Astana, June 1, 2026 - The International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (ICIID) hosted an international online conference titled “The Role of Religious Leaders in Achieving Sustainable Peace and Development.” During the event, the Center presented two concept documents to its international partners: the “Ethical Code for the Use of Artificial Intelligence” and “The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change.”
The conference brought together representatives of religious organizations, academic institutions, expert communities, and international organizations from Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, Russia, Argentina, Thailand, North Macedonia, and India. Discussions focused on implementing the 2025 Astana Peace Declaration and the Development Concept of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023–2033.
Opening the conference, Maksat Ramankulov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the importance of state-confessional partnerships. He noted that the Kazakhstani model demonstrates how civil peace demands joint efforts from both secular institutions and religious communities.
Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Center's Board, emphasized that while faith-based diplomacy does not resolve every conflict, it helps preserve dialogue during periods of acute tension. Referring to the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana in September 2025, she noted that Jewish and Muslim representatives remained at the same table and continued their engagement despite heightened sensitivities regarding developments in the Middle East.
She also stressed the need to transition faith-based diplomacy into practical action. These priorities include establishing ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence and mounting a collective response to climate change — two issues addressed by the Center’s current initiatives.
Marwan Sarwar Gill, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Argentina, spoke about the universal understanding of peace in the Islamic tradition. Citing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, he emphasized that human dignity must not depend on race, nationality, or origin. Imam Gill rejected the notion of selective peace, arguing that a holistic approach provides a crucial foundation for global security.
Yulia Shapoval, Acting Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Gumilyov Eurasian National University, highlighted the rise of digital radicalization. She noted that religious and expert communities must keep pace with emerging challenges in the information age, arguing that educational and peace-oriented content must become more visible to counter destructive narratives in the digital space.
Ivan Ivanov, Chairman of the Board of the International Center “Alliance of Civilizations,” underscored the importance of critical thinking in preventing ethnic and religious violence. In his view, education should go beyond transmitting cultural identity; it should cultivate conscience, empathy, and responsibility. Philosophy and ethics, he argued, deserve a more prominent place in educational curricula.
Dr. Matthias Bodi of the University of Oxford's Faculty of Theology and Religion observed that deep faith and open dialogue are not in conflict. Intellectual honesty and respectful interfaith engagement, he stated, help build a culture in which disagreement does not turn into hostility.
Several speakers, including Rostislav Novgorodov, Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kazakhstan; Tokzhan Kozhakhmetova, representative of the Baha’i Community of Kazakhstan; and Rudraksha Sakrikar, Rector of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, emphasized the special role of youth. They stressed that youth should be regarded not only as beneficiaries of education but also as active contributors to positive social change, mutual trust, and intercultural cooperation.
Sergei Melnik, Head of the Department of Philosophy at the Russian Academy of Sciences, proposed organizing an international roundtable in 2027 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the landmark document “A Common Word Between Us and You.” The initiative aims to further strengthen Christian-Muslim dialogue and deepen trust between religious traditions.
Concluding the conference, participants agreed on the importance of moving beyond interfaith dialogue toward practical cooperation, identifying sustainable peace, ethical governance of new technologies, climate responsibility, education, and the prevention of radicalization as key areas.
Уважаемые граждане Республики Казахстан, постоянно проживающие и временно находящиеся на территории Республики Корея в качестве туристов!
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The PGL Astana 2026 international Counter-Strike 2 tournament is currently taking place at the Barys Arena sports complex in Astana, according to the Astana city administration.
Organized by PGL Esports SRL, the tournament features a prize pool of USD 1.6 million and brings together 16 world-class teams, including Team Spirit, G2 Esports, FURIA Esports, and Heroic.
Among the special guests attending the event are Counter-Strike world champion Dauren Kystaubayev, FURIA Esports player Danil Golubenko, streamer Slava Buster, PGL tournament host James Banks, and world champion Gabriel Toledo.
The tournament has been included in Kazakhstan’s 2026 calendar of tourism events approved by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Experts note that, amid the rapidly growing global interest in esports, hosting major international tournaments in Kazakhstan enhances Astana’s appeal as a destination for foreign visitors. One of the spectators who traveled to the capital from Moscow specifically for the event, Alexander Belobukh, praised the high level of organization.
“This is my first time in Astana, and I’m genuinely impressed by the city and its atmosphere. What stands out most is the tremendous interest young people here have in esports. A big part of that is undoubtedly connected to Kazakhstan having such a strong player as Danil Golubenko, who currently competes for the Brazilian club FURIA Esports. Honestly, he is a true role model for young fans, and deservedly so. Golubenko consistently delivers top-level performances and represents Kazakhstan with pride on the international stage. From a tourism development perspective, this is an excellent example of how the country is promoting its brand and showing that it keeps pace with global trends,” said Belobukh.
