than...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Role as Middle Power, Baikonur Cosmodrome and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has curated a selection of articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes topics such as Kazakhstan’s...


Thousands of Foreign Fans Expected in Almaty Ahead of Kairat vs Real Madrid Match

ASTANA – Almaty is preparing to welcome thousands of foreign fans for the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League match between Kairat and Real Madrid on Sept. 30,...


What’s On This Weekend in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA – As fall settles in, Kazakhstan’s two largest cities are rolling out packed cultural calendars, blending art, theater, music, and sports. From world-class exhibitions and opera...


Major $1 Billion Aviation Hub Planned for Mangystau Region

ASTANA – The Mangystau Region is set to become a major transport and logistics hub with the launch of a $1 billion aviation and logistics center at...


Astana Hub Merges with Tech Garden 

ASTANA – Astana Hub, the country’s international technology park, will merge with Almaty Tech Garden park of innovative technologies following the Senate’s approval of amendments to legislation...


Africa in Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Agenda: Institutionalization and Economic Dynamics

This week, Kazakhstan welcomed President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi on his first state visit to the country. During the bilateral talks, the...


Air Astana to Relocate Domestic Flight Check-in to Terminal 2 at Almaty Airport 

ASTANA — Air Astana announced that, starting from Sept. 15, check-in for domestic flights at Almaty Airport will be temporarily carried out in the International Departures Terminal...


Kazakhstan Gains in Global Competitiveness, Surpasses Japan and Spain

ASTANA — According to the latest report from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Kazakhstan has secured the 34th position in the global competitiveness ranking among...


Peace Begins With Respect, Says Catholic Bishop Ahead of Global Congress

Editor’s Note: In the run-up to the eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled for Sept. 17–18 in Astana, The Astana Times has launched...


Kazakh Startup Secures $50 Million to Drive Innovation in Video Creation

ALMATY– A Kazakh startup Higgsfield based on artificial intelligence has raised $50 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by GFT Ventures with...


Tokayev Welcomes Global Legal Leaders, Showcases Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Progress

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with participants of the International Forum on Constitutional Justice, titled “Peace and the Future Through Law,” on Sept. 11 in Astana. ...


Kazakh Historical Drama to Compete at Golden Panda Awards in China

ALMATY – The Kazakh film “Qash” (Run), directed by Aisultan Seitov, will compete at the second Golden Panda Awards, which will be held in Chengdu, China, on...


Astana Finance Days 2025: 5,500 Minds, $1.5 Trillion in Assets, One Vision

ALMATY – Astana Finance Days (AFD) held on Sept. 4-5 once again confirmed Kazakhstan’s role as a key financial hub for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The...


Kazakhstan, Hungary Expand Academic Ties Through Water Diplomacy Program

ALMATY – The Kazakh National University of Water Resources and Irrigation (KazNUVHI) in Taraz has partnered with Hungary’s Corvinus University to launch a joint master’s program in...


Kazakhstan Expands Free AI Training for Teachers Nationwide

ALMATY – More than 200,000 teachers across Kazakhstan have completed a free training program on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, as part of the...


Greener Goals: Kazakhstan Embraces ESG in Finance

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is taking new steps in sustainable finance, with regional institutions beginning to explore social and green bonds as tools for development. The Aktobe Social-Entrepreneurship...


Astana Opera Opens 13th Season With Premiere of National Opera ‘Abai’

ASTANA – The 13th season of Astana Opera opened on Sept. 6-7 with the premiere of Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi’s national opera “Abai,” which commemorated the...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Role as New Aviation Bridge Between Europe and Asia

ALMATY – Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as a key aviation hub, as Almaty hosts the Third CANSO Euro-Asia ANSP’s CEO Summit on Sept. 10–11. The high-level...


Kazakhstan Launches Direct Wheat Shipments to Vietnam Without Container Transfers

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has carried out the first direct transportation of wheat to Vietnam without container transshipment, marking a new step in the country’s export logistics. Between...


It’s Time for Central Asia to Foster Cooperation with Afghanistan in Mining Sector

The recent cancellation of Afghanistan’s Amu Darya oil deal with China marks a turning point in Kabul’s search for reliable partners. The Taliban authorities, frustrated with Beijing’s...


Kazakhstan’s Nurlanuly Breaks into ITF Junior Top 25 After US Open Success

ASTANA – Rising Kazakh tennis star Zangar Nurlanuly has made a major breakthrough in the updated International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior rankings, climbing 29 spots to reach...


