Articles by Aiman Nakispekova

ASTANA – 2023 in Kazakhstan marked significant political, economic, and social transformations.  This year witnessed a reset of political institutions, beginning with deputies at all levels and culminating with akims (mayors) of districts and regions.  On Jan. 14, elections for the Senate, the upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, took place, with 20 deputies selected…

ASTANA – As the end of the year approaches, Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Governor Renat Bekturov discussed the accomplishments of the center and shed light on how it addresses the challenge of capital consolidation for the economic development of Kazakhstan in an interview with Forbes Kazakhstan. What are the outcomes of the AIFC in…

ASTANA – The final weekend preceding the extended Christmas and New Year holidays in the Kazakh capital offers a diverse range of events tailored to various interests, creating an opportune time for both residents and visitors to engage with cultural and recreational offerings. New Season. New Music concert by Ratovich and Live Band on Dec.…

 ASTANA – Burabay State National Natural Park commenced its winter season with a festive concert at the Kazakh Lapland on Dec. 17. Known for its breathtaking nature, characterized by dense forests and pristine lakes, Burabay draws thousands of tourists annually. The winter season enhances the region’s allure, transforming it into a fairy-tale wonderland. Discovering Kazakh…

ASTANA – Erbulat Seilekhanov, the chief expert at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), discussed the six main priorities for Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in a recent article.  According to the expert, these priorities aim to enhance the organization’s global role, contributing to the strengthening of friendship and good neighborliness…

ASTANA – A roundtable discussion on the achievements and challenges in the development of Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector, organized by Qazaq Green renewable energy association, took place on Dec. 7, reported the association’s press service. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report – 2023, foreign direct investments (FDI)…

ASTANA – The Zhambyl Region has emerged as a pioneer in deploying wind and solar power stations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy landscape. The first industrial wind power station was launched on the Muzbel mountain pass in the Kordai district, using the region’s substantial wind energy potential. In total, the region…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on Dec. 10, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Recognized as a fundamental document, the UDHR guarantees the rights and dignity of every individual. The commemoration serves as a reminder of Kazakhstan’s commitment to the principles…

ASTANA – The Ata-Beyit memorial complex, situated 30 kilometers from Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, was established in 2000 to commemorate the victims of Soviet repression in the 1930s. Serving as a symbol of remembrance, it pays tribute to those who lost their lives and were interred in mass graves in the vicinity.…

ASTANA – The 14th Christmas Charity Bazaar, organized by Ambassadors’ Spouses Astana (ASA), raised 41.7 million tenge ($90,747) marking an 8% increase compared to last year’s event. The funds collected through this charitable event are annually allocated to social projects and individuals in need. In 2022, the bazaar raised nearly 38.5 million tenge (US$81,500), facilitating the…

ASTANA – Nurlan Nogayev, the akim (governor) of the Mangystau Region, discussed the pressing issues of the region and the corresponding measures to address them, including a detailed overview of the Mangystau Atomic Energy Complex (MAEC), during a Nov. 27 briefing, reported the press service of the akimat (governor’s office). “The MAEC is confronted with…

ASTANA – The 14th annual Christmas Charity Bazaar, organized by the Ambassadors Spouses Association (ASA) on Dec. 3, proved to be a memorable and meaningful event for all attendees. The festive occasion drew a large crowd, serving as a joyful kickoff to the holiday season while making a positive impact for the community. Lenise Correa…

ASTANA – Kazakh stunt performers featured in the “Napoleon” movie directed by British filmmaker Ridley Scott, announced Nomad Stunts, an International Action Company, on its Facebook page on Nov. 24. The film premiered globally on Nov. 22, with screenings commenced in Kazakhstan on Nov. 23. Zhaidarbek Kunguzhinov, the Founder and Director of Nomad Stunts, shared…

ASTANA – ALA ART FAIR, a contemporary art fair, will take place on Dec. 3-10 in Almaty, bringing together 11 galleries from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan on a single platform, reported the fair’s press service. The fair aims to establish itself as a recognized platform for fostering the development of the modern regional…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s 130 women entrepreneurs participated in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, initiated by the United States Department of State in 2021. This program provides women with opportunities to realize their economic potential, contributing to the creation of a more stable, safe, and prosperous society. Aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs by equipping…

ASTANA – The creative industry in Kazakhstan is rapidly growing, emerging as a significant sector of the economy. It includes areas such as film and television, music, design, visual arts, fashion, and advertising.  State support measures  In his state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 1, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of the creative production sector in the…

BISHKEK – A delegation from Kazakhstan, led by Maulen Ashimbayev, the Chairperson of the Senate, an upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, participated in the Kazakh-Kyrgyz Youth Forum in Bishkek on Nov. 17-19. The forum focused on the youth’s role in strengthening relations between the two countries, artificial intelligence (AI), and the creative industry. The…

ASTANA – Kazakh-American opera singer Timur Bekbosunov has recently earned a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Opera Recording category for his groundbreaking collaboration, “Black Lodge Opera.” This innovative project is a joint effort with composer David T. Little and United States poet Anne Waldman, pushing the boundaries of classical contemporary music. In an interview…

ASTANA – The second meeting in the framework of regional expert sessions on developing creative industries in Kazakhstan, aiming to analyze regional creative ecosystems, was hosted by Alikhan Bokeikhan University in Semey with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) support on Nov.21, reported UNDP’s press service. The session focused on identifying factors influencing the creative…

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu engaged in discussions with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó on Nov. 21 in Budapest, exploring avenues for strengthening Kazakh-Hungarian cooperation, reported the ministry’s press service. The discussion centered on cooperation in political, trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres and collaboration within…

ASTANA – The United Kingdom (U.K) stands out as one of Kazakhstan’s principal trade partners and ranks as the seventh-largest investor in the country’s economy, according to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who highlighted these points during a meeting with Nusrat Ghani, the British Minister of Industry and Economic Security on Nov. 21, reported the Akorda…

ASTANA – The Christmas Charity Bazaar, organized by the Ambassadors Spouses Association (ASA), is scheduled to unite the diplomatic community and city residents on Dec. 3 at the Astana Radisson Hotel, announced ASA on its Instagram page. Marking its 14th anniversary, the bazaar has become a highly anticipated event in Astana, evolving into a tradition…

ASTANA – The Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held discussions with representatives of foreign companies to advance joint investment projects in Kazakhstan, reported the ministry press service on Nov.17. In a meeting with officials from the French company Total Energies, the parties explored future cooperation, emphasizing hybrid projects incorporating renewable energy…

ASTANA – The Kazakh delegation led by Aigul Kuspan, сhairwoman of the Committee for International Affairs, Defense and Security of the Mazhilis, the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament, participated in the 20th meeting of the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in Brussels on Nov 13, reported Kazinform news agency. The talks…

ASTANA – The representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro is on a visit to Kazakhstan on Nov. 13-15, announced Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov at a Nov. 13 press briefing, reported the ministry’s press service.  On Nov. 13, Ribeiro met with Minister…