AGP Executive Report

Creative Economy Spotlight: Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen urged Astana Finance Days to back the creative industries with investment, infrastructure, and stronger legal protection for artists, arguing that development funds can connect creators with investors. International Cultural Diplomacy: Italy’s traveling design exhibition “The Languages of Time in Design (1995–2026)” opens in Astana on Sept. 11, continuing a Central Asia tour meant to deepen cultural dialogue through design, research, and innovation. Arts & Heritage in Focus: A new permanent contemporary art hub in Uzbekistan, CCA Tashkent, highlights how Central Asia’s culture sector is gaining global attention—driven by figures like Gayane Umerova and major investment in arts ecosystems. Education & Skills Pressure: Kazakhstan’s transport sector needs about 57,000 more specialists as infrastructure and digital logistics expand, with planners pointing to new roles and training capacity across universities and colleges. Travel & Lifestyle: SCAT Airlines will launch Shymkent–Singapore flights via Sanya from Oct. 20, adding another route for Kazakhstan’s growing links to Asia. Remembering a Journalist: Renowned Kazakh journalist Yuriy Mizinov has passed away, leaving a legacy in independent socio-political media.

Shakira in Bishkek: The planned Colombian star’s concert still isn’t official. Kyrgyz producer Islam Satarov says no contract has been signed yet, despite earlier reports of a $1 million advance and claims of penalties after Shakira’s team heard the rumors. Creative Economy Spotlight: Dimash Qudaibergen met Astana Finance Days officials to discuss how Kazakhstan can grow its creative industries—calling for stronger legal protection for artists, creative funding, and better financial literacy. Education & Skills Push: Kazakhstan is testing AI to fix textbook problems after finding about 700 errors, including outdated references to Nur-Sultan. In parallel, a new government meeting put skilled-worker training front and center as transport and logistics demand tens of thousands of specialists. Travel & Lifestyle: SCAT Airlines will launch a Singapore–Shymkent route via Sanya starting Oct 20, with transit staying in the airport zone. Health Habits: Kazakhstan is considering tighter fast-food advertising rules for children across TV, radio, social media, and billboards. Sports Culture: Astana’s Dimash also made headlines abroad as tennis and global events rolled on, while Kazakhstan’s wider cultural scene continues to connect with international audiences.

Education Funding in Astana: Kazakhstan is boosting its education budget in Astana by 14.7 billion tenge as student numbers rise, with major allocations for teacher salaries, new textbooks, school per-capita support, and extra help for supplementary education. AI Textbook Overhaul: The Education Ministry says it found about 700 errors in school textbooks and is testing an AI-powered digital platform to update future editions, including fixing outdated references like “Nur-Sultan.” Skills for Growth: Kazakhstan’s first government meeting after Kurultai elections put skilled-worker training at the center, warning that the economy will need millions of specialists by 2035 and that qualified labor gaps are already pushing recruitment from abroad. PISA 2025 Results: Kazakhstan’s PISA scores show science progress over the long term but recent declines in math, with many students struggling with core foundational skills. Korean Language Demand: After joining South Korea’s Employment Permit System, more Kazakhstani jobseekers are learning Korean, with new testing access helping turn language study into a practical career route. Culture & Design in Astana: An Italian design exhibition, “The Languages of Time in Design,” opens in Astana on Sept. 11, bringing 30 years of Italian creativity to Kazakhstan’s arts scene. Food Ads for Kids: Kazakhstan is considering tighter rules on fast-food advertising aimed at children across TV, social media, and billboards, citing health impacts and rising youth overweight rates. New Air Route: SCAT Airlines plans a Singapore–Shymkent connection via Sanya starting Oct 20, adding another travel option for Central Asia-bound passengers. Nomadic Heritage in Sport: Kazakhstan is among the participants in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul International Games, running through Sept. 12 and promoting regional sports ties.

