Astana: City That Dreams With Us -3. Witness to My Becoming
When we think of Astana, the first thing that comes to mind is the high-level visits of politicians and international summits. It’s a city of strategy, diplomacy, and national ambition. But beneath that polished, political surface lies something quieter — yet just as powerful: a city that creates space for dreams. As Astana celebrates its…
NU Microbiome Lab Advances Kazakhstan on Global Science Geography
ASTANA — What if the key to fighting disease, aging well, and managing the effects of climate change was not a miracle drug, but microbes? At Nazarbayev University’s (NU) Microbiome Laboratory, that idea drives everything. Founded in 2011 and led by Professor Almagul Kushugulova, the lab has grown from a modest research group into a…
Eurasian Development Bank Issues Bonds in UAE to Boost Investment in Central Asia
ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has raised 200 million UAE dirhams (US$54 million) through a private bond placement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a new milestone in financial cooperation between the Gulf and Central Asia. The bonds, denominated in dirhams, were arranged by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest…
Central Asia Poised for Boom in Islamic Finance, New Report Finds
ASTANA — Islamic finance in Central Asia is set for substantial growth over the next decade, according to a new report, The Future of Islamic Finance in Central Asia, jointly released by the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), released on May 20. As of 2023, Islamic finance assets in…
Atlantic Council’s US-Central Asia Forum Highlights Strategic Opportunities in Critical Minerals
ASTANA — The growing strategic significance of Central Asia in the global critical minerals supply chain was at the center of discussions at the recent United States–Central Asia Forum, hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center on June 4 in Washington, D.C. With geopolitical tensions and shifting global alliances redrawing the contours of international trade,…
Poetry and Music Take Center Stage at Astana Opera Charity Evening
ASTANA — The Astana Opera hosted UnBoring Poetry, a distinguished charity evening co-organized by the LikeMinded Foundation and acclaimed poet Gulnara Shakti, bringing together poetry, music, and diplomacy in a celebration of creative expression, solidarity, and women’s empowerment on May 18. The LikeMinded Foundation, inspired by a spouse of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of…
Kazakhstan–Vietnam Deal Launches Low-Cost Carrier in Central Asia
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Vietnam took a significant step toward strengthening economic and transportation ties on May 6, as Qazaq Air and Vietnam’s Vietjet announced the creation of a new joint airline, Vietjet Qazaqstan. The agreement was signed during the Kazakhstan-Vietnam Business Roundtable, as part of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam…
Riding Creative Wave: What India Taught Me About Kazakhstan’s Untapped Power
MUMBAI — As I attended the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in the early days of May, I found myself not just a journalist covering an event, but a dreamer swept up in something far larger than headlines and press kits. I was in the middle of a movement. And where better for…
Kazakh-French Partnership Rooted in Multilateralism, Sustainability, and Shared Ambitions
ASTANA — Amid growing global tensions and shifting alliances, France and Kazakhstan are steadily building a partnership that stands out for its consistency, mutual respect, and strategic depth. Anchored in a shared commitment to multilateralism, the relationship has gained new momentum through recent reciprocal presidential visits and a widening scope of cooperation, from water security…
Central Asian Media Forum Spotlights Journalism at Crossroads: Trust, AI, and Battle for Credibility
ASTANA — The media is changing faster than ever, and so are the rules of the game. As artificial intelligence reshapes how information is created and consumed, and as trust in news sources faces unprecedented pressure, the second Central Asian Media Forum opened with a powerful plenary session on April 16, bringing together heavyweight media…
Kazakhstan Reaffirms OPEC+ Commitments Amid Oil Market Adjustments
ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov took part in the 59th Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee of OPEC+ (JMMC) meeting, held via videoconference on April 5. According to the ministry’s press service, the Committee reviewed data on member countries’ conformity with the OPEC+ Agreement for January and February 2025, acknowledged the overall compliance level,…
Kazakh Fairy Tales: Heroes, Villains, and Timeless Legends
ASTANA — Long before the emergence of Marvel and DC comics, Kazakhs had their own superheroes. Instead of spandex suits, they were decked in shining armor, wielding swords, and riding horses faster than the wind. One of the most renowned batyrs is Kobylandy Batyr, often likened to Hercules — a fearless warrior devoted to protecting…
Tokayev Announces Major Infrastructure and Innovation Initiatives at National Kurultai
