AGP Executive Report

Kurultai Elections: President Tokayev called Kazakhstan’s first elections to the new unicameral Qurultay a “truly historic event,” saying the campaign has been substantive, open and competitive, and urging citizens—especially young people—to vote on Aug. 23. Education & AI: Kazakhstan is pushing AI education from school to university, including plans for an AI university intake and expanded AI pilots in rural schools, while also doubling PhD stipends over the next few years. Higher Education Growth: The number of university students is projected to near 1 million after 2030, with reforms to keep higher and vocational education accessible. Press Freedom Under Vote: Rights groups say independent journalists face rising pressure ahead of the parliamentary vote, including criminal cases, travel bans and court-ordered restrictions. Culture Diplomacy: Kazakhstan is looking to deepen Kazakh-American cultural cooperation with Smithsonian projects and proposed “U.S. Culture Days,” including exhibitions and joint research. Volunteering Platform: Kazakhstan’s proposed international volunteer portal aims to turn global volunteering into a practical cooperation mechanism, not just an image initiative. Media Business: Timur Turlov’s Freedom Holding-linked group is expanding into Kazakhstan’s media sector, adding stakes in a business publisher and radio/TV assets.

AI & Education Push: Kazakhstan is building humanoid robotics capacity and expanding AI schooling, including a first AI university intake (QAIRU) and plans to roll AI into classrooms and rural education. Humanoid Robotics Factory: Construction has started on the country’s first Robotics & AI complex to localize robotic systems and support testing and production. Credit-Rating Overhaul: The National Bank will co-found a new Kazakhstan credit rating agency under tighter rules on capital, governance, independence, and transparent methodologies. Media & Culture Business: Timur Turlov is expanding his media portfolio in Kazakhstan, adding stakes across business publishing and radio/TV outlets. Classroom Lifestyle Rules: Kazakhstan will bar smartphone use by pupils during lessons, with exceptions for curriculum needs and local school rules for storage and breaks. International Cultural Diplomacy: “Silk Way Star” Season 2 kicks off in China’s Yiwu, spotlighting vocalists from 12 countries including Kazakhstan. Sports Spotlight: Rassulkhan Gabit wins cadet world gold at -60 kg, while Kazakhstan’s squad is set for the 2026 UEFA Nations League. Arts & Film Industry: CineLink Industry Days’ 24th awards were held, supporting co-productions across the region. Parliament & Media Freedom: Ahead of the Aug 23 Kurultai vote, independent journalists face intensified pressure, with international groups calling for scrutiny.

Kazakh-Chinese Cultural Diplomacy: “Silk Way Star” Season 2 kicks off in China’s Yiwu, with Kazakhstan singer Rukhiya Baidukenova among vocalists from 12 countries; the show is backed by Kazakhstan’s Presidential TV-Radio complex and China Media Group, aiming to deepen people-to-people ties. Youth & Voting Mood: A new report on Kazakhstan’s Aug. 23 Kurultai election finds many young voters feel politically fatigued and see little point in voting, amid concerns about disengagement and limited opposition. Kurultai Election Watch: Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai vote runs Aug. 23 under a new single nationwide proportional system; 7 parties, 145 seats, and 545 candidates are in play, with women, youth and people with disabilities making up 43.9% of nominees. AI Education Push: Kazakhstan plans to enrol the first students at its AI-focused Qazaq AI Research University in Astana (600 total for 2026-27) while expanding AI learning from universities to schools and rural classrooms. Robotics & Humanoid Ambitions: Construction begins on Kazakhstan’s first Robotics & AI complex, following the QAZBOT Robotics Forum in Astana where humanoid robots demonstrated tasks including dance and martial arts. Classroom Lifestyle Rule: Kazakhstan bars pupils from using smartphones during lessons, with exceptions only when required by the curriculum and local rules for storage and breaks. Design & Everyday Art: A local designer turns hand-painted, embellished sneakers into wearable storytelling inspired by Central Asian heritage and nomadic culture. Sports Culture: Kazakhstan’s football squad for the 2026 UEFA Nations League is announced, and Kazakhstan also earns three boxing quota places for the Youth Olympics.

