Articles by Nagima Abuova

ASTANA — The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) poses urgent legal and ethical questions for governments worldwide. In an interview with Kazinform, Igor Rogov, the chair of Kazakhstan’s human rights commission and the president of the Kazakhstan Criminological Association, discussed the need for legal safeguards and global cooperation to ensure human rights are protected…

ASTANA — More than 350 Kazakh companies from across the country display thousands of locally made products from machinery and food to clothing and jewelry at the eighth annual Ulttyq Ónim (National Product) 2025 exhibition in Astana on May 16-18. The event serves as a platform for dialogue between business leaders, government agencies, international financial…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan honored the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a large-scale Victory Parade in Astana on May 7, its first since 2019. The event, held on Defender of the Fatherland Day, drew more than 5,000 spectators and featured over 4,000 military personnel, showcasing both the nation’s historical legacy and…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s growing appeal as a travel destination is supported by a comprehensive framework of policies, programs, and partnerships designed to ensure safe, high-quality and sustainable tourism. Much of this work, ranging from licensing systems and quality labels to infrastructure upgrades and workforce training, occurs behind the scenes but plays a critical role in…

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times introduces a new series, Forgotten Cities of the Silk Road. We are setting out to explore tentative UNESCO sites in Kazakhstan. Many now lie in ruins, but once were the epicenter of life, commerce and culture. We begin with Syganak, once the capital of the Kipchak Khanate and a strategic…

ASTANA — As major powers retreat from global leadership roles, middle powers must step up to advance subregional integration, said Professor Yan Xuetong, a renowned Chinese political scientist and one of the world’s most influential thinkers in the field of international relations, during a lecture in Astana on April 28. Yan, a distinguished professor and…

ASTANA — Growing up in Kazakhstan, Aigerim Seitenova never imagined that the silence surrounding her community’s nuclear past would one day propel her into global activism. Now a feminist, human rights professional, and nuclear disarmament advocate, she has transformed her personal connection to the painful history of Soviet-era nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk site into…

ASTANA — Mobilizing private capital is essential to closing Asia’s trillions of dollars infrastructure financing gap, said representatives from development banks, investment firms, and government agencies at a panel discussion organized by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy on April 29 at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). Kazakhstan’s…

ASTANA — Almaty hosted the sixth meeting of foreign ministers in the Central Asia–China format on April 26, focused on strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, developing transport interconnectivity, addressing regional challenges and threats, and promoting sustainable development and environmental security.  The meeting brought together Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat…

ASTANA — More than 1,600 people gathered at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation on April 24 in Astana to mark the 30th anniversary of an institution recognized for fostering national unity and civic harmony, the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan (APK).  The 34th plenary session, held under the theme 30 Years in the Name…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s strengthened primary health care (PHC) system has saved an estimated 270 million tenge (US$516,000) in just one region over two years and could save up to 32 billion tenge (US$59.2 million) nationwide if scaled, said Dr. Melitta Jakab, a head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) European Center for PHC, in an…

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…