Kazakhstan Showcases Achievements in Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation at the United Nations
Images | gov.kz
Kazakhstan presented its key projects in digital transformation and artificial intelligence development at United Nations Headquarters in New York, according to Kazakhstan's Permanent Mission to the UN.
Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, outlined the country's transition towards an AI-Native Government model. Particular attention was given to the development of national digital infrastructure, including the Smart Data Ukimet platform, the eGov.GPT system, proactive public services, the Digital Family Card, and the unified e-government integration platform.
Participants were also introduced to Kazakhstan's national artificial intelligence ecosystem, which includes the Law on Artificial Intelligence, the Presidential Council for AI Development, projects aimed at expanding supercomputing capacity, the creation of domestic large language models, and the construction of the country's first Data Center Valley project.
Special attention was paid to the activities of the AlemAI International Center for Artificial Intelligence Development, which was recently launched in Astana. The centre brings together educational, research and innovation programmes in the field of artificial intelligence and is focused on training a new generation of specialists.
Participants highly praised Kazakhstan's experience in digitalising public services and developing a national AI ecosystem. According to attendees, Kazakhstan's practices could serve as a model for other countries seeking to use digital technologies to improve the efficiency of public administration and the quality of public services.
The discussion also underscored the importance of international cooperation in ensuring the safe, inclusive and human-centred development of artificial intelligence technologies.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Inciting Discord on Social Media Can Lead to Up to 20 Years in Prison, Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General's Office Warns
Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General's Office has issued a public appeal in response to a growing number of provocative posts and comments on social media aimed at inciting discord within society.
The supervisory authority stressed that such actions are unacceptable and carry legal consequences under national legislation.
Under Article 174 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code, incitement of discord is punishable by a fine ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 monthly calculation indices (MCIs), or by restriction of liberty or imprisonment for a term of between two and 20 years, depending on the severity of the offense.
In addition, the law prohibits the publication and dissemination of unlawful content on online platforms. If such actions do not constitute a criminal offense, they may still result in administrative liability, including a fine of 20 MCIs.
The Prosecutor General's Office also reminded citizens of the legal consequences of spreading false information. Depending on the circumstances, offenders may face either administrative or criminal penalties.
Particular attention should be paid to verifying the accuracy of information before sharing it, and citizens should refrain from publishing or distributing materials that could provoke discord within society," the statement said.
The agency noted that legal responsibility applies not only to the authors of unlawful content but also to individuals who knowingly participate in its dissemination.
The Prosecutor General's Office urges citizens not to succumb to provocations, not to spread unverified information, and to refrain from posts and comments that could undermine social harmony and mutual respect among citizens," the statement said.
The supervisory authority emphasized that the unity of the people of Kazakhstan, mutual respect, and social cohesion are among the most important prerequisites for the country's stability and security. Law enforcement agencies, for their part, will continue to prevent and suppress any violations that threaten public order and safety.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
From e-Visas to Tax IDs: Foreign Nationals to Access Migration Services Through a Single App
Kazakhstan is gradually rolling out QazETA, a digital platform designed to provide foreign nationals with migration-related and associated services through a one-stop-shop system, a correspondent reports.
Earlier, Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov announced the development of the QazETA mobile application during a government meeting. According to him, the service will enable foreigners to access a wide range of migration services digitally, beginning with the issuance of an Individual Identification Number (IIN).
QazETA is currently operating in pilot mode. At this stage, users can apply for electronic visas (e-Visa), obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), receive e-Residency status in Kazakhstan, and request a certificate confirming crossings of the state border.
At present, citizens of 105 countries can enter Kazakhstan using an electronic visa without having to apply through diplomatic missions. Special visa categories are also available, including the Digital Nomad Visa for IT professionals and the Neo Nomad Visa for tourists. Entry with an e-Visa is permitted through Kazakhstan’s international airports.
In addition, foreign visitors arriving through airports and major border checkpoints are issued tourist cards containing QR codes with information on rules of stay, emergency contacts and telecommunications service providers.
