AGP Executive Report

World Nomad Games in Bishkek: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev and other regional leaders joined PM Modi at the opening of the 6th World Nomad Games, spotlighting traditional sports and culture across 100+ countries. Diplomacy & culture at the SCO: The SCO summit in Bishkek is drawing major leaders as the bloc leans into people-to-people and cultural cooperation, with media exchange events also on the agenda. Kazakhstan’s education and culture links abroad: French fans delivered French-language books and materials to Kazakh schools, including translations of Kazakh authors, while Kazakhstan’s literary promotion in China highlighted new-generation writers and translation efforts. Science for society: Kazakhstan and CERN are advancing a practical framework for Kazakh scientists’ participation, including internships and high-energy physics collaboration. Anti-nuclear memory: Kazakhstan marked the 35th anniversary of Semipalatinsk’s closure, with activists and survivors renewing calls for disarmament. Regional training push: China’s Ban Mo Workshop is set to open in Almaty to train students for modern industrial manufacturing needs. Politics shaping culture institutions: Kazakhstan’s new Kurultai-era appointments include a new vice president and reshuffling of key posts tied to information and culture.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Xi Jinping has arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit and a state visit, with the city decked out for the 25th anniversary and leaders set for the Council of Heads of State and SCO+ meetings. Kazakhstan Education & Safety: Kazakhstan is stepping up school security ahead of the new academic year, with 283,000 surveillance cameras installed across 7,656 general education schools and road checks near schools already underway. New Parliament Agenda: President Tokayev outlined a legislative push for the first Kurultai, including bills on AI in secondary education, digital assets, and the Digital Qazaqstan strategy. Law Enforcement Training Deal: Kazakhstan and India are launching dual-degree programs for law enforcement, combining Kazakh state diplomas with NFSU qualifications and English-taught digital forensics and cybersecurity training. Regional Connectivity Theme: Coverage around SCO’s “Shanghai Spirit” and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan corridor highlights how transport links are being framed as practical cooperation across Central Asia. Culture & Lifestyle: A new wave of international cultural programming is set to air across SCO countries, while Kazakhstan’s growing SUP community and global Kazakh cinema push continue to draw attention.

Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Launch: President Tokayev opened the first session of the new unicameral parliament, laying out a legislative push on AI in secondary education, digital assets, and the Digital Qazaqstan strategy, while expanding the Kurultai’s role in key appointments and checks and balances. SCO in Bishkek: As the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks 25 years, leaders including PM Modi and President Xi are in Kyrgyzstan for the summit, with experts pointing to practical gains for Central Asia—connectivity, healthcare, tourism, education, and digital cooperation. Kazakh Cinema Goes Global: “Jamilya in Paris” is being filmed in France, marking the first Kazakh feature shot directly in Paris, while another major international production brings a Jackie Chan crew to Kazakhstan. Tourism & Culture Links: Azerbaijan’s Tourism Board ran roadshows in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, spotlighting cultural tourism, cuisine, and year-round travel products. Astana SUP Community: A growing stand-up paddleboarding scene is turning the Yessil River into a weekend lifestyle hub. Humanitarian Update: After a Nepal-China border mudslide, 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries remain unaccounted for, including one Kazakh citizen. Tech Education Spotlight: The Philippines won medals at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence held in Astana, with Kazakhstan hosting the debut delegation.

Mudslide Aftermath: A mudslide at Gyirong Port on the China–Nepal border has left 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries unaccounted for, including 49 Indians; China says embassies have been notified and families can use 24-hour English hotlines. Kazakhstan Culture & Lifestyle: Astana’s growing SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) community is turning the Yessil River into a weekend ritual, with more people buying boards and building a local scene. Film & Global Reach: Kazakhstan’s “Jamilya in Paris” is filming in France, while Jackie Chan’s “Armour of God: Ultimatum” brings an international crew to Kazakhstan—both signals of the country’s expanding screen footprint. Urban Planning Debate: Almaty residents and activists are pushing back on the city’s general plan changes to 2040, warning about densification, traffic, and access to public materials. Inclusive Sports: Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul hosts “Sails of the Spirit – 2026,” an inclusive regatta with participants across disability communities, including a Kazakh visually impaired singer and musician. Tech Education: A Chinese robotics firm is helping Al-Farabi Kazakh National University set up a Digital-Intelligence Workshop, training students with hands-on robotic systems.

