From 29 July to 9 August, Kazakhstan’s capital will become the global hub of phygital sports - a unique competition format that combines esports, traditional sports, and cutting-edge technologies.
🌏 The tournament will bring together more than 800 athletes from over 50 countries, competing across eight disciplines: Phygital Basketball, Battle Royale PUBG, Dota 2, CS2, Phygital Football, Mobile Legends, Phygital Dancing, and Phygital Fighting.
🎮 In the phygital disciplines, participants first compete in a digital environment before continuing the contest on real-world sports venues, including a football pitch, basketball court, combat arena, or dance stage. The final results are determined based on the combined performance in both the digital and physical stages of the competition.
🎥 The Opening Ceremony will take place on 29 July at 5:00 p.m. (Kazakhstan time). The event will be broadcast live on the Jibek Joly, Qazsport, and Khabar TV channels, as well as on the official GOTF Astana 2026 Powered by Samruk-Kazyna YouTube channel and the Phygital+ platform.
🇦🇲 Viewers in Armenia will be able to follow the tournament on Kazakhstan’s Jibek Joly TV channel, available through the Ucom network.
⚡️ Games of the Future 2026 will bring together sport, technology, and innovation, showcasing a new generation of international sporting competitions.
✔️ President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev got acquainted with the exposition, which includes archaeological, written and cultural artifacts on the history of the Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization.
➤ The Head of State was presented with an interactive map, including 70 archaeological and architectural monuments, 17 of which were supplemented with detailed descriptions, aerial photographs and 3D visualization.
➤ Among the central exhibits, a special place is occupied by the manuscript scroll "Genealogy of the Khans," containing genealogical information about the rulers and historical figures of the era.
➤ The Catalan Atlas, written sources, coins and everyday items are also exhibited. The written legacy includes 3 edicts, 4 diplomatic letters, and 21 manuscripts available in originals and electronic versions.
▪️The exhibition is aimed at popularizing the historical and cultural heritage of the Golden Horde and expanding scientific interest in its study.
According to a survey of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) conducted in April-May 2026, the level of confidence in the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan amounted to 86.7%, while maintaining a consistently high indicator.
The highest level was recorded among young people (91.4%), and also remains comparatively high among the urban (86.9%) and rural population (86.7%).
The analysis shows that trust is sustainable and correlates with the assessment of the socio-economic situation, increasing as income levels increase.
Thus, the results of the study reflect broad public support for the course of development and modernization of the country.
📌 The survey was conducted by KazISS from April 10 to May 10, 2026. Sample - 8,000 respondents from all regions of Kazakhstan, including Astana, Almaty and Shymkent.
▪️The main goal of the Decree is to ensure the sustainable development of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the context of the accelerated development of artificial intelligence, as well as to create conditions for the formation of a modern, innovative education system as a key element of human capital.
➤ In accordance with the Decree, by July 1, 2026, the Government will approve a Comprehensive Action Plan aimed at the widespread introduction of artificial intelligence into the secondary education system for 2026-2029, which includes the creation of a mechanism for personalized learning, digital infrastructure, training of teachers and protection of personal data of students.
➤ The Decree provides for the use in practical work of the recommendations of a member of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Kai-Fu Lee, the introduction by the Government by June 1, 2026 of specific proposals for the implementation of a pilot project in the field of secondary education with subsequent scaling. These innovations are aimed at reducing the gap in the quality of education between urban and rural schools.
➤ Until August 1, 2026, as part of the pilot project, it is planned to provide technical equipment for schools, including stable high-speed Internet.
➤ Until September 1, 2026, standards for the use of artificial intelligence in the secondary education system will be approved.
➤ Additionally, until September 1, 2026, a plan of measures will be adopted that provides for continuous professional development and ensures the use of artificial intelligence technologies in the educational process as an additional effective tool, without prejudice to the substitution of professional activities of teachers.
A Kazakh-Armenian expert meeting was held in the capital of Armenia with the participation of representatives of analytical centers, the diplomatic corps and the media of the two countries. The latest event within the framework of expert interaction between Kazakhstan and Armenia was jointly hosted by the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the Armenian Association of Political Scientists.
The Kazakh side was represented by representatives of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Foreign Policy Research Institute under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the International Center for Geopolitical Forecasting "East - West", the Diplomatic Club Astana and other analytical institutions. The Armenian side included representatives of the Armenian Association of Political Scientists, the Armenian Institute for Resilience and Statecraft, Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia, the Armenian Center for Civil Initiatives "SPARAPET", as well as members of the academic and socio-political community.
During the exchange of views, participants discussed the current state and prospects for further development of Kazakh-Armenian cooperation, issues of expanding trade, economic and investment ties, as well as interaction in the field of transport and transit connectivity.
A separate segment of discussion was focused on constitutional reform in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakh experts presented the key provisions and innovations of the Constitution adopted on March 15, 2026, and outlined approaches to further modernization the country's political system. It was noted that the updated Basic Law reflects Kazakhstan’s current stage of political and legal development and is aimed at strengthening the institutional foundations of the state.