For citizens of countries that enjoy visa-free access to Kazakhstan, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has been introduced. Applications can be submitted through the mobile app no later than 72 hours before travel. During the pilot phase, obtaining an ETA remains voluntary, but authorities plan to make it mandatory in the future.
One of the platform’s key services is e-Residency, which is being implemented under the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The programme allows foreign nationals to remotely obtain an IIN, open a bank account, activate an eSIM, register a company and conduct business in Kazakhstan.
The functionality of QazETA is expected to expand further. Future updates are set to include access to health insurance services, payment of service fees and a fast-track border clearance option for ETA holders.
According to the interior minister, legislative amendments required for the further development of digital migration services are currently under consideration in Parliament.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Rakhimbayev Appointed Head of Almaty Region's Entrepreneurship Department
Images | gov.kz
Aibol Rakhimbayev has been appointed head of the Entrepreneurship and Industrial-Innovative Development Department of the Almaty Region, the regional akimat's press service reported.
Rakhimbayev was born in 1991 and holds a higher education degree. He graduated from the International University of Business in 2012 and earned a master's degree from Q University in 2024.
He began his career in 2013 as a credit manager at MFO 1 Credit LLP.
Over the years, he has worked as a chief specialist, sector head and department head in the Entrepreneurship Department of Ili District; a chief specialist in the Economy and Finance Department; deputy akim of the Zhetygen and Energetichesky rural districts; and a chief specialist at the National Center for State Scientific and Technical Expertise JSC.
Since November 2023, he had served as deputy head of the Entrepreneurship and Industrial-Innovative Development Department of the Almaty Region.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan Sends Nearly 319 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid and Medical Team to Afghanistan
Kazakhstan has delivered 318.8 tonnes of humanitarian aid and dispatched a team of doctors to Afghanistan. A Kazakh delegation arrived in Kabul on a humanitarian and business mission, the Kazakh government’s press service said.
The aid shipment included 1.867 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies, 300 tonnes of sugar, 100 summer tents, bedding and other essential goods.
The bulk of the cargo - eight railway wagons - was delivered to Hairatan station in Afghanistan’s Balkh Province. Part of the medical supplies arrived by air together with the delegation.
The delegation also included paediatricians, gastroenterologists, surgeons, trauma specialists and doctors from other medical fields.
According to the United Nations, around 30 million of Afghanistan’s 45 million residents currently require humanitarian assistance. More than 1.3 million children under the age of five need treatment for malnutrition.
Kazakhstan remains the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan among Central Asian countries. Over the past five years, the republic has supplied tens of thousands of tonnes of food, medicines, medical equipment, tents and other essential goods to the country.
Kazakhstan’s first humanitarian medical mission to Afghanistan took place in November 2025. During the ten-day mission, 13 Kazakh doctors performed 44 operations and provided medical assistance to more than 100 patients.
On 17 June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ratified a memorandum of understanding between the Government of Kazakhstan and the United Nations on the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan Considers Pension System Reform
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is considering several options for modernising the country’s pension system, including the introduction of a social pension benefit, the redistribution of employers’ pension contributions, and the possibility of taking a 40-year employment record into account when determining retirement eligibility.
According to the ministry, one of the proposals put forward by the State Social Insurance Fund is the introduction of a social pension payment scheme. Under the proposal, the size of the benefit would depend on an individual’s average monthly income relative to the median wage, as well as their length of employment. The developers believe such a model would reduce the risks associated with a purely funded pension system and make future pension payments more predictable.
The Unified Accumulative Pension Fund has proposed a model under which 4% of mandatory employer pension contributions would be directed to an individual retirement account, while 1% would be allocated to a solidarity-based insurance component. The initiative is intended to provide lifelong financial support to pensioners regardless of life expectancy.
In addition, discussions are underway regarding a proposal by Senate deputy Amangeldy Nugmanov to establish a mandatory 40-year employment record as one of the conditions for retirement. For public-sector employees who have exceeded this threshold, the proposal would allow them to decide independently when to retire.
