LSE Professor Talks Regional Development in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Rapid economic growth might sound like a success story, but more often than not, it comes with rising inequalities and regional disparities. It is a challenge for both developed and developing countries to distribute this growth equally, said Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, the professor of economic geography at the London School of Economics (LSE), in…
Kazakhstan Plays Pivotal Role in Fostering Regional Stability, Says OSCE Secretary-General
ASTANA – Helga Schmid, the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), highlighted Kazakhstan’s vital role in promoting regional security and fostering economic prosperity in her recent interview with Kazinform international news agency. Schmid, who visited Astana on June 8-9 to address the Astana International Forum, commended Kazakhstan for its active…
1,000 Athletes, 60 Countries: Electrifying Journey Through Ironman Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Astana witnessed the fourth edition of Ironman Kazakhstan on July 2. Welcoming over 1,000 participants from 60 countries with Kazakh hospitality, sunshine and perfect weather, the event showcased the power of human determination in the face of challenging triathlon races. In a remarkable display of strength and determination, over 3,000 people gathered early…
Kazakh Capital Hosts Bike Event Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary
ASTANA – Astana hosted a bicycle parade, gathering over 400 participants who embarked on a cycling rally covering 25 distances in the run-up to the Kazakh capital’s 25th anniversary on July 6. The rally commenced from the cycle path in Koschi (a village near Astana) and culminated in the Green Belt Park en route to…
ADB Expert Calls for Strengthening Disaster Risk Protection in Region
ASTANA – As the impacts of climate change continue to escalate, the frequency and intensity of natural hazards are expected to rise, posing greater threats to lives and livelihoods in Central Asia and South Asia. In response to this growing risk, governments are increasingly implementing financial protection measures to aid disaster response, including floods and…
Abai Center in Washington Reveals Richness of Kazakh Culture
ASTANA – Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Abai Center stands as a vibrant hub for promoting and preserving Kazakh culture and seeks to transform Kazakhstan’s representation, often made of false narratives, said Aitolkyn Kourmanova, a producer at the Abai Center, in an interview with The Astana Times. Launched in early 2020 in…
Kazakhstan Reaffirms Commitment to Eliminate Torture
ASTANA – As the world marked the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26, Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to international obligations aimed at eliminating torture. The implementation of the provisions of the Convention Against Torture, which the country ratified in 1998, remains a fundamentally important guideline for the development of Kazakhstan,…
President Tokayev Chairs Security Council Emergency Meeting Over Situation in Russia
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the extraordinary meeting of the Security Council on June 25 in Astana over the situation in Russia, which approved the Operational Plan of Action developed by the Kazakh government, reported the Akorda press service. The meeting, which gathered the Prime Minister, Prosecutor General, the National Security Committee Chairman, as…
Kazakhstan Takes over Chair in Dialogue of Women of Central Asia
ASTANA – Kazakhstan commenced its role as chair of the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia on June 19, an informal platform that brings together female parliamentarians from the region to discuss ongoing developmental issues and strengthen cooperation. Supported by the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), the UN Development…
UNESCO Director-General’s Visit to Kazakhstan Opens New Avenues for Cooperation
ASTANA – The visit of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director General Audrey Azoulay to Kazakhstan on June 7-9 marked a significant milestone in the country’s collaboration with the organization, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the recent meeting of the National Kuryltai in Turkestan. “Recently, at my invitation, the Director General…
UN Diplomat Shares Insights on Multilateralism, Security Council Reforms
ASTANA – The significance of embracing a multilateral mindset is growing, yet recommitting to it through a crisis is a luxury the world cannot afford, said David Chikvaidze, Chef de Cabinet to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), in an interview with The Astana Times. There are two interpretations of multilateralism,…
Special Operation Rescues Hostages in Bank in Astana
ASTANA – Law enforcement agencies stormed the premises of Kaspi Bank in Astana on June 18, rescuing all hostages and neutralizing the hostage taker, reports the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At around 3 p.m., an armed individual broke into the Kaspi Bank building on Dostyk Street and took seven employees hostage, according to the ministry’s…
Ninety One: Beacon of Cultural Expression and Activism Through Music in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has witnessed a remarkable surge in its pop music scene over the past few years, with a new wave of talented artists emerging and captivating audiences. In a world where music has the power to connect people from diverse backgrounds and make a change, the Kazakh band Ninety One has emerged as…