SCO Culture & Diplomacy: Xi Jinping is set to attend the SCO summit in Bishkek (Sept 1) and a multilingual CMG TV program, “Classics Quoted by Xi Jinping,” will roll out across SCO media ahead of the visit. Parliament & Society: Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Kurultai opens in Astana as the government steps down for the transition; Tokayev frames it as political modernization, with women taking 33.8% of seats and major personnel turnover. Anti-Nuclear Memory: Kazakhstan’s embassy-run anti-nuclear test “International Day against Nuclear Tests” 8.29 km run in Budapest spotlights the Semipalatinsk legacy and calls for ending nuclear testing. Local Planning Debate: Almaty residents and activists protest the city’s general plan changes to 2040, fearing land reclassification, densification, and gaps in public consultation. Tech & Education: A Chinese robotics firm brings AI training to Kazakhstan via Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, building hands-on lab skills for the next tech talent. Inclusive Sports: “Sails of the Spirit” regatta at Issyk-Kul brings together blind, deaf, autistic participants, volunteers, and artists to promote equal opportunities. Sports Pop Culture: Vuelta a España stage 8 turns chaotic with crashes and Pogačar’s exit, while Bryan Coquard wins his first Grand Tour stage. Film Controversy: Ali G’s return sparks backlash and boycott calls over alleged racist stereotypes, with some cinemas saying they won’t screen it.

Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Launch: President Tokayev opened the first session of the new unicameral parliament in Astana, setting a heavy agenda for legislative modernization and institutional reform, with major personnel turnover and a record share of women (49 seats, 33.8%). Parliament Leadership: Aibek Dadebay was elected Speaker of the Kurultai in a secret ballot, with deputies also naming new deputy chairs and committee leadership. Digital Culture & Daily Life Tech: Astana’s driverless light rail is moving residents using big data and IoT, a visible example of how SCO cooperation is feeding Kazakhstan’s digital economy and smart mobility. Education for Industry: Satbayev University will open Kazakhstan’s first Ban Mo Workshop, modeled on China’s vocational training, to give students hands-on engineering experience with industrial partners. Women’s Rights & Activism: Kazakhstan convicted feminist and LGBTI rights activist Zhanar Sekerbayeva, framing the case as retaliation tied to broader pressure on LGBTI people. International Culture Spotlight: Kazakhstan hosted the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, where the Philippines won medals in the debut team—one silver and three bronzes. Global Reminder on Nuclear Testing: UN chief Guterres urged nuclear-armed states to suspend tests, marking the anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Semipalatinsk closure.

Kurultay Leadership: Kazakhstan’s new unicameral parliament, the Qurultay, held its first session in Astana and elected Aibek Dadebay as Speaker after a secret ballot, with 144 deputies backing him. Women in Politics: Women now take 1/3 of seats in Kazakhstan’s Qurultay, building on gender-equality programs like “Tomiris” and advisor roles for regional akims. Rights Under Pressure: Amnesty International reports Kazakhstan convicted feminist and LGBTI rights activist Zhanar Sekerbayeva, describing the case as retaliation for activism and a “public lesson.” AI & Migration Bills: President Tokayev set a heavy Kurultay agenda, including drafting laws on AI, digital assets, and migration policy, plus steps to attract specialists and investment. Cultural Diplomacy: Kazakhstan showcased Kazakh literature and heritage at a Beijing book fair, featuring Abai and other classics, with plans to translate Kazakh and Chinese works. Film Backlash: Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Ali G: Who Iz I?” faces a boycott push over racism accusations, with activists urging cinemas to refuse screenings.

Kurultai Launch in Astana: Kazakhstan’s first session of the new unicameral Kurultai officially begins Aug. 28, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calling it a fresh stage for political renewal; the 145 deputies elected for five years will take oaths and start forming the next government setup. Education for the Digital Economy: Tokayev tells the annual teachers’ conference to build high-quality schools, reduce “empty” reforms that drain teachers, and prepare youth for the digital economy—while steering away from grievance-based narratives. Volunteer Movement Grows: Kazakhstan’s volunteering expands fast: volunteer organizations up to 810+, active volunteers to 300,000, and initiative groups to 3,500, with 2026’s UN-backed volunteer year boosting civic, cultural, medical, and environmental participation. Cultural Diplomacy in Beijing: Kazakhstan showcases its literary heritage at a Chinese book fair with about 100 titles—from Abai and Auezov to folklore, crafts, and yurt culture—plus craft demos and translation cooperation plans. Regional Cooperation Focus: Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong highlights growing goodwill with Kazakhstan and urges better connectivity (including direct flights) as a practical next step for deeper ties. Sports & Culture: Kazakhstan honors young judokas after a strong World Cadet Championships haul, while Prime Video’s September lineup and global cultural events add more lifestyle buzz for the month.