Volunteering & Culture Diplomacy: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the CIS Volunteer Forum, calling for long-term cooperation and “friendship bridges” built on solidarity and compassion. Education & Daily Life: Kazakhstan will bar pupils from using smartphones during lessons, with phones allowed only when required by the curriculum and rules set by each school for breaks and storage. Tech & Robotics: Astana hosted a QAZBOT humanoid robotics forum, featuring live demos (including dance and martial arts) and a push for local robotics and AI talent. AI & Media Creators: Kazakh AI cartoon creator Alissa Kamorskaya talks about how AI animation is exploding online, driven by social media algorithms and mass appeal. Sports & Youth: Kazakhstan announced its squad for the 2026 UEFA Nations League, while the country also secured three boxing quota places for the 2026 Youth Olympics. Home & Lifestyle: An Almaty home tour spotlights nature-inspired interiors designed for emotional comfort, not trends. Cultural Heritage & Community: A “Wiki Loves Villages 2026” photo push (with Belarus and Kazakhstan as pilots) aims to fill Wikipedia with images of rural settlements. Arts & Design: A Dubai-based designer with Kazakh roots turns Central Asian heritage into hand-painted, story-driven sneakers.

School Tech Rules: Kazakhstan will bar pupils from using smartphones during lessons, with exceptions only when a device is required by the curriculum; phones can be used during breaks under school-set rules, and storage/return procedures will follow new national guidance. AI & Education Push: The government is expanding AI education from school to university, including plans for AI technologies in rural schools and a new Qazaq AI Research University in Astana aiming to train engineers who can build AI systems. Robotics in the Spotlight: Astana hosted a QAZBOT forum on humanoid robotics and Embodied AI, showcasing robots that can perform routines like Kara Jorga and martial arts moves, alongside plans to localize solutions. Aviation Training Partnership: Astana Airport signed a memorandum with South Korea’s Kyungwoon University to build a flight-safety training facility and align Kazakhstan’s aviation education with international standards. Volunteerism, UN Link: Kazakhstan proposed a long-term cooperation framework with the UN Volunteers Programme and floated an international portal concept to support volunteer movement growth. Culture & Craft: Kazakhstan artisans are among international participants at Budapest’s 40th Festival of Folk Arts, where pottery is the main theme and the U.S. is guest of honour. Sports & Youth: Kazakhstan received three boxing quota places for the 2026 Youth Olympics. Politics & Representation: Kazakhstan’s Kurultai elections on Aug. 23 will test a new unicameral system with proportional representation, with women, youth, and people with disabilities making up 43.9% of registered candidates.

Education & AI Rollout: Kazakhstan is pushing AI deeper into schooling: from Sept. 1, a pilot starts in 10 rural schools (Pavlodar, Kyzylorda), then expands to 500 schools and aims to reach all 2,600 small rural schools by 2029, alongside plans to connect school cameras to Interior Ministry centers by year-end. Higher Education Tech Push: Qazaq AI Research University in Astana plans its first intake (600 students total: 400 bachelor, 100 master, plus 100 Samruk-Kazyna employees) and targets training engineers to build AI systems, not just use them. Public Funding for Living Standards: Kazakhstan is directing recovered assets—over KZT617.7 billion approved for 500 regional projects—into water, healthcare, transport, education and sports infrastructure. Culture & Media: The former editor-in-chief of “Orda,” Gulnara Bazhkenova, was sentenced to eight years in prison in Almaty. International Culture Spotlight: Taipei Music Expo 2026 will feature a KPop “Demon Hunters” team and 80 acts from 14 markets.