National Carrier Provides Musical Train for Dimash Qudaibergen’s International Project

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Passenger Transportation company has organized the operation of a special musical train for the Voice Beyond Horizon international project. Seven passenger carriages and one...


Kazakhstan Announces First Recipient of Digital Nomad Residency

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has issued its first 10-year residence permit under the Digital Nomad Residency program. The recipient is Pavel Filatov, a senior analytics & BI engineer...


Kazakh Figure Skater Mikhail Shaidorov Talks Preparations for Olympics in Italy 

ALMATY – Kazakh rising figure skating star Mikhail Shaidorov discussed his preparation for the upcoming season and the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy, speaking to The Astana...


Kazakhstan, Democratic Republic of Congo Strengthen Partnership Through Historic Visit

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation during the first state visit of President Félix Tshisekedi...


Kazakhstan Advances Clean Technologies in Energy Transition

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is advancing the development of alternative energy while modernizing its coal generation through clean technologies. According to Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, this approach aligns...


Northern Aral Sea Water Volume Growth Exceeds Targets 

ASTANA – The volume of the Northern Aral Sea has reached 24.1 billion cubic meters, surpassing the targets set in Kazakhstan’s concept for the development of the...


Kazakhstan and Pakistan Set Goal to Boost Trade Turnover to $1 Billion 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Pakistan have agreed to advance cooperation across key sectors, setting a goal of increasing bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion in the coming...


Experts Outline Next Steps for Kazakhstan’s Politics, Investment, and AI

ASTANA — The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) convened its national expert platform on Sept. 9 to unpack President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s annual state-of-the-nation address.  The meeting,...


UN Resident Coordinator Highlights Kazakhstan’s Opportunities, Calls for Climate and Water Action

ASTANA — Fresh from presenting her credentials to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev this August, the new UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa has quickly immersed herself in...


EXCLUSIVE: World Nears Record Nuclear Test Hiatus, Says CTBTO Head at Vienna Conference 

VIENNA – The world is approaching a new record for the longest period without a nuclear test, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization’s (CTBTO) Executive Secretary Robert Floyd said...


Kazakhstan Hosts Space Days Forum to Boost Aerospace Cooperation

ASTANA – The international forum Space Days Kazakhstan took place Sept. 8-9 in Almaty, serving as a key platform for discussions on the future of the global...


Kazakhstan to Boost Economic Growth Through Rare-Earth Production and SEZ Expansion

ALMATY — Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev introduced a wide range of reforms aimed at strengthening special economic zones (SEZs) and expanding rare-earth metal...


Kazakhstan Sets Course to Double GDP by 2029, Unveils Investment and Digital Transformation Plans

ALMATY — Kazakh Minister of National Economy and Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin outlined a comprehensive strategy to accelerate economic growth and attract quality investments during a...


Kazakhstan Emerges as Regional Leader in Medical Tourism, Expert Says

ALMATY — Kazakhstan has become the leading country among CIS states in terms of medical tourism growth, according to Kristina Krivets, president of Kazakhstan’s Association of Medical...


Kazakhstan’s First Gamified Eco-Trail Opens in Burabay

BURABAY – For years, the steep slopes of Bolektau, one of Burabay’s most prominent sites, have tested even experienced hikers, becoming more challenging in the winter season....


Kazakhstan to Modernize Passenger Railcar Fleet by 2030

ALMATY — Kazakhstan is set to completely renew its passenger railcar fleet by 2030. The large-scale modernization program aims to enhance passenger comfort, safety and travel efficiency,...


Kazakhstan Receives Rare 11th-Century Map Depicting Central Asia

ALMATY – Kazakh National Center of Manuscripts and Rare Books received a copy of a unique 11th-century map on Sept. 8. The map shows parts of Central...


Kazakhstan’s Staged Reforms: Democracy by Evolution, Not Revolution

Democracy, long cherished as the ideal form of governance, is facing a crisis of confidence worldwide. A surge in populist rhetoric, intensifying political polarization, and a flood...


Why Safe-Haven Asset Matters and How Kazakhstan is Betting on Gold

ASTANA – Global gold demand surged 45% year-on-year in value terms to $132 billion in the second quarter of 2025, reaffirming the metal’s strong role as a...