The discussions involve a number of prominent Kazakh experts, including Alikhan Baimenov, Bolat Zhamishev, Oraz Jandosov and Yelena Bakhmutova.
The Ministry of Labour stressed that all proposals remain at the discussion stage and are advisory in nature. Final decisions will be made only after assessing their financial sustainability, social effectiveness and potential impact on citizens.
The ministry also noted that since the beginning of 2026, both basic and solidarity pensions have been increased by 10%, while the maximum basic pension has risen to 118% of the subsistence minimum. This figure is expected to reach 120% by 2027.
In addition, Kazakhstan continues the gradual increase of mandatory employer pension contribution rates, which are scheduled to reach 5% by 2028.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Tokayev Issues Instructions to Regional Governors on Development Priorities
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held telephone conversations with the governors of the Atyrau, Zhambyl, Mangystau and Ulytau regions, instructing them to accelerate the construction of social infrastructure, strengthen regional economic potential and intensify engagement with local communities, the Akorda press service said.
The governors briefed the president on key socio-economic indicators in their regions and outlined plans for the coming period.
Tokayev told Serik Shapkenov, Yerbol Karashukeyev, Nurdaulet Kilybay and Dastan Ryspekov that regional development requires new approaches. He instructed them to take concrete measures aimed at strengthening the economic potential of their respective regions and addressing social issues affecting citizens.
The president ordered the acceleration of construction projects involving social infrastructure for children and young people, including children's rehabilitation centres, outpatient clinics and hospitals. He also stressed the importance of continuing large-scale efforts under the Taza Kazakhstan environmental campaign.
In addition, the governors were instructed to maintain constant contact with residents and respond promptly to emerging issues. Regional leaders were told to pay particular attention to environmental conditions, as well as efforts to combat crime and deliberate violations of the law.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan's Judicial System Plays a Crucial Role in National Progress, Tokayev Says
Images | Akorda
Kazakhstan's judicial system plays a crucial role in the progress and prosperity of any civilized nation, President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Tokayev said during a meeting with chief justices of the supreme courts of member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), according to the presidential press service Akorda.
Therefore, strengthening ties between our supreme courts fully serves the common interests of our brotherly nations," Tokayev said.
The president emphasized that many countries today are pursuing dynamic development in an effort to meet the challenges of the modern era and keep pace with rapid global technological change.
We need to join forces and work together in this direction. At tomorrow’s conference in Turkistan, participants will comprehensively discuss the digitalization of the judicial sector, the protection of investors’ rights, and other important issues. It can be said that such an agenda is both timely and highly relevant," the head of state stated.
Tokayev said that the exchange of views on these matters would provide significant momentum for the development of the Organization of Turkic States and help strengthen its international standing.
As is well known, Kazakhstan supports all constructive initiatives within the OTS and will continue to do so in the future," he added.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Astana Medical University to Be Granted National Status
Images | @amuedukz
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has endorsed an initiative to name specialised medical universities after prominent figures in the field of medicine, according to the presidential press service.
One of the recognised institutions of Kazakhstan’s higher education system is Astana Medical University, which has been successfully developing digital healthcare and biomedicine. Given the university’s evident achievements, the government believes it deserves the highest designation - National University status. I support this proposal," Tokayev said.
The president also approved the proposal to name the capital’s medical university after the distinguished scientist and founder of Kazakhstan’s school of nutrition science and preventive medicine, Toregeldy Sharmanov, who was awarded the country’s highest honour, the title of Qazaqstannyn Enbek Eri (Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan).
Tokayev further backed the initiative of the government and the medical community to name the Karaganda Medical University after its founder and long-serving rector, Pyotr Moiseyevich Pospelov.
On the eve of the 125th anniversary of this legendary founder of the renowned Karaganda medical school, such a decision would represent an act of genuine historical justice," the president said.
Earlier, Tokayev congratulated healthcare workers on their professional holiday.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.