Terror & Security: South Korea plans to raise its terror alert ahead of the first Korea–Central Asia summit, with tighter immigration checks and patrols in Seoul and nationwide. Education & Rights: Kazakhstan says private schools could lose licenses if female students wear hijabs, citing mandatory uniform rules and secular education. Culture & Heritage: A French historian’s book on the Golden Horde was presented in Almaty, spotlighting how the steppe empire shaped Eurasian trade and cultural exchange. Nomadic Culture in Action: Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games momentum continues with NOMAD FEST awards and the “Köçmön dö r sanaty” traditional music finale, where Kazakhstan performers took top prizes. Sports & Regional Spotlight: The International Issyk-Kul Games opened in Kyrgyzstan with athletes from Kazakhstan and beyond, running through Sept. 12. Science & Lifestyle: Kyrgyzstan will build a modern beekeeping lab to test honey quality to meet international standards. Aviation & Lifestyle: SCAT Airlines will launch Shymkent–Singapore flights via China’s Sanya, expanding Kazakhstan’s travel links across Asia.

Interparty Diplomacy: Qurultay deputies from Kazakhstan met China and Central Asian counterparts to discuss the Central Asia–China Political Parties Dialogue and back a 2026–2030 long-term strategy, with priorities spanning transport, industry, digital tech, AI, energy, agriculture, education, and cultural ties. Education & Rights: Kazakhstan’s education minister says private schools could lose licenses if they allow hijabs, citing a uniform rule meant to keep schooling secular—an approach that has already triggered court cases and reports of girls leaving schools. Culture & Film: Actress Shugyla Yeshen talks about Kazakhstan’s upcoming historical action film “Zheti Qaraqshy,” linking Semipalatinsk memory to a new generation of roles and raising questions about women’s opportunities in cinema. Tech & Society: An EU-backed Astana workshop trained teens to counter cyberbullying, warning that digitalization isn’t “natural” and needs human decisions and shared solutions. Aviation & Lifestyle: SCAT plans a Shymkent–Singapore route via China’s Sanya, while Kazakhstan’s carriers keep expanding Asian links. Heritage & Research: Scholars in Kyrgyzstan called for a living, digitally supported approach to nomadic culture studies, including AI-assisted archives and stronger international academic exchanges.

Education Reform: Kazakhstan is reshaping technical and vocational training, with the Enlightenment Minister saying 32 college specialties (including 41 vocational qualifications) may be removed due to weak labor-market demand, while 20 new specialties are being added and micro-qualifications introduced. Funding Push: Support for vocational education is set to rise to 75 bln tenge in 2027, with 133,000 students expected to enter colleges under the state order and 70% of places focused on technical fields. College Expansion: Kazakhstan plans to build 13 modern colleges across 11 regions, aiming to fix shortages and upgrade material resources for 143 state colleges needing renewal. Libraries Go Digital: A new Kazakhstan library information portal launches with legislative resources, training materials, and a “Zerdeli Ult” section promoting reading culture, available in Kazakh, Russian, and English. Arts & Culture: The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival opens for its 33rd run in Antalya, featuring Verdi, Tolstoy-based ballet “Anna Karenina,” and a Kazakhstan-linked closing production. Nomad Heritage: Scholars from 23 countries call for joint efforts to preserve nomadic cultural heritage as the World Nomad Games spotlight traditional sports and living traditions. Youth & Safety: An EU-backed Nazarbayev University workshop teaches Astana teens how to counter cyberbullying through values-based campaigns and student-made videos. Talent Spotlight: Kazakhstan climbs 39 spots in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, reinforcing its push to become an education hub.

Cyberbullying & Youth Education: Astana teens (14–16) trained at Nazarbayev University on “Digital Dignity,” learning values-based ways to respond to harassment and producing four short video campaigns after real-case simulations. Education & Careers: Kazakhstan’s push to become a Central Asia education hub is gaining momentum, but experts warn the skills young people learn must connect to real job opportunities, with growing ties to Hong Kong and Chinese universities. Innovation & Startups: Nazarbayev University’s innovation ecosystem is helping Kazakh student startups go global, using accelerator-style programs and partnerships to build companies that can compete internationally. Traditional Culture & Sport: Kazakhstan topped the overall medal standings at the 6th World Nomad Games, with 74 medals, as the event showcased steppe traditions like kok-boru and zher-ulaq. Science & Medicinal Plants: Kazakh researchers reported antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds from native medicinal flora, including lab results on plant extracts and isolated molecules. Tech & Global Attention: Tech leaders are publicly backing Astana’s startup scene, with renewed interest in Kazakhstan as a “techno-optimist” destination. Culture Diplomacy: The Akhal-Teke horse tradition continues to travel—international championships in the Netherlands highlight Turkmen heritage through sport, music, and diplomacy.