Sports commentator and esports analyst Nurbolat Zhomart believes it is only natural for Kazakhstan to host tournaments of this scale given the country’s growing involvement in esports.
“Just a few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine PGL bringing a tournament to Astana. However, organizers clearly see that Counter-Strike 2 is hugely popular across the CIS region and that top-tier players are already emerging here. One of them is Abdurakhim Isa, better known by his nickname mo0N. He is an exceptionally talented esports player, and hopefully his team will make it all the way to the final. Danil Golubenko is already a seasoned professional, and the support of the home crowd could become a decisive advantage. That said, the competition at this tournament is extremely strong, especially from teams like Team Spirit,” the expert noted.
Tournament participants also emphasize that hosting PGL Astana 2026 contributes to the development of event tourism and further strengthens Astana’s position as an emerging international venue for major esports competitions.
УВЕДОМЛЕНИЕ
В последнее время в Республике Корея фиксируются участившиеся случаи задержания граждан Республики Казахстан, а также возбуждения в отношении них уголовных дел по обвинению в пособничестве либо участии в мошеннических схемах на территории страны.
Одним из распространённых способов вовлечения граждан является предложение работы онлайн, в том числе через анонимные группы в мессенджерах и по телефону. Как правило, предлагается «лёгкий» и быстрый заработок за выполнение определённых действий и поручений.
Следует особо подчеркнуть, что незнание закона не освобождает от ответственности. Независимо от наличия либо отсутствия прямого умысла, совершение определённых действий, противоречащих требованиям законодательства Республики Корея, может повлечь квалификацию таких действий как правонарушение либо уголовное преступление с наступлением соответствующих правовых последствий.
Участие в мошеннических схемах, включая неправомерное использование специализированного телекоммуникационного оборудования, средств связи и SIM-карт операторов связи, а также осуществление голосового и автоматизированного (роботизированного) телефонного мошенничества, направленного на введение в заблуждение населения и незаконное завладение чужим имуществом, в соответствии с законодательством Республики Корея квалифицируется как тяжкое уголовное преступление и влечёт за собой строгую уголовную ответственность.
⚠️ Особо обращаем внимание, что даже разовое выполнение на первый взгляд «несложных поручений», связанных с передачей SIM-карт, мобильных телефонов, банковских карт, оборудования связи, получением или переводом денежных средств по просьбе третьих лиц, а также предоставлением своих персональных данных или банковских реквизитов, может быть расценено правоохранительными органами Республики Корея как содействие противоправной деятельности с наступлением уголовной ответственности.
⚠️ Генеральное консульство Республики Казахстан в г. Пусан настоятельно призывает граждан Республики Казахстан неукоснительно соблюдать законодательство Республики Корея, проявлять максимальную бдительность, осмотрительность и личную ответственность за свои действия и принимаемые решения, тщательно проверять законность любой предлагаемой деятельности, а также воздерживаться от участия в любых сомнительных и противоправных видах деятельности и ни при каких обстоятельствах не соглашаться на предложения «лёгкого заработка», которые могут повлечь серьёзные правовые последствия на территории Республики Корея.
Astana Will Once Again Become the Center of the Global Esports Scene. The international tournament PGL Astana 2026 will take place in the capital city. The competition will bring together 16 of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 teams, while millions of viewers around the globe are expected to follow the event, according to the official website of the Astana Akimat.
The tournament will be held from May 15 to 17 at the Barys Arena venue. Sixteen world-class teams will participate in the competition.
The tournament held in 2025 was a major success: online viewership reached record-breaking numbers, and the international audience showed significant interest. As a result, Astana strengthened its status as one of the emerging global centers of esports. Hosting the tournament again in 2026 has become a natural continuation of this achievement.
The tournament organizer is PGL Esports SRL, one of the world’s leading operators of esports competitions.
In 2026, the tournament’s prize pool has been increased to USD 1.6 million, making it one of the highest-paying Counter-Strike 2 tournaments outside of the Major series.
Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund JSC invites international partners, financial institutions, and the business community to participate in the 9th Annual Exhibition of Kazakhstan’s Manufacturers - ULTTYQ ÓNIM 2026, which will take place on May 22–24, 2026 in Astana at the International Exhibition Center EXPO.
ULTTYQ ÓNIM is a key national platform bringing together around 600 Kazakhstani producers, creating opportunities for business growth and international cooperation.
At the exhibition:
The business program includes a Business Forum with the participation of representatives of international organizations, financial institutions, and banks.
