Transformation of the Desert: A Kazakhstan Today Documentary

A meeting of Central Asian leaders, the return of a tiger to the wild, an international artificial intelligence olympiad and Comic Con in Astana - these and other developments feature in Kazakhstan Today’s weekly news digest for 31 July-6 August.

At the centre of the political agenda was an informal meeting of the leaders of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in Kyrgyzstan. During the meeting, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed developing and adopting an action plan to strengthen cooperation among the countries of the region. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Cholpon-Ata Declaration aimed at advancing cooperation in key areas.

Turning to other developments on the international agenda, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held a telephone conversation with Romania’s acting foreign minister. The two sides discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, the situation surrounding the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) and energy security.

Another major development was the return of the Amur tiger to the wild. For the first time in more than 70 years, a tigress named Ümit has been released into the wild in Kazakhstan. She is now exploring the territory of the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve, while specialists monitor her adaptation using a GPS collar.

The week was also eventful in education, with Astana hosting the III International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). The competition has brought together school students from more than 100 countries. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Kazakhstan had made a strategic choice in favour of digital development.

Rounding off the week’s highlights is a festival for film and pop culture fans: Comic Con Astana 2026 has opened in the Kazakh capital. Headliners include Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, actors Paul Anderson, Iñaki Godoy and Taz Skylar, as well as K-pop group Kandis.

Those were the week’s top stories. Follow Kazakhstan Today for the latest news.

 

Астана. 5 августа. KAZAKHSTAN TODAY - Kazakhstan has ranked first among the post-Soviet countries of Central Asia in the Prosperity Index, an international prosperity ranking compiled by the UK-based think tank Legatum Institute, inbusiness.kz reports.

Kazakhstan placed 66th globally. Kyrgyzstan ranked 87th, Uzbekistan 94th, while Turkmenistan came in 150th.

The Prosperity Index assesses countries across a range of indicators, including economic performance, quality of life, governance, safety and security, and personal freedoms.

According to the publication, Kazakhstan has climbed 17 places in the ranking since 2011. The country recorded its strongest improvement in healthcare. Legatum Institute analysts also highlighted Kazakhstan's consistently strong performance in education and economic quality, which remain among its key strengths.

Kazakhstan's highest-ever position in the Prosperity Index remains 63rd, achieved during its participation in the ranking.

 

A citywide musical flash mob, "Uly Dala Aueni: Abai's Musical Heritage," was held in Astana to mark the day dedicated to the great Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbayuly. Around 200 schoolchildren performed one of Abai's best-known songs, "Kozimnin Karasy," simultaneously, the Astana city administration said.

The event was aimed at promoting Abai's musical legacy, encouraging young people's interest in Kazakhstan's national arts and bringing together students from supplementary education institutions on a shared creative platform.

Held outdoors, the flash mob became a vibrant cultural event showcasing the richness of Kazakhstan's musical heritage. Organisers said the joint performance helped participants develop their creative potential, improve their performance skills and strengthen their appreciation of the country's national heritage.

 

Lake Balkhash is one of the world's most unusual lakes. Its western basin remains freshwater, while its eastern basin is saline. This unique natural phenomenon is located within the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve.

Established in 2018, the reserve protects the Ili River delta, tugai forests, wetlands and desert ecosystems. It is home to hundreds of species of animals and birds, including rare species listed in Kazakhstan's Red Book of endangered wildlife.

Historically, the Balkhash region was considered the natural habitat of the Turanian tiger. Today, the area is part of an international programme aimed at reintroducing the predator to the wild.

 

Балхаш. 3 августа. KAZAKHSTAN TODAY - Kazakhstan has released an Amur tiger into the wild for the first time in more than 70 years. The female tiger, named Ümit, was released in the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve.

The release marks the first practical stage of a programme aimed at returning tigers to their historic range. Before being released, the tigress underwent comprehensive veterinary examinations, behavioural assessments and hunting skills tests.

Following the release, the animal was fitted with a satellite GPS collar. Specialists are now monitoring her movements and adaptation to the wild around the clock.

In May 2026, four Amur tigers were brought to Kazakhstan. The male tiger and two cubs remain under the supervision of specialists as they continue preparations for their eventual release into the wild.

The programme's ultimate goal is to restore a self-sustaining tiger population in the Ile-Balkhash region.

 

Astana. Aug 3. KAZAKHSTAN TODAY - Kazakhstan's capital has launched its first pilot drone delivery service, marking the debut of the technology in Central Asia. The project was unveiled during the international Games of the Future 2026 tournament.

The unmanned aerial vehicles deliver orders in as little as five minutes. During the pilot phase, customers can order snacks, bottled drinks, coffee and souvenirs through dedicated pickup lockers.

Each drone is capable of carrying payloads of up to 2.5 kilograms and operates within a delivery radius of up to four kilometres.

The project is the first drone delivery service of its kind in Central Asia. It has been developed by Kazakhstan's Alatau Advance Air Group in partnership with international drone technology company Keeta Drone.

If the pilot programme proves successful, the service is expected to be rolled out on a permanent basis in Astana and Almaty as early as next year.

 

Presidential talks, new international agreements, a major sports tournament, and a historic victory for Kazakh fencers - a roundup of key events from July 24 to 30.

Starting in Omsk, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and attended the Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum. The heads of state discussed the advancement of their

strategic partnership and joint economic initiatives. Tokayev proposed that Putin consider freezing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and returning to a "Istanbul Formula 2.0" negotiation framework.

Concurrently, Kazakhstan sustained active diplomatic engagement with the United States. Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions centered on preparations for Tokayev’s upcoming visit to the U.S. to attend the G20 summit, the expansion of strategic ties, and the operational situation surrounding the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).

Meanwhile, at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers, Kosherbayev addressed regional security issues and preparations for the September summit in Bishkek with his counterparts. The Kazakh delegation separately highlighted the critical need to safeguard international trade routes amid ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure and oil tankers.

In the national capital, Astana became the global hub for phygital sports for a 12-day showcase. President Tokayev officially opened the "Games of the Future 2026" international tournament, bringing together over 800 athletes from 34 countries. On the sidelines of the event, the Kazakh leader held talks with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to discuss further bilateral cooperation.

Finally, in a landmark sporting achievement for the nation, the Kazakhstan men’s national fencing team claimed its first-ever World Championship title in Hong Kong. President Tokayev extended his personal congratulations to the team on their historic win.

 

Dan Merkley, CEO of Phygital International, highlighted Kazakhstan’s significant role in the development of phygital sports during his remarks at the press conference dedicated to the launch of the international tournament "Games of the Future - 2026".

In comments to journalists, he also noted that the "Games of the Future" are more than just sports: the project brings together technology, creativity, and the competitive spirit, shaping a new culture of interaction between humans and the digital space.