AI in Education: Kazakhstan is rolling out AI from school to university, including AI proctoring and new “AI agents” for students, plus a pilot starting Sept 1 in 10 rural schools (then scaling to 2,600 by 2029) to narrow the urban-rural gap. School Safety & Infrastructure: The PM ordered faster school repairs and road-safety fixes near schools, while the Interior Ministry plans to connect all school cameras to its control centers by year-end. Recovered Assets for Living Conditions: More than KZT617.7 billion from recovered assets is being approved for 500 regional projects—water, healthcare, transport, education and sports. Culture & Film: Fantastic Fest 2026 in Austin unveiled its lineup, opening Sept 17 with Lionsgate’s “Beware Boiúna” and featuring “Resident Evil,” “Carrie,” and Kazakhstan’s “Ürei.” Sports & Talent: Kazakhstan’s education and youth pipeline also shows up in international results, while scholars from 30 countries will gather for the World Nomad Games conference in Issyk-Kul. Health & Rights Spotlight: A report on Kazakhstan’s Aktas mental hospital raises questions about conditions inside the country’s high-security psychiatric facility.

Education Tech Rollout: Kazakhstan will pilot AI-supported learning in small schools starting September 1, reaching 500 schools first and aiming to cover 2,600 by 2029, alongside upgrades to rural internet access. New Academic Year Capacity: About 4 million children begin the 2026–2027 school year on September 1, with 1 million new places created since 2020 and 101 more schools planned to add 59,300 seats. Kurultai Campaign in the Spotlight: As the 23 August Kurultai elections near, nationally televised team debates on Jibek Joly put party platforms under public scrutiny, with viewers voting via QR codes. Voter Mood Check: Polling suggests steady turnout intent—around 70–76%—and fewer undecided voters as the campaign enters its final stretch. Culture & Books Abroad: Kazakhstan’s literature is expanding fast internationally, with translated titles reaching dozens of countries and major book fairs. Higher Ed Links: Kazakhstan is deepening university ties with Japan and South Korea, while talks also explore a Murdoch University branch in Semey. Halal Lifestyle for Travelers: A roundup of Europe’s halal food influencers highlights how Muslim travelers are finding trusted dishes and restaurants through social media. Film Spotlight: Kazakh director Ayana Nurdinova’s debut feature “Mugalim” has been selected for the San Sebastián Film Festival.

Kurultai Countdown: Kazakhstan’s Kurultai election campaign is in its final week ahead of the Aug. 23 vote for a 145-seat unicameral parliament, with televised team debates among all seven parties and QR-code polling aimed at making the race more interactive. Kazakh Culture Abroad: Kazakh literature is expanding fast worldwide, with translations into dozens of languages and 120,000 copies distributed across 90+ countries. Education Expansion: The Ministry of Enlightenment plans 101 new schools in 2026–2027, adding 59,300 places, with funding from state funds, local budgets, and private investment. Higher Ed Partnerships: Kazakhstan is deepening ties with Japan and South Korea, including talks on joint research, mobility, and AI-focused cooperation. Film Spotlight: Director Ayana Nurdinova’s debut feature “Mugalim” (The Teacher) has been selected for the New Directors section at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. Medical Tourism: Lilavati Hospital plans its first overseas Kazakhstan super-speciality OPD in early September, offering second opinions and advanced treatment planning. Archaeology & Heritage: New digs across Kazakhstan are revealing medieval settlements, a mosque, paved streets, and well-preserved dwellings linked to the Kimak-Kipchak period. Nomadic Science: A Sept. 3 international conference in Issyk-Kul will bring scholars from about 30 countries to advance nomadology ahead of the VI World Nomad Games.

Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Elections: Kazakhstan will hold its first elections to the new unicameral Kurultai on Aug. 23, following the March constitutional referendum and the July 1 start of the new charter—an early test of the country’s reshaped governance model. Cultural Diplomacy: In Armenia, 22 artists took part in the VI symposium “Colors of Dizak,” with 41 works exhibited in Kapan and donated to the “Dizak Art” center—featuring participants from Kazakhstan and across the region. Heritage & Research: Kazakhstan’s steppe past is getting fresh attention as archaeologists report new medieval finds across Zhambyl, Turkistan and Pavlodar, including mud-brick structures, a mosque, paved streets, and a well-preserved mobile dwelling tied to the Kimak-Kipchak period. Medical Tourism: Lilavati Hospital plans to open its first overseas super-speciality OPD center in Kazakhstan in early September, offering second opinions and specialist consultations across oncology, cardiology, neurology, IVF and more. Chess for Youth: Grandmasters will lead masterclasses in Ashgabat as part of Turkmenistan’s “KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children,” alongside the Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026.