World Nomad Games Handover: Kyrgyzstan officially passed the baton of the 7th World Nomad Games to Russia’s Tatarstan, with Kazan set to host in 2028, as officials highlighted the event’s role in keeping nomadic culture alive through sport and culture. Nomad Games Spotlight: The 6th Games in Kyrgyzstan drew 3,000+ athletes from 109 countries, with Kyrgyzstan topping the medal table and kok-boru ending in a dominant 12:0 Kyrgyz win over Kazakhstan. Heritage & Faith: A 19th-century Mangistau mosque tied to religious education and moral values is being preserved, noted for its 22 rooms and 28 domes—an architectural reminder of local spiritual history. Tech & Education Buzz: Tech leaders are publicly backing Kazakhstan’s high-tech push, including Astana-based founder communities and renewed interest in global talent and digital skills. UFC Culture Moment: Kazakh fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov says his UFC return is far from guaranteed after a knee injury, framing his comeback mindset as “the Kazakh way.” Bilateral Culture Ties: Laos and Kazakhstan pledged deeper cooperation across trade, transport, education and digital development during talks in Astana.

World Nomad Games: Kyrgyzstan topped the medal table at the 6th World Nomad Games in Issyk-Kul with 72 medals (30 gold), while Kazakhstan finished second with 64 medals (29 gold). Traditional sport spotlight: In kok-boru’s final, Kyrgyzstan crushed Kazakhstan 12:0, underlining how deeply the Games protect nomadic heritage. Culture & dialogue: A Kazakh professor framed the event as a platform for open dialogue of cultures, while an international scientific conference on nomadic civilizations brought scholars from many countries to discuss heritage, ethno-sports, and preservation. Next edition planning: Kyrgyz officials say the 7th World Nomad Games will be in Kazan, Tatarstan in 2028, with Tatarstan’s leadership already meeting Kyrgyz counterparts to coordinate culture, education, science, youth policy, and sports. Kazakhstan politics: Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Qurultay began work after the parliamentary reform, and President Tokayev appointed Erlan Karin as the country’s first vice-president under the new constitution. International culture exchange: Kazakhstan’s cultural ties also surfaced abroad, including Azerbaijani culture showcased at a national minorities festival in Sokolov with Kazakhstan among participating countries.

Parliament Reform Watch: Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Qurultay has started work after the Aug. 23 election under the updated constitutional system, with President Tokayev nominating Aibek Dadebai as Speaker and appointing Erlan Karin as the country’s first vice president. Leadership & Succession Buzz: Al Jazeera reports Karin’s creation of a new “vice president” post—widely seen as a potential succession path—while analysts caution against reading it as a final answer. Nomad Games Culture: The World Nomad Games 2026 in Kyrgyzstan are wrapping up, with horseback archery and ethnic music highlights drawing athletes from 100+ countries; Kazakhstan’s Serikbolsyn Zhalgasuly won gold in falconry, while Kanat Baktybai took the tenge ilu title. Heritage on Stage: Kyrchyn’s “Universe of Nomads” cultural program concluded, and the Kochmondor Zhanyrygy ethnic music festival crowned Nurdoolot Derkembaev with Kazakhstan’s Jasmina Tleumbetova taking second. SCO Diplomacy: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, Xi Jinping urged “universal security,” while PM Modi pushed SCO members to coordinate against the “terror ecosystem.” Travel Rules: Thailand’s visa-free scheme changes from Sept. 15, cutting visa-free access for many nationalities (Kazakhstan is still covered via separate arrangements). Arts & Film Exchange: Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games hosted major film figures, including Natalia Arinbasarova, as organizers use cinema and culture to deepen international ties.

