Articles by Nagima Abuova

ASTANA — The second Central Asian Media Forum commenced in Astana on April 16 to foster regional information unity, strengthen media resilience, and explore the creation of a unified Central Asian media platform. The two-day forum will bring together over 700 media professionals, government officials, and international experts from Central Asia, China, Qatar, Russia and…

ASTANA — The flower industry in Kazakhstan is blooming in terms of imports and domestic production. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, Kazakhstan imported 12,300 tons of cut flowers and buds in 2024, totaling $93.5 million, a significant increase compared to 2023, when imports made 8,200 tons worth $61.2 million. Kazakhstan boasts a rich…

ASTANA — Archaeologists in the Kostanai Region have intensified research into the Bronze Age settlement of Kamysty discovered in 1986. The latest excavations have uncovered artifacts and metallurgical remains that shed light on the lives of ancient communities and their role in early metal production. Rediscovered past The Kamysty settlement was first identified in 1986…

ASTANA — Tangy, rich, and full of history, fermented dairy products have been a dietary cornerstone across civilizations for centuries. In Central Asia, traditional foods such as kurt, kymyz, shubat, and irimshik represent a cultural legacy passed down through generations.  These time-honored staples remain widely enjoyed and valued for their unique taste and health benefits.…

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information hosted the annual Nauryz Ball on March 28 in Astana, uniting foreign diplomats, cultural figures and officials for an evening of traditional music, dance and customs to celebrate the Eastern New Year and Kazakh heritage. Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev opened the evening by honoring the…

ASTANA—Rooted in centuries of oral tradition, Kazakh proverbs have been capturing the nation’s wisdom, values and worldview. These short yet powerful expressions reflect themes of family, friendship, patriotism and perseverance, serving as a moral compass for generations. More than just phrases, they are the voice of history, echoing the essence of Kazakh identity and the…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s film industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with domestic productions driving a 30% surge in box office revenue in 2024. Once overshadowed by foreign films, local cinema now attracts private investors, state initiatives and international collaborations, bringing a new era to the nation’s entertainment landscape. According to Alexander Aksyutits, Top Pro Cinema CEO,…

NEW YORK — The Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in New York on March 3-7, underscored both progress and challenges in global disarmament. In an interview with The Astana Times, expert Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova spoke about the treaty’s implementation, the evolving geopolitical landscape, and Kazakhstan’s…

ASTANA — Gratitude Day, celebrated on March 1, is more than just a celebration in Kazakhstan – it is a tribute to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of hospitality. For generations, people from different corners of the world – some forced by history, others searching for new beginnings—have made Kazakhstan their home. Though their…

ASTANA — A high-level panel discussion marking the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and Kazakhstan’s accession to the organization convened over 70 representatives from government institutions, the diplomatic corps, the UN, and academia on Feb. 26. The event explored Kazakhstan’s contributions to global peace, security, and sustainable development while examining the evolving role of the UN…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is intensifying efforts to restore and protect its forests, which cover only 5% of the country’s territory but play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. In a written comment for The Astana Times, the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources outlined the…

ASTANA — Kazakh entrepreneur and environmental advocate Assel Seifullina will represent Kazakhstan and Central Asia at the Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka from April 23 to 25. In an interview with The Astana Times, Seifullina shared her journey, aspirations, and her project’s role in ecological transformation, as well as her vision for the…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s national team earned 20 medals, including four gold, nine silver and seven bronze, to finish fourth in the overall team competition at the 2025 Asian Winter Games concluded on Feb. 14 in Harbin, China.  According to the National Olympic Committee (NOC), Kazakhstan’s gold medals were secured by biathlete Vladislav Kireyev in the…

ASTANA — Kazakh artists from Astana Opera, Kazakh National University of Arts (Shabyt), and the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography will represent Kazakhstan at the Chingay Parade in Singapore on Feb. 7-8.  The annual parade celebrating the Lunar New Year holds special significance this year as Singapore marks the 60th anniversary of its independence.  The…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s strategic position at the crossroads of East and West, balancing state control with a growing market economy, gives it a unique role in global affairs, said Glenn Agung Hole, an associate professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway, in an interview with The Astana Times.  “Kazakhstan fascinates me for many reasons. Over…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan, a frontrunner in digital transformation, is no longer just adopting the world’s best practices—it is emerging as an enabler, said Vincenzo Aquaro, chief of the Digital Government Branch at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), in an interview with The Astana Times. Pioneer in digital governance “Rather than…

ASTANA — The 7th International Digital Almaty Forum gathered global tech leaders, officials, and investors for an extensive program exploring artificial intelligence’s (AI) transformative impact on governance and cybersecurity industries from Jan.31 to Feb.1. The event culminated in the highly anticipated Industry AI Battle, where startups competed for a $60,000 prize. The forum became a…

ASTANA — The Digital Almaty 2025 forum kicked off with a plenary session with officials from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries discussing the future of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in economic growth on Jan.31. “Over the past eight years Digital Almaty has established itself as an effective platform for…

ASTANA — The fifth European Union-Central Asia Civil Society Forum convened in Almaty on Jan. 28, drawing 150 representatives from EU institutions, UN agencies, regional governments and civil society organizations. The three-day forum aims to foster regional cooperation through discussions on gender equality, youth participation, digital transformation, and climate change. “Civil society lies at the…

ASTANA —  Kazakh traditional jewelry, celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural depth, is experiencing a revival. In Kazakhstan, these ornaments are far more than mere accessories; they embody a rich history, spirituality, and protective symbolism. Spanning centuries, they reveal the social customs and spiritual beliefs of the people who created and wore them. Modern…

ASTANA — “Janym Qazaqstan,” the first Kazakh feature film about tourism, invites viewers to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. Created in collaboration with Qazaq Geography, the film premiered nationwide on Jan. 23, captivating audiences with its vivid portrayal of Kazakhstan’s natural treasures through the eyes of a foreign visitor. In an interview…

ASTANA — Efforts to improve health, preserve cultural heritage, and promote community well-being are gaining momentum in Kazakhstan. Supporting this trend, companies like Nestlé in Kazakhstan lead social programs as part of their commitment to advance fundamental values. In an interview, Maksim Shchetin, the CEO of Nestlé Eurasia, spoke about how the company integrates business…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan marked a significant milestone in Islamic finance with the Jan. 14 launch of Central Asia and Caucasus’ first Shariah-compliant exchange-traded fund (ETF) under the International Trading System’s Shariah index, the ITSS ticker.  A roundtable in Astana on Jan. 16 explored the ETF’s impact, Islamic finance growth, global implications and prospects. The ITSS…

ASTANA—Hero’s Journey, a Kazakhstan-based gamified fitness studio, secured $6 million in funding at a $30 million valuation. In an interview with Digital Business on Jan 13, the founder, Ilyas Isatayev, discussed his journey from securing investment to breaking into the American market and preparing for future growth. Founded in 2023 and operating in Almaty and…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan faces a pivotal year as it navigates a mix of economic challenges and opportunities that could significantly shape its trajectory. Risks such as resource depletion, decaying infrastructure and inflation threaten to hinder growth, while manufacturing, agriculture and sustainable energy sectors offer avenues for progress. Erlan Karimov, writing for Economy.kz, an independent business…