During the meeting, the traditionally friendly and partnership-based nature of relations between Kazakhstan and Armenia, grounded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to developing multifaceted cooperation was emphasized. Particular attention was given to the dynamics of political dialogue at the highest level. The participants also noted the steady growth of bilateral trade and underscored the importance of further diversifying trade relations, expanding investment cooperation and strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries.
At the conclusion of the event, the interest in continuing expert interaction and developing sustainable communication between analytical centers, the scientific community and civil society institutions of Kazakhstan and Armenia was reaffirmed. It was noted that such platforms contribute to the development of practical initiatives and the strengthening of bilateral partnership.
Ahead of the 81st Anniversary of Victory Day, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan allocated more than 3.3 billion tenge in one-time payments for approximately 32,900 citizens, including WWII veterans, home front workers, widows of fallen servicemen, and persons with war-related disabilities.
Currently, 57 veterans of the Great Patriotic War reside in Kazakhstan. Regardless of their region of residence, each of them has received one-time financial assistance in the amount of 5 million tenge.
Alongside social support measures, Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to preserving historical memory and honoring the courage and selflessness of the generation of victors.
As repeatedly emphasized by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, respect for veterans and preservation of the historical legacy of Victory remain an important part of state policy and public consciousness.
✔️ The Head of State visited the Alem.ai center, where he got acquainted with key initiatives aimed at developing artificial intelligence, the digital economy and the country's modern educational ecosystem.
▪️ The Alem.ai center serves as a platform for scientific research, educational programs, and startup initiatives, as well as for implementing applied AI solutions. The projects being carried out are focused on integrating artificial intelligence technologies into public administration, business, and everyday life, in line with Kazakhstan’s strategic course toward building a technologically advanced and competitive nation.
➤ During the visit, special attention was given to educational initiatives, including the development of modern learning platforms for different age groups.
▪️ One of these projects is the TUMO Astana Center for Creative Technologies. Founded in Armenia and successfully scaled internationally, TUMO is aimed at teenagers aged 12 to 18 and provides a unique opportunity to learn modern digital and creative skills free of charge.
The educational program covers 11 areas, including:
➤ generative artificial intelligence;
➤ programming;
➤ game development;
➤ animation and 3D modeling;
➤ robotics;
➤ film and digital music.
The TUMO model, which has already proven its effectiveness internationally, combines self-directed learning with hands-on labs, helping young people develop practical skills for the future.
▪️ Another important area is the adult education system. Thus, on behalf of the President, the Tomorrow School of artificial intelligence has been created on the basis of the Astana Hub, which is being scaled throughout the country. In a teleconference format, the launch of the school network in 14 regions of Kazakhstan was announced, where education will be free and accessible to all citizens over the age of 18.
▪️ During the visit, infrastructure projects were also presented, including the launch of “Astana Smart City,” a comprehensive urban management system based on a unified AI platform, as well as a concept for establishing a research university in the field of AI at Alem.ai.
✨ Thus, the development of the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in Kazakhstan is becoming an important part of the emerging ecosystem for training a new generation of professionals, combining creative education, technology, and practical skills. The project not only expands young people’s access to modern knowledge but also strengthens the country’s position in the global digital agenda.
The event will feature a rich and engaging program, including the scientific and practical conference “Taraz - City of Craftsmen: Traditional and Contemporary Crafts,” an exhibition of handmade works, master classes, and an exhibition of young artisans and artists titled “My World: Fantasy and Reality.” As part of the festival, the International Fashion Week “ASPARA FASHION WEEK” will also take place, showcasing a harmonious blend of national style and modern trends. The musical program “Dombyra Party,” held next to a felt artwork listed in the Guinness World Records, will offer guests a vibrant atmosphere of live traditional music. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of craftsmanship, watch a national costume show, and enjoy a gala concert featuring popular performers. More than 100 craftsmen from abroad are expected to participate in the festival.
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zhambyl/press/news/details/1197152?lang=en
Yerevan, April 2, 2026 – Consultations on multilateral cooperation between the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Armenia were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
During the consultations, the parties conducted a thorough exchange of views on key issues of cooperation within international organizations and multilateral formats.
Particular attention was paid to discussions on cooperation within the UN and OSCE, as well as the initiatives of the two countries on international platforms.
Mr. Didar Temenov, Director of the Multilateral Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, briefed on the preparations for the Regional Ecological Summit, scheduled to take place on 22-24 April 2026 in Astana, and expressed gratitude to the Armenian side for confirming high-level participation at the Summit. The Kazakh diplomat drew attention to the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, to establish an International Water Organization within the UN framework, aimed at strengthening global cooperation in the sustainable management of water resources and ensuring water security.
Mr. Davit Knyazyan, Director of the Department of Multilateral Policy and Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, presented an update on the preparations for the 17th Meeting of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-17), scheduled to take place on 19–30 October 2026 in Yerevan.
The parties emphasized the timeliness of the Regional Ecological Summit and COP-17 as important platforms for discussing the global ecological agenda.
In light of the growing role of digital technologies in the socio-economic development of states, the Kazakh side highlighted about the promotion of the draft resolution on the «Establishment of an Asia and Pacific Center for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development» in the framework of UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
At the conclusion of the consultations, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthen dialogue on key issues of multilateral cooperation.