Nomad Games Culture: Kyrchyn Gorge wrapped up the “Universe of Nomads” ethno-village program, with horseback archery winners honored and a chapan presented as a symbol of friendship and unity. Ethnic Music Spotlight: In Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz performer Nurdoolot Derkembaev won the Grand Prix at the international ethnic music festival “Kochmondor Zhanyrygy,” with Kazakhstan’s Jasmina Tleumbetova taking second. Cinema & Heritage: Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games welcomed Russian-Kazakh actress Natalia Arinbasarova, who praised the country’s traditions and leadership, while cultural officials pushed for her wider recognition. SCO & Security Talk: PM Narendra Modi urged SCO members to “dismantle the entire ecosystem of terror financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens,” calling for one voice and no double standards. Judicial Dialogue: BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi featured CJI Surya Kant’s call for “healthy disagreement,” framing BRICS as a “living Nalanda University.” Kazakhstan Governance: Tokayev’s new government lineup keeps most faces, with key ministerial changes including a new Culture and Information Minister, Arman Kyrykbayev. Education & AI: Kazakhstan’s push for Kazakh-language AI benchmarks and datasets highlights how language tech must reflect culture, not just grammar.

Nomad Games Science: At the VI World Nomad Games, an international conference on nomadic heritage ended with a resolution calling for an international scientific platform, more joint research, and digitization plans like open electronic archives and databases. Culture & Heritage Policy: Kazakhstan’s new government lineup keeps culture high on the agenda, with the President tasking the Culture and Information ministry to grow creative industries, protect historical heritage, and expand Kazakhstan’s cultural presence abroad. Nomad Games Poetry & Sports: Kyrgyz and Kazakh poets wrapped up a unity-focused contest in Kyrchyn Gorge, with top prizes shared among Kazakh and Kyrgyz winners; meanwhile, Kazakh wrestling at the Games delivered gold for Orozbek Almaz uulu, and horse archery crowned Abzal Tulybekov and Gunbileg Ganbaatar. Afghan Kazakh Community: In Mazar-i-Sharif, an exhibition showcased distinctive handicrafts and cultural heritage of Afghanistan’s Kazakh community, highlighting preservation and wider cultural participation. Language Tech: A Kazakh-language AI evaluation push is underway, using culturally grounded benchmarks and a growing Kazakh Text Corpus to help models understand grammar, proverbs, and history. Tourism Lifestyle: A report spotlights ultra-premium Kazakhstan travel packages built around Baikonur, plus how “World Nomad Games” sports like horseback archery are drawing global attention. Security Council Change: Murat Baimukashev was appointed head of Kazakhstan’s Security Council Office, following a broader reshuffle that also named a new Culture and Information minister.

Culture & Film: The fall movie season is kicking off with a big “Dunesday” moment—“Dune: Part Three” and “Avengers: Doomsday” set for Dec. 18—plus Netflix’s theatrical “Cliff Booth” landing just before Thanksgiving and streaming right after. Kazakh Language & AI: A new Kazakh-language AI Evaluation Benchmark Suite (built with Qazaq Tili and OpenAI) is testing models on grammar, natural speech, proverbs, translation, safety, and ethnographic knowledge, while a Kazakh Text Corpus has reached 14 billion tokens to help preserve language and heritage. World Nomad Games (Kazakh culture in Kyrgyzstan): Kazakh wrestling and horse-related traditions are drawing crowds—Kazakh wrestlers and falconry champions took top honors, while Kyrgyz and Kazakh poets wrapped up a unity-focused competition in Kyrchyn Gorge. Sports & Lifestyle: Horse archery and horse wrestling (er enish) events at the Games showcased traditional skills with international participation, from Kazakhstan to Mongolia and beyond. Culture Policy (Kazakhstan): President Tokayev set tasks for forest restoration, waste recycling, and strengthening culture and creative industries, including boosting the preservation and promotion of historical heritage and reinforcing the domestic information space. Government reshuffle: Kazakhstan’s new cabinet keeps most faces but appoints Arman Kyrykbayev as Minister of Culture and Information, replacing Aida Balayeva.

