Articles by Assel Satubaldina

Tokayev’s Return to Paris Strengthens Strategic Partnership with France

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to France on Nov. 4-5, meeting with French President Emmanual Macron and top business leaders. In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Tokayev’s visit to France, his second in two years, signals a deepening strategic partnership with France, one of the European Union’s (EU) most influential states. …

UK Ambassador Highlights Strengthened Climate Initiatives in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kazakhstan Kathy Leach highlighted the importance of climate initiatives in the bilateral ties with Kazakhstan and expressed the U.K.’s continued support in addressing the consequences of climate change at a Nov. 1 press briefing in Astana. Leach noted a deep personal commitment to environmental issues, highlighting how…

Kazakhstan’s Ecology Minister Shares Expectations Ahead of COP29 in Baku

ASTANA – Multilateral initiatives on carbon farming, a global low-carbon platform, more than 40 thematic sessions, and its national pavilion – these are the priorities for Kazakhstan as the nation prepares for the 2024 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference on Nov. 11-22 in Baku. Kazakh Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev spoke…

Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable Secures $7 Billion in Contracts

ASTANA – Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR) showcased the emerging trends in the investment landscape on Nov. 1, culminating in a landmark $7 billion in signed agreements. The high-profile event brought together international investors, government officials, and industry leaders, all eager to explore new opportunities in Kazakhstan’s evolving investment landscape. “We are in a time…

World-Renowned Violinist Marat Bisengaliev Brings Extraordinary Symphonic Concert Home

ASTANA – The grand stage of the Astana Opera welcomed Marat Bisengaliev, the world-renowned violinist, conductor, and Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassador, for a symphonic concert blending classical and Kazakh music.  Bisengaliev’s symphonic concert became a standout event for audiences eager to experience a unique musical vision crafted by one of Kazakhstan’s own. Born in 1962 in…

EU-Funded Project Promotes Public Engagement in Climate Change Mitigation in Karagandy Region

ASTANA—Astana hosted the conference on Oct. 23, marking the end of a two-year European Union-funded project aimed at empowering local communities and enhancing public involvement in environmental decision-making in the Karagandy Region, one of the country’s most industrialized areas.  The project, implemented by the Karagandy Regional Ecological Museum with the support of German and Czech…

Turkish Designers Take Center Stage at Fashion Show in Astana

ASTANA—Astana hosted a fashion show on Oct. 22 featuring the creations of nine talented Turkish designers. The event showcased Turkish designs and served as a bridge for new business partnerships between Kazakhstan and Türkiye. The event, which was organized with the support of the Embassy of Türkiye in Kazakhstan and the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association…

Gender Equality in Green Transition: Kazakhstan’s Push and Challenges

ISTANBUL – The Kazakh delegation participated in the Istanbul Development Dialogue event on Oct. 17-18, which called for increased investments in gender equality and inclusive climate action. They shared the challenges Kazakhstan faces towards gender equality and the measures it has undertaken so far. Addressing the panel session, dubbed Women’s Leadership for Just Transition and…

QIC Independent Director Highlights Kazakhstan’s Push to Expand Presence in Global Markets

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is adopting a more proactive approach in presenting itself to international markets, with increased outreach efforts, including toward the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, said Nicholas Page, a member of the board and an independent director at the Qazaqstan Investment Corporation (QIC), in a recent interview with The Astana Times. …

Experts and Policymakers Address Gender Equality, Climate Action at Istanbul Development Dialogue

ISTANBUL – More than 160 representatives of governments, international organizations, experts, and policymakers gathered in Istanbul on Oct. 17-18 for the second edition of the Istanbul Development Dialogue (IDD) to explore how to integrate gender equality in climate policies and empower women and girls in climate action and a broader green transition. The two-day event,…

Kazakhstan’s 6% Economic Growth Target is Achievable, but Demands Stronger Reforms, Says IMF Official 

ASTANA — Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Kazakhstan, Nicolas Blancher, recently spoke to The Astana Times, discussing the structural reforms the country needs and its efforts to curb inflation. According to Blancher, Kazakhstan’s ambitious target of 6% economic growth is within reach, but only if the country implements bold and decisive…

UN, Kazakh Officials Discuss Cooperation Framework for Next Five Years

ASTANA – The United Nations Country Team in Kazakhstan and the Kazakh government held a workshop on Oct. 8 to define key priorities for the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030. The discussions focused on how the UN will support Kazakhstan’s national development over the next five years. The event, officially called a…

Kazakhstan’s Official Referendum Results Out: 71% Back Nuclear Power Plant Proposal