World-Renowned Ludovico Einaudi Set to Perform in Kazakhstan in September
ASTANA – Internationally acclaimed composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi is scheduled to take the stage in Kazakhstan this September in an eagerly awaited event for music enthusiasts in the country as part of his Asia and Caucasus tour. The concert will take place in the Qazaqstan concert hall in Astana on Sept. 19 and in…
Fires in Abai Region Declared under Control as President Tokayev Dismisses Minister of Emergency Situations
ASTANA – Two days since a fire broke out in the Batpayev forestry in the Abai Region, with large areas of forest and grasslands being engulfed in flames, the fire has been declared under control, said Nurbolat Derbisov, chairman of the Fire Service Committee at the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations. Additional rescuers from the…
Astana International Forum is an Important Addition to Major Economic Forums, Says Canadian Professor
ASTANA – Astana International Forum (AIF) is an important addition to major economic forums held annually, said Bart W. Édes, Professor of Practice at McGill University and distinguished fellow at Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, in an interview with The Astana Times. The forum will commence on June 8 with the plenary session addressed by…
Here’s What You Need to Know about Astana International Forum This Week
ASTANA – The bustling Kazakh capital is set to host the highly anticipated Astana International Forum (AIF) this week, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and prominent figures from various fields to engage in an inspiring dialogue aimed at shaping the future of humanity. The forum, scheduled to commence on June 8, promises to be a…
Kazakhstan Powers Ahead, Unleashing Potential of Renewable Energy Under Critical Challenges
ASTANA – Rodina (Motherland) village, located 70 kilometers from the capital city Astana in the middle of the steppe, is the kind of spot the nation sees as the future of energy. Having its own wind turbines, the Rodina village generates enough electricity to meet its needs. The village is one of the few examples…
Kazakhstan and Spain Forge Stronger Trade Ties, Opening Door to New Opportunities
ASTANA – On May 30, Astana hosted the 10th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic and Industrial Cooperation. Chaired by Kazakh Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Kairat Torebayev and Secretary of State for Trade of Spain Xiana Margarida Méndez Bértolo, the meeting reaffirmed the strong willingness to explore new opportunities for cooperation beyond…
Screen vs. Print: Kazakhstan’s TopIQ Platform Brings Digital Textbooks and Interactive Learning Content to Wider Children’s Audience
ASTANA – The TopIQ platform offers digital books to children and teachers, spearheading a digital revolution along with other startups in the Kazakh education sector by harnessing technologies to enhance education opportunities for children. Starting as an idea during the pandemic, the platform, developed by Almatykitap, one of the nation’s oldest publishing houses, has found…
Kazakhstan Should Make Use of Cooperation with China, Say Experts
ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to China was a major highlight of last week. The milestone China-Central Asia summit on May 19, which welcomed Tokayev and other Central Asian leaders in Xian, drew global attention, with leaders reaffirming their plans to strengthen cooperation with China. According to Kazakhstan’s experts, the country should…
Central Asia and EU Prioritize Sustainability, Connectivity, Economic Development Amid Complex Geopolitical Landscape
ASTANA – Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union (EU) is taking a new turn amid the ongoing geopolitical shifts and will continue to grow with a focus on connectivity, sustainable growth and economic development, according to experts. “Since the Central Asian countries gained independence, we have had stable strategic relations with the EU.…
ADB Seeks to Address Intertwined Challenges in Central Asia and Caucasus Through Regional Cooperation
ASTANA – In recent years, the Central Asia and Caucasus regions have been facing a myriad of complex challenges that require concerted efforts and regional cooperation. Ranging from climate change impact to food insecurity and economic effects of geopolitical conflicts, these challenges are deeply intertwined and cannot be effectively addressed in isolation. Asian Development Bank…
IMF Regional Outlook Reveals Promising Growth Prospects for Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economy is forecast to grow 4.3% in 2023, up from 3.2% in 2022, driven by the normalization of oil production and expansion of the country’s giant Tengiz field, said Subir Lall, Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund. Lall spoke in Astana on May…
We Are Heading Towards Just and Fair Kazakhstan, Says Respublica Party Chair
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s recent parliamentary election saw the emergence of new political forces that aim to create positive changes in the country. A young Respublica party, focused on economic development and entrepreneurship, has managed to navigate the complexities of the political landscape, securing seats in the Mazhilis (lower house of the Parliament) and bringing fresh…