We would be pleased to welcome international organizations, financial institutions, and companies interested in cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/VJx27SDa3aLXu4aD6
DAMU Fund - our support, your growth.
For participation inquiries:
Kazakhstan is launching a major overhaul of its migration policy aimed at attracting highly qualified professionals, foreign investors, entrepreneurs and global talent. Under a new decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on April 25, 2026, the country is shifting from a traditional permit-and-quota migration model toward a more flexible, incentive-based system designed to strengthen competitiveness for international talent and capital.
The reform is part of Kazakhstan’s broader economic modernisation agenda and reflects efforts to make the country a regional hub for investment, innovation and skilled migration across Eurasia. It combines visa liberalisation, tax incentives, digitalisation and service reforms aimed at making relocation, investment and long-term residence in Kazakhstan significantly easier for foreign nationals.
The Government of Kazakhstan has been tasked with implementing the reforms by 31 December 2026.
Shift to an Incentive-Based Migration Model
The presidential decree identifies four strategic priorities:
New Visa Framework
Kazakhstan will streamline and modernise visa categories by introducing clearer pathways for investors and professionals:
“Altyn Visa” (Golden Visa) Programme
A central feature of the reform is the introduction of the “Altyn Visa”, designed to encourage long-term relocation and investment in Kazakhstan.
Eligibility includes:
Benefits for Altyn Visa Holders
Digitalisation of Immigration Services
Kazakhstan is significantly expanding digital migration infrastructure through:
Investment Opportunities Through e-Residency
The new e-Residency Invest programme will allow digital residents to:
This is designed to lower barriers for foreign investors seeking exposure to Kazakhstan’s economy without immediate physical relocation.
Improving International Accessibility
To improve quality of life for international residents:
This will include medical institutions, schools, public service centres, police services, utilities and municipal services.
These reforms are intended to improve ease of living for foreign professionals and their families.
Supporting Kazakhstan’s Innovation Ecosystem
Changes to the Astana International Financial Centre
To enhance competitiveness for international investors:
Why This Reform Matters
A historic event took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome: the first test launch of the prospective medium-lift launch vehicle Soyuz-5/Sunkar was successfully carried out from Site 45 as part of the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex.
Read more: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maidd/press/news/details/1212920?lang=en
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan informs that, as of April 30, 2026, new regulations concerning Alternative Smoking Products have entered into force in Hong Kong (SAR).
In accordance with these regulations, the use, possession, and carrying of all electronic cigarettes (including IQOS/Glo), vapes, and other alternative smoking devices, sticks, and related liquids are strictly prohibited (with the exception of conventional cigarettes, tobacco, and shisha mixtures).
Violation of this law entails a fine of up to HKD 2,000,000 (approximately USD 255,000) and imprisonment for up to seven years. The transfer of the aforementioned products as a gift is punishable by a fine of up to HKD 50,000 (approximately USD 6,400) and imprisonment for up to six months.
In this regard, in order to prevent possible negative consequences involving citizens of Kazakhstan who are currently in Hong Kong or planning to travel to this region, all missions of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the People’s Republic of China are kindly requested to publish relevant notices on their official websites and social media platforms.
Detailed information on these restrictions can be found in the official source at the following link:
https://www.taco.gov.hk/t/english/legislation/legislation_asp.html
Kazakhstan will host its first international film festival dedicated to artificial intelligence – the Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026). The project concept and the launch of the application process were introduced at a press conference in the capital.
According to the organizers, the central event of the festival will be an international competition of short films created using artificial intelligence. Creators from all over the world will be eligible to participate, regardless of country of origin, experience, or access to a professional studio.
“We expect the Astana AI Film Festival to become an annual event in the creative industries and a sustainable international platform for new formats and emerging names. Participation is open to everyone: both teams and individual creators can submit their work,” said Aizatulla Hussain, founder of Ozen and one of the festival’s organizers.
Applications will open in May 2026 and can be submitted via the festival’s official website.
“According to the competition rules, participants must create an AI-generated short film of up to 10 minutes and upload it to the festival’s platform along with a project description. Applications will be accepted from May through the end of August,” noted Almas Zhali, festival organizer and head of Brave Talents.
Astana AI Film Festival is scheduled to take place in autumn 2026. The festival will serve as a platform for projects at the intersection of the film industry and AI technologies, bringing together authors, digital creators, technology companies, experts, and investors.
The total prize fund will amount to $1 million, making it one of the largest in its category. The project is financed through sponsorship and partnership contributions.
The festival program will include film screenings, an AI content conference, as well as pitch sessions for creators and producers.