ASTANA — Speaking at the National Kurultai in Burabai on March 14, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled a series of ambitious projects aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, regional development, and digital transformation. He emphasized the need for economic innovation to ensure the country remains competitive on the global stage. Infrastructure projects and 200 annual investment initiatives…
President Calls for Realistic Approach to Kazakhstan’s Future
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for a pragmatic approach as Kazakhstan nears its 40th anniversary of independence at the National Kurultai on March 14. Tokayev emphasized the need for a clear understanding of the country’s legacy and the historical challenges that must be addressed by then. Tokayev reiterated that Kazakhstan must be realistic…
Tokayev: Globalism is Losing Relevance as Nations Prioritize Their Interests
ASTANA – Globalism is losing relevance, giving way to state nationalism, the struggle for spheres of influence, and the regionalization of global politics, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a National Kurultai in Burabai on March 14. He stressed that the world is undergoing a profound transformation. According to Tokayev, unprecedented conflicts, a deep crisis of…
More Than Singer: Why World Needs Dimash Now More Than Ever
ASTANA — Let me be frank: I am not a fan of Dimash. But in saying this, I do not in any way diminish his God-given talent. His vocal range is unparalleled — that is undeniable. However, to truly be a fan of someone, in my view, means having their songs on repeat, filling your…
Kazakhstan and Morocco Strengthen Bilateral Ties During Historic Visit
ASTANA — Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu embarked on the first official visit in the history of bilateral relations to Rabat at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco Nasser Bourita on Feb. 28. Strengthening diplomatic and economic…
Yrymdau: How Kazakhs Invite Luck and Embrace Unseen in Everyday Life
ASTANA — I grew up in a Russian-speaking environment, but within deeply rooted Kazakh traditions — or at least, that’s how I’ve always felt. From childhood, I witnessed a world where everyday life intertwined with beliefs in the unseen. Superstitions and deep reverence for the tangible world blended seamlessly with an unshakable awareness of forces…
Over 9,000 Endangered Animals Counted in Altyn-Emel National Park Census
ASTANA – A recent wildlife census in Altyn-Emel National Park recorded over 9,000 endangered animals, including 5,500 goitered gazelles, 3,600 kulans, and 190 argali, the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources reported on Feb. 7. To conduct the survey, seven groups of 20 specialists worked in clear, windless conditions, using direct observation and track…
Youth Will Shape Kazakhstan Into Global Leader, Says President Tokayev
ASTANA — Kazakhstan stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with ambitious goals for the future, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the Zhana Adamdar (New People) youth forum on Feb. 8, reported Akorda press service. “Kazakhstan must become the most advanced state. We should not only learn but also teach others. It is up…
Kazakhstan’s Population Surpasses 20.2 Million, Grows 1.26% in 2024
ASTANA — The population of Kazakhstan surpassed 20.2 million as of Jan. 1, according to the figures released by the Bureau of National Statistics. The number of citizens grew by 252,242, or 1.26%, over the past year. Kazakhstan’s largest cities continue to see rapid population growth. Almaty remains the most populous city, with a population…
IMF Sheds Light on Global AI Trends, Encourages Central Asia to Invest More in AI
ASTANA — According to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Gen-AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work report, AI’s impact on the global economy is profound yet multifaceted, offering opportunities for productivity gains while raising concerns about labor market disruptions. The report highlights that 40% of global employment is exposed to AI, with advanced economies…
LRT to Be Commissioned This Autumn in Astana
ASTANA—The light rail train (LRT) project is nearing completion, with construction scheduled to be finished by summer, Astana Akim (Mayor) Zhenis Kassymbek announced during an expanded government meeting on Jan. 28. He said that the first trains are expected to arrive in September, followed by intensive testing. Kassymbek noted that a comprehensive program for developing…
Sea of Solar Panels: Reflections on Renewable Energy from Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI — I found myself exploring a new kind of sea — one composed not of water but of sunlight. Standing amidst the four million solar panels of Masdar’s Al Dhafra two gigawatt solar PV Project, located just over 30 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), I was awestruck by the…
Kazakhstan Showcases Renewable Energy Vision at IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI — Kazakhstan has solidified its role as a magnet for international investment in renewable energy, showcasing its portfolio of 153 renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity of 3,032 MW at the High-Level Dialogue on Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia, held during the 15th session of the International Renewable Energy…