Pop Culture & Identity: Aisha Amanduri and Hasan Al-Habib return with “2 Muslim 2 Furious 3: Sharia? I Hardly Know Her,” mixing crowdwork and game segments—while critics say the jokes lean on familiar stereotypes aimed at Western audiences. Chess & Youth Sport: Kazakhstan chess officials are set to join Turkmenistan’s Kids Expo chess program in Ashgabat, with masterclasses for national teams and a Kids Expo Chess Cup rapid/blitz. Science & Heritage: Kazakhstan and partners are gearing up for an international scientific conference in Issyk-Kul on Sept 3 tied to the VI World Nomad Games, focusing on nomadic civilizations and cross-border research. Archaeology: New digs across Kazakhstan’s steppe—from medieval Akzhar settlements to finds linked to the Kimak-Kipchak period—are reshaping how historians picture everyday life centuries ago. Health & Lifestyle: Lilavati Hospital plans an international expansion in Kazakhstan with a super-speciality OPD opening in early September, positioning the center as a Central Asia referral hub for complex care. Elections & Society: Ahead of Kazakhstan’s Aug 23 Kurultai vote, experts say campaigns are increasingly judged on concrete healthcare, education, and social protection delivery—while voter readiness and digital outreach are shaping party strategies. Migration & Community: North Kazakhstan continues resettlement support for kandas and families, offering documentation, housing, schooling, and language help as quotas are met.

Golden Horde Legacy: Kazakh historian Zhaksylyk Sabitov’s podcast brings together scholars from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia to debate how the Golden Horde shaped identities and modern historical narratives. Medical Tourism & Healthcare: Lilavati Hospital plans an international expansion in Kazakhstan, launching a super-speciality OPD in early September 2026 and positioning the center as a referral gateway for Central Asia. Archaeology & Everyday History: New digs across Kazakhstan—from medieval Akzhar settlements to preserved Kimak-Kipchak-era dwellings—are adding detail to steppe life between the 9th and 12th centuries. Nomadic Civilizations in Focus: Kazakhstan and regional partners are set to join an international scientific conference in Issyk-Kul on Sept. 3, tied to the VI World Nomad Games, to advance nomadology and cross-border research. Culture, Society & Elections: As Kazakhstan’s Kurultai election campaign heats up, experts say voters want concrete delivery on healthcare, education and social protection—not just broad promises. Resettlement & Integration: North Kazakhstan reports near-fully met quotas for kandas resettling, with support covering documents, housing, schooling and language help. Sports for All: Kazakhstan athletes compete in Seoul’s IBSA Showdown Asia Championship, highlighting para sport’s growing regional momentum.

Kazakhstan-Serbia Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov met Serbian officials in Belgrade to push deeper ties in nuclear energy, agriculture, education, space, and digital technologies, including AI. Nomad Culture in Focus: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are set to spotlight nomadic heritage through an international scientific conference in the Issyk-Kul region on Sept. 3, tied to the VI World Nomad Games, with scholars from about 30 countries. Medical Tourism Push: Lilavati Hospital plans to open its first overseas centre in Kazakhstan in September, offering super-speciality outpatient consultations and treatment planning, with referrals to its Mumbai facility for major procedures. Nursing Reform Watch: New research highlights how Kazakhstan’s nursing education modernization is starting to translate into real-world care improvements, while still pointing to barriers that limit consistent quality. Elections & Daily Life: Ahead of Kazakhstan’s Aug. 23 Kurultai vote, experts say voters are increasingly demanding concrete plans on healthcare, education, employment, and social protection—not just broad promises. Ethnic Unity Under Pressure: Ethnic Kazakh writer and satirist Zhengis Reskhan faces a closed-door trial in China over alleged “undermining ethnic unity,” with reports he could get up to 10 years.

