Astana Think Tank Forum 2025 to Address Global Polarization and Trust Deficit

ALMATY – The second edition of the Astana Think Tank Forum will bring together leading policymakers, opinion leaders, and heads of major companies from Kazakhstan and abroad...


Government Reshuffle Brings New Deputy PM and Education Minister in Kazakhstan

ALMATY – Kazakhstan appointed Zhaslan Madiyev as Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development by presidential decree on Sept. 29, as part of...


INMerge 2025: Innovation Knows No Borders, from Baku to Almaty

BAKU — “Start-ups born in Baku can scale to Almaty or Tashkent. Ideas tested in Istanbul can reach Tbilisi or Samarkand. Innovation knows no borders, so should...


Kazakhstan, Myanmar to Strengthen Partnership in Trade, Transport and Technology

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing on Sept. 27 during his working visit to Kazakhstan, focusing on ways to...


INMerge Investment Forum Launches in Baku as Regional Investment Gateway

ALMATY – The inaugural INMerge Investment Forum, organized by PASHA Holding and co-hosted by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), gathered leading private capital leaders in...


Real Madrid Greets Kazakh Fans Ahead of Champions League Match in Almaty

ALMATY – Spanish football club Real Madrid arrived in Almaty on Sept. 29 ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against FC Kairat. The team was greeted...


Kazakhstan Enacts AI Law, Parliament Weighs Opportunities and Risks

ASTANA – Kazakhstan adopted a law on artificial intelligence, followed by a Mazhilis (lower house of the Kazakh parliament) hearing to examine its opportunities and challenges. On...


Carlsberg CEO Names Kazakhstan Future Top Market

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is set to become one of Carlsberg Group’s five largest global markets, said Carlsberg Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen in an interview with The Astana...


Kazakhstan’s Economy Projected to Grow 5.7% in 2025, Says EBRD

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economy is forecast to grow by 5.7% this year before slowing to 4.5% in 2026, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s...


Five Underground Mosques in Western Kazakhstan Up for UNESCO Listing

ASTANA – Five underground mosques in the Mangystau peninsula are to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Mangystau Region governor’s press service announced on...


Kazakh Rider Breaks World Record Standing on Two Horses at Full Gallop

ASTANA — Young Kazakh rider Yernur Zhasuzak has entered the World Book of Records and the Kazakhstan Book of Records after standing on two horses and galloping...


Kazakhstan’s National Parks Draw 2 Million Visitors in Seven Months 

ASTANA – Nearly two million tourists visited Kazakhstan’s national parks in the first seven months of 2025, reported the Kazakh Tourism national company, a clear sign of...


Tokayev Outlines Vision for Scientific and Nuclear Advancement at National Council Meeting

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and nuclear energy in Kazakhstan’s long-term development during the Sept. 26 meeting of the National...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Role in ICAO, Advances Gender Equality Agenda in Montreal

ALMATY – Chair of Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakh Ministry of Transport Saltanat Tompiyeva was elected Vice-Chair of the Administrative Commission on Sept. 25, during the 42nd...


Paris Hosts UNESCO Concert Honoring Nurgisa Tlendiyev’s Centenary

ASTANA – A celebratory concert marking the 100th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s legendary composer Nurgisa Tlendiyev took place on Sept. 24 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Kazakh Minister...


When September Ends: Your Guide to Weekend Ahead

ASTANA – September’s final weekend is no time to wind down. From fascinating exhibitions to lively concerts, there is something for everyone. The Astana Times has curated...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Tokayev’s Visit to NY, Energy Projects and More

ASTANA — The Astana Times has selected articles on Kazakhstan that were featured in international media worldwide this week. Today’s foreign media digest includes coverage of President...


Backstreet Boys Share Warm Impressions of Kazakhstan After Sold-Out Concerts 

ALMATY – The American band Backstreet Boys has left Kazakhstan after their Sept. 21 concert in Astana, following the performance in Almaty on Sept. 19, but their...


Kazakhstan Approves Updated Plan for Almaty Superski Tourism Project

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has approved the updated master plan for the Almaty Superski tourism project, aimed at strengthening the city’s position as a leading winter and ecological...


Astana Strengthens Position as Regional Financial Hub in Latest Global Ranking

ALMATY – The thirty-eighth edition of the Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI 38), released on Sept. 25, confirmed Astana’s continued leadership in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. ...


Kazakhstan Names New Foreign Minister 

ALMATY – Kazakhstan appointed Yermek Kosherbayev as a new foreign minister, the presidential press service announced on Sept. 26, in a series of government and administrative reshuffles...


Nuclear Test Ban Body Maintains Meaningful Engagement with Holdout States, Says CTBTO Chief

VIENNA – The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) continues meaningful engagement with nine states that have yet to ratify the treaty that prevents testing of nuclear weapons,...


Astana Hosts International Conference on Youth Employment and Skills Development

ASTANA – More than 100 experts from Central Asia and the European Union gathered in the Kazakh capital on Sept. 24–26 for the International Conference on Youth...


Silk Way Star Brings Together Artists from 12 Countries in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — The Silk Way Star international music competition has united talented singers from 12 countries on a single stage in the Kazakh capital. The project premiered...


Kazakh FM Holds Series of Bilateral Meetings on UNGA Sidelines

ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Cyprus, Oman, Togo and...


Foreign Citizens from 14 Countries Obtain Neo Nomad Visa in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — Twenty-seven foreign citizens from 14 countries have received Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa since its introduction last year. The largest number of visas were issued to...


Girls for Girls Program Helps Women in Central Asia Find Strength via Mentorship

ASTANA – In a world where girls and women struggle with personal doubts and societal pressures that hold them back, what makes a difference is often the...


Kazakhstan Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan

ASTANA — Kazakhstan delivered a large shipment of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan by rail on Sept. 24. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, with the support of the...


PwC Study Highlights Risks in Central Asia’s Push for Green Energy

ASTANA – Coal is projected to remain Kazakhstan’s dominant energy source through 2035, accounting for more than 40% of the country’s energy mix despite ongoing decarbonization efforts,...


Harry Potter Train to Take Passengers on Magical Journey from Astana

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Passenger Transportation company announced the launch of the Potter Train, a new cultural and entertainment show that will debut on Oct. 5. For the...