Dance & Lifestyle: SOUEAST and Red Bull brought a “Travel + Culture” vibe to the Red Bull Dance Your Style Kazakhstan National Final in Karaganda, spotlighting 16 freestyle dancers and the SOUEAST S06’s urban style. Sports & Heritage: Kazakhstan’s Kazakh wrestling made waves at the VI World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata, with 60 athletes from 31 countries competing. Nomad Games Results: Horse wrestling (er enish) wrapped in Cholpon-Ata, with Kazakhstan winners including Otkelbay Daryn (up to 90 kg) and Izbassarov Syrym (up to 100 kg), plus medals across categories. Culture Tech: A new AI project is training on Kazakh language and culture to help preserve historical heritage, including a Kazakh-focused evaluation benchmark and OCR tools for digitising archives. Education & AI: Kazakhstan’s AI University (QAIRU) opens with 500 students and supercomputer access, aiming to build AI-ready education and research. Culture Policy: Kazakhstan appointed a new Culture Minister, with Qurultay committees approving leadership changes for culture, tourism and sports. Diaspora Culture: Afghan Kazakhs held a handicrafts and traditional arts exhibition in Balkh/Mazar-e-Sharif, pushing support for weaving and community heritage. SCO Context: Kazakhstan’s role in the SCO summit continues to shape regional cultural and connectivity agendas, with “Digital Silk Road” themes gaining momentum.

Education & Culture Diplomacy: A school in Uzbekistan was named after Kazakh writer Rahmetolla Rayimqulov, with a “First Bell” ceremony, an open lesson, and a renovated library and memorial corner funded through Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan cultural ties. AI in Higher Education: Kazakhstan’s AI University (QAIRU) opens with 500 students and a supercomputer-backed model where bachelor’s and master’s tracks build AI projects step-by-step, linking study, research, and business. Government & Culture Leadership: Kazakhstan formed a new government after Kurultai reforms; key changes include a new Culture and Information Minister (Arman Kyrykbayev) and a new Tourism and Sports Minister (Yerbol Myrzabossynov). Heritage Spotlight: Kazakhstan marks Kazakh Tazy Day for the first time, celebrating the breed’s FCI preliminary recognition and renewed preservation efforts. Arts & Museums: An Almaty exhibition on Latif Karimov’s folk art and carpets opens Sept. 4, bringing Azerbaijani heritage to Kazakhstan’s National Central Museum. Regional Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Laos move to expand trade, investment, and transport links as Laos’ president visits Astana. Sports & Identity: Kazakhstan’s Kazakhstani TV will screen a documentary marking Tazy Day, while the World Nomad Games continue to spotlight traditional culture through music and sport.

World Nomad Games Culture: The VI World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata, turning traditional sports into a big cultural festival with 113 countries and 43 disciplines, from kazakh kures and kurash to Mongolian wrestling. Nomads Art Festival: In Cholpon-Ata, the “Nomads Art” traditional music festival brought performers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and beyond for live instrument demos and master classes. SCO Diplomacy: The Bishkek Declaration at the SCO summit stressed the bloc is not a military-political alliance and pushed practical cooperation in trade, transport, energy and the digital economy. Kazakhstan Power Shift: At Kazakhstan’s Kurultai, Tokayev announced a new Deputy Chairman of the Security Council role and appointed Aida Balaeva, reshaping the Security Council apparatus. Education & AI Debate: A new wave of AI-in-classroom rollouts in Kazakhstan is met with growing pushback over child safety and development, as some countries restrict generative AI for younger grades. Kazakh Cultural Outreach: Kazakhstan’s Cultural Center in Beijing marked its first anniversary, highlighting language, arts and community events for tens of thousands of visitors. Student Exchange: Azerbaijan students are arriving in Kazakhstan for 2026 study, with Kozybayev University expecting more than 100 applicants. Sports Spotlight: Mongolian wrestler Anar Dorj won gold at the Games, while cycling fans watched Matthew Brennan take a third Vuelta stage win.