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Central Referendum Commission has officially announced the results of an Oct. 6 national referendum at an Oct. 8 meeting, revealing 71.12% support the construction of a nuclear power plant.  According to the commission, out of the 12.28 million eligible voters, 7.82 million participated in the referendum, a turnout rate of 63.66%. Of…

Nuclear Power Plant Gets Green Light in Kazakhstan 

ASTANA—The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kazakhstan has announced the preliminary results of an Oct. 6 national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant.  “As of 8 a.m. of Oct. 7, the votes at 10,323 polling stations in all regions of the country and abroad have been tallied,” said CEC Chairman Nurlan Abdirov…

Prominent Kazakh Expert on Astana Think Tank Forum: Middle Powers and Future of Central Asian Integration

ASTANA – Astana will host the inaugural Astana Think Tank Forum 2024 on Oct. 16-17. Organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) as part of the Astana International Forum (AIF), the forum will explore the role of middle powers. The Astana Times spoke with Sanat Kushkumbayev, a chief research fellow at the KazISS,…

Preliminary Results Show Voter Turnout at Nearly 64% in Kazakhstan’s National Referendum

ASTANA — Preliminary results from an Oct. 6 national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan indicate a high level of civic participation, with regional variations in voter turnout across the country. Voter turnout reached 63.87% as of 8 p.m. Astana time, reported the Central Election Commission (CEC) at a press…

Referendum Valid: Majority of Eligible Voters Turn Out for Kazakhstan’s National Referendum 

ASTANA – More than half of the eligible voters participated in the national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, reported the Central Election Commission (CEC) at an Oct. 6 press briefing. “Overall, nationwide, as of 2 p.m., 6,399,425 citizens have received their ballots, which accounts for 51.77% out of the…

Voter Turnout Surpasses 39% in Kazakhstan’s National Referendum

ASTANA—The participation rate surpassed 39% in Kazakhstan’s national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant, which continues on Oct. 6 throughout the country.  “Overall, nationwide, as of 12 p.m., 4,804,102 citizens have received their ballots, which accounts for 39.23% out of the overall number of eligible voters,” said CEC member Shavhat Otemisov.  Shymkent…

Voter Turnout in Kazakhstan’s National Referendum Reaches Nearly 18%  

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) reported a 17.79% voter turnout as of 10 a.m. local Astana time in the national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant on Oct. 6. ​​Citizens across the country are casting their ballots to decide whether Kazakhstan should proceed with the construction of a nuclear power…

Green Hydrogen in Kazakhstan: What are Opportunities and Challenges

ASTANA—While Kazakhstan’s potential for renewable energy remains substantial, developing green hydrogen might not be an easy endeavor. Manuel Andresh, the head of the Hydrogen Diplomacy Office in Astana, spoke to The Astana Times about the role hydrogen plays in the global energy transition, challenges in scaling up this energy source, and Kazakhstan’s potential to develop…

IMF Presents Preliminary Findings of Article IV Consultations, Stresses Need for Bolder Reforms

ASTANA – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) hosted a press conference on Oct. 1 in Astana, presenting the preliminary findings of the Article IV consultations with Kazakhstan. While noting the resilience of the economy, IMF calls the government of Kazakhstan to take bolder reforms and enhance fiscal performance. Article IV consultations refer to the regular…

EBRD Accelerates Investment in Central Asia with Focus on Private Business, Infrastructure 

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is set for a record-breaking year of investments in Central Asia, with a focus on sustainable energy and infrastructure projects. In a recent interview with The Astana Times, EBRD Acting Managing Director for Central Asia Hüseyin Özhan outlined the bank’s ambitious plans, which aim to…

Kazakhstan Launches Coordinating Council to Tackle Water Challenges, Unveils Partnership with UNDP

ASTANA—The Kazakh capital hosted on Sept. 30 the first meeting of the coordinating council of partners on the development of Kazakhstan’s water sector, aimed at supporting the nation in addressing water-related challenges. The event also featured the presentation of the Water Partnership Initiative, developed with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  The…

Kazakh Children Programming Startup Launches in Turkish Schools

ASTANA – CodiPlay, a Kazakh-led children’s programming startup, was introduced in the curriculum of Turkish schools, announced the startup’s press service.  Schools under Türkiye’s Yetev educational foundation and Istanbul American Schools are set to integrate the CodiPlay system. The project operates in 13 countries, including the United Kingdom, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan.  Founded…

Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative Reaches Finals of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s conservation efforts have gained global recognition as the country’s Altyn Dala conservation initiative has advanced to the finals of the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William. The announcement came on Sept. 24 during the third annual Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit held during Climate Week in New York. The Kazakh initiative…