Education Reform: President Tokayev told Kazakhstan’s teachers to build a school system for the digital economy, expand quality school construction in shortage regions, and avoid “empty” reforms that drain teachers’ strength. Parliament & Culture Policy: Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai election is complete, with the new unicameral parliament set to convene; meanwhile, Adilet has approved a 110-name list for deputy mandates and Tokayev’s remarks on public etiquette are sparking debate about cultural norms in state life. Volunteer Boom: Kazakhstan’s volunteer movement has grown sharply since 2020, reaching 300,000 active volunteers, with 2026 framed as the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. Literature on Tour: Kazakhstan showcased its literary heritage in Guangzhou, featuring Abai and other classics, plus craft demonstrations and a five-year plan to translate Kazakh and Chinese works. Sports & Youth Pride: Kazakhstan honored judokas after an 11-medal World Cadet haul, while chess leaders urged investment in Africa’s young talent. Regional Culture Links: Kazakhstan and Vietnam discussed cooperation across film, performing arts, cultural tourism, heritage, and joint routes connecting cultural sites. Azerbaijan in Astana: An Azerbaijan culture-and-wrestling event in Astana highlighted national traditions and performances, strengthening cultural diplomacy.

Politics & Culture Policy: Kazakhstan’s Adilet party unveiled its 110-name list for the new unicameral Kurultay, while President Tokayev signed decrees dismissing several officials tied to the transition. Education & AI: Tokayev ordered a fix to distorted history in textbooks and pushed for proper AI use in schools, including a possible Kazakh-Chinese AI school in Astana; he also backed teacher status reforms and new children’s natural history museums. Human Capital on the Ground: Reports highlight rising rural education support—more schools, renovated facilities, and teacher incentives—alongside the annual Conference of Kazakhstani Teachers focused on knowledge and progress. Regional Culture Links: Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan will host an international aitys of akyns during the World Nomad Games (Sept 2–4 in Issyk-Kul), while CMG launched special Kyrgyzstan screenings of Chinese cultural programs ahead of Xi’s visit. Lifestyle & Sports: British sprinter Matthew Brennan won Vuelta a España Stage 5 in a Visma lead-out, keeping Tadej Pogačar in the red jersey.

Kazakhstan–Vietnam Cultural Boost: Deputy PM Aida Balayeva met Vietnam’s Deputy PM Pham Thi Thanh Tra in Hanoi, pushing deeper cooperation in cinema, performing arts, cultural tourism, heritage preservation, crafts and design, with ideas like reciprocal film weeks and joint film projects. Education Reform Watch: President Tokayev ordered a review of textbooks after “imaginary heroes” and fabricated feats were found, while also calling for a stronger reading culture and new children’s natural history museums in Astana, Almaty and regions. AI in Schools: Tokayev said AI rollout in education fell short and must be systematized; he also floated a Kazakh-Chinese AI school in Astana and urged proper AI use in secondary education. Teachers in Focus: Tokayev highlighted a “Status of Teachers” law, teacher awards, and Kazakhstan’s top-tier satisfaction with salaries, alongside major rural school investment and a drive to link talent support to science projects and Olympiads. New Kurultai, New Partner: Kazakhstan elected the first Kurultai members, and the EU will now have a newly constituted legislative counterpart as EU–Kazakhstan ties move toward implementation. Global Autism Push: The Qatar-led Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC) expanded with Kazakh partner Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, targeting gaps in diagnosis, policy, investment, tech and lifelong support. Regional Connectivity: Singapore’s ASEAN chair bid in 2027 includes exploring closer South-east Asia–Central Asia cooperation, with Kazakhstan and Singapore signing new agreements on digital integration and water management.

Autism & Inclusion: Qatar Foundation, Autism Speaks, UNICEF and Kazakhstan’s Bulat Utemuratov Foundation are expanding the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition, aiming to close gaps in diagnosis, policy, investment, tech and lifelong support. Education & AI: Astana hosts the annual Conference of Kazakhstani Teachers, framed by the “New Constitution” and focused on AI and digital tools in classrooms, teacher training and safer learning online. Jobs & Skills: Kazakhstan reports 293,241 people securing stable jobs since the start of the year, boosted by e-Labor Exchange and professional education programs. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologist Steven Gilbert discusses medieval Silk Road Christianity in southeastern Kazakhstan, including a Christian cemetery and gravestones at Ilibalyk. Human Rights & Politics: Reappointed Human Rights Ombudsman Artur Lastayev says Kurultai elections should turn constitutional guarantees—like stronger judicial protection and data safeguards—into everyday practice. Environment: North Aral recovery continues, with plans to rebuild the Kokaral Dam and expand restoration under the Taza Kazakhstan agenda. Tech & Youth: Kazakhstan’s robotics team returns to the international stage after a seven-year gap, winning a special award at ABU Robocon 2026 in Hong Kong. Arts & Media: RTÉ rolls out a new season celebrating 100 years of public broadcasting, with fresh drama, comedy and arts programming.

