NYFA and AlmaU Forge New Film Education Partnership in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – New York Film Academy (NYFA) and Almaty Management University (AlmaU) signed a cooperation agreement in educational programs in New York on Sept.16, reported Kazinform news agency. This partnership, supported by the Dara Presidential Initiatives Fund, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between higher education institutions in Kazakhstan and the United States. A…
UNICEF Talks Focus on Future of Youth in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Kazakhstan hosted its annual UNICEF Talks conference on youth issues on Sept.23. The conference, held in Astana in the format of public talks, provided a platform for young people to freely express their views on matters related to their interests and rights, reported the UNICEF press service.…
LCOY Kazakhstan Empowers Youth to Lead Climate Action Efforts
ASTANA – Nazarbayev University hosted the Local Youth Climate Conference in Kazakhstan (LCOY Kazakhstan 2023) in Astana on Sept.28. The event plays a major role in the mission of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Youth Kazakhstan. The annual…
Charting Bright Future: Expert Recommendations for Kazakhstan and Central Asia’s Development
ASTANA – The leading researchers from the United States and Kazakhstan presented their recommendations for addressing long-term development issues in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The event was organized as part of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs’ Kazakhstan Futures Program at Nazarbayev University on Sept. 21. The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs program…
Kazakhstan’s Trade Turnover Soars to $ 39.4 Billion in First Six Months
ASTANA – In the first half of the year, the trade turnover of finished products by Kazakh manufacturers reached $ 39.4 billion, marking a 22 % surge compared to last year. Within this figure, the country’s exports of non-commodity goods accounted for one-third, totaling $ 12.1 billion, reported the prime minister’s press service on Sept.…
Kazakhstan Showcases Demographic Policy Model at International Summit in Hungary
ASTANA – Families play a crucial role in nurturing the younger generation, providing them with essential guidance, affection, and support, said Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva at the fifth Budapest Demographic Summit on Sept. 14-15, reported the ministry’s press service. This enables young people to develop a sense of security and readiness…
Cosplays Champions and Hollywood Stars Steal Spotlight at Comic Con Astana
ASTANA – Comic Con Astana, an international festival dedicated to the comics industry, cinema, video games, anime, and other directions of modern popular culture, announced the winners of its professional cosplay contest with a total prize pool of 10 million tenge ($ 21,186) on Sept. 17, reported the festival’s press service. The contest awarded a…
AI in Media: Revolutionizing Efficiency and Provoking Ethical Questions
ASTANA – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the media industry by automating numerous tasks and raising ethical concerns about potential information manipulation, according to media expert Alena Gorbacheva, who spoke to The Astana Times. Gorbacheva has over 16 years of experience working in key positions in Kazakhstan’s major TV channels, producing different types of content.…
Kazakh President Visits Expo Central Asia Exhibition in Dushanbe
ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited an exhibition featuring Central Asian product manufacturers during his official visit to Dushanbe, which coincided with the fifth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, reported the Akorda press service on Sept. 14. The leaders of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan toured the national pavilions, gaining…
Astana Hub Battle Prize Fund Increased Fourfold to $ 75,000
ASTANA – The prize fund for the Astana Hub Battle, the largest IT startup competition in Kazakhstan, has been quadrupled to $ 75,000, reported the Astana Hub press service on Sept.15. Taking place in Astana on Oct. 12-13 as part of the Digital Bridge international technology forum, the Astana Hub Battle is a key component…
Riders Conquer 850-Kilometer Challenge in Great Steppe Race
ASTANA – The ninth leg of the Great Steppe Race marathon, featuring 12 teams covering a total distance of 850 kilometers, commenced on Sept. 14, reported the Turkistan Region’s akimat (administration) on Sept.14. Riders from Astana, the Mangystau Region, the Zhetysu Region, and the Kostanai Region aim to complete an extraordinary 1,300-kilometer journey, ultimately reaching…
Kitap Fest Almaty Promotes Open-Mindness, Celebrates National Literature
ASTANA – Almaty hosted the annual Kitap Fest Almaty book festival on Sept. 9, offering a platform for individuals who cherish creativity and talent, reported the festival’s press service. This year’s festival edition was dedicated to City Day and revolved around the theme of “National Literature. National Language. National Traditions.” The festival featured a book-illustrated…
Kazakhstan’s Astana Opera Theatre Embarks on Georgia Tour
ASTANA – Astana Opera is set to debut its “The Steppe Motives in Tbilisi” program at the Rustaveli National State Academic Theater in Georgia on Sept. 23, according to the theater’s press service. The program will showcase both Kazakh and international masterpieces, featuring the theater’s leading soloists. The symphony orchestra and choir of Astana Opera…