Kazakhstan Elections Watch: As the Aug. 23 Kurultai vote nears, experts say voters want concrete delivery on healthcare, education, and social protection, with polls showing strong awareness and turnout intent. Migration & Identity: North Kazakhstan continues resettlement work, including 690 families moved to the region and new support for kandas returning from abroad. Nursing Reform: Kazakhstan’s nursing education overhaul is starting to show real-world progress, but researchers warn that training alone isn’t enough without sustained support in clinics. Higher Education & Innovation: A push to shift universities from “degree providers” to knowledge and innovation engines is framed as the next phase of Kazakhstan’s education strategy. Cultural & Creative Life: Kazakhstan’s creative scene gets a global spotlight through pop-culture events like Comic Con Astana, while Central Asian heritage research continues with Sino-Kazakh archaeological work on Pazyryk Culture. Human Rights & Regional Context: The EU flags uneven rights conditions across Central Asia, including pressure on media and civil society in Kazakhstan and tougher concerns in Kyrgyzstan. International Spotlight: Taliban diplomacy expands amid rights fears, and a closed-door China trial looms for Kazakh writer Zhengis Reskhan.

Kurultay Election Pulse: Kazakhstanis are showing strong turnout readiness for the Aug. 23 Qurultay vote, with polls putting support for participation at about 72–75% and highlighting campaign focus on healthcare, education, employment, and social protection. North Kazakhstan Resettlement: 690 families have been resettled to North Kazakhstan, including kandas returning from China, Russia, and Uzbekistan, with support covering housing, documents, jobs, and school enrollment. Nursing Reform Watch: Kazakhstan’s nursing education overhaul is starting to show real-world lessons for countries facing aging populations and rising care needs, but researchers stress the gap between training and consistent clinical support. EU Human Rights Lens: The EU’s latest country reports note uneven rights progress across Central Asia, with Kazakhstan flagged for ongoing civil society pressure and restrictions on peaceful assembly, alongside gender-based violence protections. China Trial Behind Closed Doors: Ethnic Kazakh writer and satirist Zhengis Reskhan faces a secret trial in China on “undermining ethnic unity,” with his family saying he could get up to 10 years. Culture & Sports Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s presence in regional para-sport is spotlighted as Kazakhstan athletes compete in Seoul’s IBSA Showdown Asia Championship. Nomad Games Science: An international conference in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul region on Sept. 3 will bring scholars from nearly 30 countries, including Kazakhstan, to study nomadic heritage as part of the World Nomad Games. Pazyryk Research: A joint Chinese-Kazakh team reports progress uncovering Pazyryk Culture burial evidence in Kazakhstan’s Lake Markakol region. Media Expansion: Kazakh chess billionaire Timur Turlov continues building a media portfolio in Kazakhstan, adding radio and TV assets to his existing business and lifestyle projects.

Higher Education Reform: Kazakhstan is pushing a new model for universities built around human capital, educational quality, science, innovation and AI—plus deeper internationalization via 40 foreign partnerships and UNESCO qualification recognition (from May 1), with the key next test being real outcomes, not just branch campuses. International Education: Kazakhstan and South Korea are set to launch a dual-degree bachelor program in AI and information security under a 1+2+1 study plan. Archaeology & Heritage: A joint Chinese-Kazakh team has begun excavations in Kazakhstan’s Lake Markakol region, uncovering artifacts from the Pazyryk Culture and strengthening research ties on ancient nomadic burial traditions. Media & Culture Industry: Kazakh chess leader Timur Turlov expands his media portfolio in Kazakhstan, adding radio and TV assets alongside business publishing. Sports & Lifestyle: Deep Purple’s new album Splat! keeps the band’s studio joy front and center, while Fotografiska Shanghai’s Skate of the Art spotlights skateboarding photography as a cultural bridge—featuring a Central Asia-focused Almaty Skate Girls project. Beauty & Global Spotlight: Nearly 120 contestants for Miss World 2026 were announced in Hai Phong, with Kazakhstan among the participating countries. Health & Society: A WHO-based snapshot shows Uzbekistan with very high overweight/obesity rates, underscoring regional public-health pressure points.