Kazakhstan–U.S. Cultural Diplomacy: President Tokayev met a U.S. House delegation, linking the partnership to Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Qurultay and pledging deeper cooperation in advanced tech, science, education and culture. Kurultay Vote Watch: The CEC reported 74.08% turnout in the Aug. 23 Qurultay elections, with Adilet winning 71.17% and observers raising concerns about political pluralism and pressure on independent journalists. Robotics & STEM Pride: Kazakhstan’s team returned to the international spotlight at ABU Robocon 2026 in Hong Kong, winning a special Mabuchi Motor Award after a national selection led by Nazarbayev University’s BULAN team. Education & Access: Kazakhstan continues school upgrades and new builds, with dozens of facilities renovated and commissioned, while UNESCO-backed consultations push “Education Beyond 2030.” Environmental Culture: North Aral recovery is gaining momentum, with plans to rebuild the Kokaral Dam and expand restoration under the broader Taza Kazakhstan agenda. Arts & Language Scene: A closer look at Kazakhstan’s multilingual music culture shows artists blending Kazakh, Russian and English as a creative identity tool. International Spotlight: A Kazakh poetess, Marfuga Aitkhozha, was celebrated on her 90th jubilee, with Tokayev praising her lifelong contribution to national literature.

Tokayev & Literature: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent birthday congratulations to poetess Marfuga Aitkhozha on her 90th jubilee, praising her lifelong work for national literature and culture. ASEAN in Astana: The ASEAN Summer Festival brought Southeast Asian music, dance, food and tourism to Astana, strengthening people-to-people ties with Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Kazakh Education & Youth: UNESCO held a national consultation in Kazakhstan on “Education Beyond 2030,” gathering young people (including those with disabilities and from vulnerable groups) to shape future learning priorities. Kurultai Politics: Kazakhstan’s first election to the new one-chamber Kurultai saw the Adilet party win 71.17% of the vote; OSCE observers criticized the lack of political pluralism and questioned turnout reporting. Internationalisation Debate: Experts warn Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan that bringing in foreign universities doesn’t automatically improve education systems, urging partnerships that reform local higher education. Culture & Diplomacy: Busan launched its 2026 Eurasia City Diplomacy Corps, with a stop in Almaty as young “citizen diplomats” promote cultural and economic exchanges across Eurasia. Global Court Ruling: A U.S. federal court overturned Trump-era immigrant visa restrictions affecting 75 countries, including Kazakhstan, restoring case-by-case processing.

Politics & Culture Policy: Kazakhstan’s new one-chamber Kurultai is set after Adilet’s landslide win (71.17%), with OSCE observers warning of limited pluralism and “undue advantage” for the ruling party. Education & Youth: UNESCO held a national consultation on “Education Beyond 2030,” bringing together young people (including those with disabilities) to shape the next education agenda. National Identity & Learning: Kazakhstan’s reforms and a new Constitution “for the younger generation” were highlighted as students and Olympiad winners were celebrated at Akorda. ASEAN Cultural Exchange: Astana hosted the ASEAN Summer Festival with music, dance, food and tourism—another push for people-to-people ties. Media & Civic Space: Almaty’s court sentenced Orda.kz’s former editor-in-chief Gulnar Bazhkenova to eight years, amid international press-freedom groups warning of crackdowns ahead of the Kurultai vote. Lifestyle & Travel Buzz: Kanye West’s Kazakhstan concert reportedly brought about $11M and boosted hotel demand to nearly full occupancy.

Education & Youth: UNESCO held a hybrid national consultation in Kazakhstan on “Education Beyond 2030,” bringing together young people (including youth with disabilities and those from vulnerable communities) to shape the next global education agenda. Politics & Culture of Participation: Kazakhstan’s first elections for the new unicameral Kurultai ended with Adilet’s dominant win (71.17%) and turnout above 74%, as the country tests its post-constitutional parliamentary setup. Civic Life & Inclusion: The UN Resident Coordinator says civil society is a genuine partner in Kazakhstan’s sustainable development, highlighting how NGOs and volunteers help ensure voices of often-missed groups are heard. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s MPs visited Astana and Almaty as election observers, while Kazakhstan’s ties with the EU were discussed in talks between Tokayev and António Costa, with transport and logistics emphasized. Pop Culture & Tourism: Kanye West’s Kazakhstan concert reportedly delivered an $11M boost, drawing 31,000 spectators and nearly 8,000 international visitors. Sports & Youth Culture: Kazakhstan’s cadet judo teams and mixed-team action in Guayaquil delivered major results, with Kazakhstan reaching the final in the mixed cadet event. Arts & Heritage: Kazakhstan is set to showcase cultural heritage at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2027.