Kazakhstan-Malaysia Partnership: Advancing Trade, Innovation and Prosperity
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to open its first Honorary Consulate in Penang, Malaysia, this fall. Datoˊ Wira Louis Ng Chun Hau, the founder and executive chairman of Public Gold Group, a prominent group of companies specializing in physical precious metals trading and minting in Malaysia, has been appointed the Honorary Consul. He discussed his…
Altynsarin Book House Shines as Hub of Culture and Knowledge in Astana
ASTANA – The Almatykitap publishing house opened the Ybrai Altynsarin Book House on Sept.5 in Astana, to bolster international collaboration in book distribution, fostering a culture of reading, and preserving national spiritual and cultural values. It is named after a distinguished progressive educator who dedicated himself to promoting forward-thinking education in the Kazakh steppes. This…
SDG Ambition Program Accelerates Sustainable Business Goals
ASTANA – The United Nations (UN) Global Compact launches the SDG Ambition program, aimed at expediting the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the strategic and operational activities of businesses, reported the press service of the UN in Kazakhstan. This six-month educational course, designed by UN experts and partners, marks the first dedicated…
Kazakh IT Sector Soars with Thriving Startups and Global Partnerships
ASTANA – Leveraging its growing economy and skilled workforce, Kazakhstan holds significant potential in the IT sector. The country is committed to strengthening its digital infrastructure and advocating technological progress to attract investments and foster innovation. IT industry development The IT industry has demonstrated notable advancement, marked by the rise of numerous thriving startups and…
Qazaq Kuresi Bolsters National Identity and Educates Next Generation
ASTANA – Qazaq kuresi, a form of traditional Kazakh wrestling, has not only gained increasing popularity but also holds a place of cultural significance in Kazakhstan. With roots tracing back to antiquity, the sport has survived through the ages. The basic rules of Kazakh wrestling are straightforward: the objective is to throw your opponent to…
From Classics to Popular Psychology: Top Picks of Kazakh-Language Books
ASTANA – With the revival of Kazakh culture, contemporary literature in the Kazakh language has gained significant popularity and demand today. Bookstores are offering an array of titles covering diverse interests and subjects. The Astana Times presents a curated selection of the top books in the Kazakh language. The Book of Words (Kazakh classic) Despite…
US Mission to Kazakhstan Commemorates International Day Against Nuclear Tests
ASTANA – Astana Arbat, in partnership with the United States Mission to Kazakhstan, hosted special events on Aug. 29 to mark the International Day Against Nuclear Tests and the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The celebration began with the crafting of origami cranes, an international symbol of peace and unity inspired by Sadako Sasaki,…
Kazakhstan’s Constitution Day: Upholding Democracy, Securing Rights
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated people on Constitution Day, celebrated nationwide on Aug. 30. As the basic pillar of statehood, the constitution defines the social and political structure, values and strategic vector of the country’s development. “The Constitution, updated following a nationwide referendum, has become a symbol of consolidation of our nation. It serves…
Kazakhstan Harnesses Kazakh Diaspora’s Potential for Sustainable Development
ASTANA – Almaty hosted a two-day international seminar forum on Aug. 17-18, focusing on the engagement of the Kazakh diaspora abroad. The event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Migration Agency in Kazakhstan, reported the IOM’s press service. The Kazakh diaspora, estimated to consist of five to seven million…
Inspiring Journey of Murat Zhunusov – Chess Champion for Visually Impaired
ASTANA – Murat Zhunusov, a 57-year-old chess player from Kazakhstan, has established himself as an international master and a world champion within the visually impaired community. He was born in the city of Balkhash where his life path unexpectedly intertwined with the game of chess. In an interview with the Astana Times, Zhunusov offers insights…
Honoring Humanitarian Heroes: Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Compassion and Support
ASTANA – Kazakhstan observes World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19, a time to acknowledge and honor the dedicated individuals who tirelessly extend aid to those in need, particularly during crisis and conflict. According to Tatiana Mironyuk, executive director at the National Volunteer Network, the date serves as an opportunity to contemplate the significance of unity,…
Shrinking Caspian Sea and Pollution Lead to Unwanted Consequences
ASTANA – According to forecasts by scientists, the Caspian Sea’s water level is expected to decrease by nearly four meters over the next decade. Over the past 15 years, the Kazakhstan part of the water reservoir already experienced a 7.1% decline. The sea surface area had decreased from 113.8 square kilometers in 2008 to 105.7…
