As part of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates, Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, held a series of meetings dedicated to the development of the digital sector and artificial intelligence (AI).
During negotiations with Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of the UAE Cabinet for Competitiveness, the parties discussed opportunities for experience exchange between the relevant ministries of the two countries, collaboration within regulatory sandboxes across various economic sectors, and training programs for Kazakhstani civil servants in the UAE. These programs include key areas such as information security, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.
It was agreed that AI would be one of the initial focus areas within the regulatory sandboxes, with the goal of developing regulatory frameworks that strike a balance between oversight and the sector’s growth.
In terms of training, Kazakhstan is actively collaborating with the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office, which has facilitated training for over 800 Kazakhstani civil servants through workshops, seminars, and exchange programs since the beginning of the partnership.
The delegation from the Ministry of Digital Development also visited the UAE Government Accelerator, where they discussed the use of project-based methods to address cross-sectoral challenges, successful cases from acceleration programs, and the potential adoption of similar approaches in Kazakhstan.
Additionally, the delegation studied the operations of the UAE’s Services 1 centers, which function as one-stop shops for government services. Discussions covered the evaluation of public service quality, the ranking of government agencies, and agreements to exchange methodologies to improve the functionality of Kazakhstan's Public Service Centers (PSCs).
During a meeting with Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, the parties explored prospects for cooperation in the AI domain.
The meeting included a demonstration of the Dubai Future Laboratory, where technological solutions are developed based on the requests of UAE companies. This state-driven initiative aims to create innovative solutions tailored to market needs, enhancing technical expertise and fostering market interaction to address current challenges.
The Kazakhstani delegation invited UAE research centers and companies to join initiatives within the framework of Kazakhstan’s Alem.ai International Center for Artificial Intelligence. Minister Al Olama also received an invitation to participate in the Digital Almaty 2025 forum to further discuss collaboration opportunities.
Press Office of the Ministry of Digital Development,
Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan
International Digital Forum Digital Almaty
Under this slogan, Kazakhstan Tech Solution Day was launched today, September 5, 2024, as part of the UNESCAP conference. This event serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing Kazakhstan’s advancements in digital technologies and addressing global challenges in digital transformation.
Kazakhstan Tech Solution Day features over 15 panel sessions covering a broad range of topics, including artificial intelligence, bridging the digital divide, smart cities, cybersecurity, women’s inclusion in IT, digital inclusion, human capital, sustainable development through technology, space technology, digital healthcare, and universal internet access.
The discussions are led by prominent experts in digitalization, including representatives from UNESCAP led by the Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, digital ministers from various countries and leaders from global companies such as Amazon, Forbes Technology Council, EPAM, Kaspi.kz and others.
“Today, we gather at a crucial juncture in the digital transformation of Asia and the Pacific. Kazakhstan has emerged as a leader in pioneering digital solutions that resonate not only within the country but already recognized far beyond its borders. The Digital Family Card, developed with the support of UNDP, stands as an example of how digital tools can transform social protection payment system, ensuring that benefits are delivered with efficiency and transparency to those who need them most”, - said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Keynote speakers include Randeep Sudan, Founder, CEO of Multiverz; Ayumi Moore Aoki, founder and CEO of Women in Tech® Global; Salma Abbasi, founder and CEO of eWorldwide Group; Punam Bala-Ng, co-founder and Managing Partner of Tact+Invest; Dr. N. Krishna Reddy, CEO of ACCESS Health International; Nicolas Sadirac, co-founder of 01 Edu and 01 Talent; Arsen Tomsky, founder and CEO of inDrive, and Timur Turlov, СЕО of Freedom Holding Corp. Kazakhstan’s speakers include Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digitalization; Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education; and Akmaral Alnazarova, Minister of Health.
“Kazakhstan Tech Solution Day is an opportunity to highlight our achievements in tech and to forge new partnerships and initiatives that will advance the innovation ecosystem both in Kazakhstan and internationally. This event also opens new avenues for cooperation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, reinforcing our country’s role in the global digital economy,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, head of the Ministry of Digital Development.
Participants at Kazakhstan Tech Solution Day will have the opportunity to explore the startup alley, organized by Astana Hub, the largest technology park in Central Asia. This showcase features over 50 top Kazakhstan’s startups and major tech companies. The event will also include the signing of memorandums and agreements focused on launching programming schools, advancing artificial intelligence methods, developing regional tech hubs across the country, and other initiatives.
Kazakhstan Tech Solution Day represents a significant step in enhancing Kazakhstan's position in the global digital market, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and creating new business connections. The event not only highlights the country’s technology achievements but also contributes to the ongoing development of the regional innovation ecosystem. The event’s general sponsor is Kaspi.kz, a leading Kazakhstani technology company. Additionally, it is supported by the innovative digital bank Freedom Bank and the global transport and urban services platform inDrive, underscoring the strong interest of businesses in advancing Kazakhstan’s digital potential.
From September 3 to 5, 2024, the capital of Kazakhstan is hosting the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation. This major event brings together over 400 delegates, including ministers and high-level representatives from more than 30 ESCAP member states. Organized by UNESCAP and the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MDDIAI), the conference serves as a crucial platform for discussing digitalization, inclusion, and sustainable development.