Tallinn, October 19, 2026 The visit of the Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhuldyz Suleimenova to the Republic of Estonia took place. The purpose of the visit was to study the Estonian experience in the field of digitalization of the education system, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and the modernization of teaching staff training methods
During the visit, the head of the department held a number of specialized meetings and visited educational facilities in Tallinn. During the meeting at the Estonian Agency for Education and Youth Affairs (Harno), the Kazakh delegation was presented with methods and technologies that ensure Estonia's high results in the PISA international study. Estonia consistently demonstrates the highest PISA scores among European countries, taking a leading position in the world in terms of functional literacy, mathematics and natural sciences.
The parties paid special attention to the innovative Estonian AI educational implementation program AI Leap, a pilot project that has been launched in Estonian schools since last year. The participants discussed the state strategy, implementation practice, and long-term prospects for using artificial intelligence in the educational process. At the presentation center of the Estonian digital state, the Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan was shown the architecture of building the e-Estonia ecosystem in relation to the field of education.
The parties discussed issues of improving the effectiveness of education management, modern challenges and technological solutions in the field of electronic public servicesIn practice, Zhuldyz Suleimenova got acquainted with the Estonian experience by visiting the Tallinn State Gymnasium (MURG). The school management demonstrated solutions related to the integration of AI into the educational work of teachers and students.
The approaches to the organization of educational work, pedagogical mentoring and the formation of a modern educational ecosystem were also studied. During the visit, representatives of the delegation also held a meeting at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Estonia. Following the meetings, the parties expressed mutual interest in developing bilateral cooperation and sharing best practices in the future.
I. Main Objective of the Competition
· The “OQ Startup” Creative Competition for the Best Projects is aimed at providing comprehensive support to projects in the fields of science, culture, IT, business, media, volunteering, as well as other creative and social fields.
· The main objective of the competition is to promote the original projects of Kazakh compatriots and ethnic Kazakhs living abroad in Kazakhstan, facilitate networking and the establishment of connections among participants, and support their creative initiatives.
II. Organization and Procedure for Conducting the Competition
1. Kazakh compatriots aged 15–30 who are citizens of foreign countries are eligible to participate in the competition.
2. Projects in the fields of science, culture, IT, business, media, volunteering, as well as other creative and social fields are accepted for the competition.
3. To present their project, participants must submit the following materials:
1. Project Presentation
· A horizontally recorded video in MP4 or MOV format, no longer than 2 minutes, or a presentation in PPTX or PDF format, consisting of no more than 10 slides.
· The video or presentation must briefly and clearly present the main content and relevance of the project, its objectives, target audience, implementation methods, and expected outcomes.
2. Brief Project Description (PDF format)
· The description must include the following information:
· If funding is required to implement the project, the participant must indicate the requested amount of funding and provide a detailed budget in the PDF document. The budget must specify the name of each expense item, quantity, unit cost, and total cost.
· The submitted video or presentation should provide a concise and clear overview of the project, while the PDF description should provide a comprehensive explanation of the project.
· Projects that have already begun implementation, are currently being implemented, or are planned for future implementation are eligible for participation in the competition.
· If a project is already being implemented, the participant must provide information on its current results, achievements, and plans for further development.
· For a planned project, its objectives, tasks, implementation stages, timeline, and expected outcomes must be clearly specified.
4. Submissions are accepted via email at Oqbaiqau@gmail.com
5. Participants must submit their work, along with the following personal information — full name, citizenship, university and year of study, and age — by October 30, 2026.
6. By submitting their work, participants consent to its publication on the official website and social media platforms of Otandastar Qory (Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram).
7. Works are accepted in Kazakh, Russian, or English.
III. Competition Period
· Creative works will be accepted from September 30 to October 30, 2026.
· The judging panel will determine the winners within 30 days after the competition closes.
IV. Competition Results and Awards
· Based on the results of the competition, the winners will receive the following awards:
· 1st Place: Laptop and diploma
· 2nd Place: Tablet and diploma
· 3rd Place: Smartwatch and diploma
· Special Recognition Prize: Bestemshe traditional board game and certificate of recognition
On October 2-3, 2026, the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue will host the II Joint Colloquium between the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the International Center in Astana. The main theme of the Colloquium will be the protection of the rights and dignity of vulnerable children
The Colloquium will continue the dialogue between Kazakhstan and the Holy See, which began in April 2024 with the first joint meeting held during the visit of the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to the Vatican.
The Colloquium will convene official representatives of Kazakhstan and the Holy See, religious leaders, specialists in the fields of pediatrics, bioethics and theology, representatives of international organizations, as well as members of the expert community. The event will be co-chaired by the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The program will focus on three key areas: the ethical foundations of child care and interfaith solidarity; the protection of children’s rights and dignity in the context of illness; and the development of medical, scientific and institutional cooperation. The potential of artificial intelligence in pediatrics and the ethical principles governing its use will also be given special attention.
The Charter of the rights of the Incurable Child, based on the principles of respect for human dignity, comprehensive care for the child, and support for the family, will serve as a key reference point for discussions. The Kazakh side will also highlight the «Zhusan» humanitarian operation an example of practical support for children in difficult circumstances.
To cover the Colloquium, Kazakhstani and international media are kindly requested to complete accreditation no later than September 20, 2026. For accreditation, please contact us by email: communications@iciid.org
Date: October 2–3, 2026
Venue: National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 1st floor
Start time: 10:30 a.m.
On October 7, 2026, the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will be held at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The dialogue platform will convene leaders and representatives of world and traditional religions — Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto and the Bahaʼí Faith — as well as heads of international organizations, government officials and leading experts from 20 countries.
A key item on the agenda of the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat will be the consideration and adoption of two international documents: “The Code of Ethics for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Religious Sphere” and “The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change.” The development of these documents was initiated by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and supported by Congress participants.
The Charter of the Rights of the Incurable Child will be presented as a separate agenda item. The document emphasizes protecting the child’s dignity and ensuring humane treatment, as well as the child’s right to necessary medical and psychological care and, upon request, support that takes into account the child’s religious and spiritual needs.
To cover the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress, Kazakhstani and international media are kindly requested to complete accreditation no later than September 30, 2026. For accreditation, please contact us by email: communications@iciid.org.
Date: October 7, 2026
Venue: Press Center, 57 Tauelsizdik Avenue, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana
Start time: 10:00 a.m
TALLINN, August 23, 2026 Elections of deputies of the Qurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan are being held today at polling station No. 466, organized for citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Representatives of the Kazakh diaspora in Estonia have been demonstrating high civic engagement since the first hours of the site's operationThe members of the community emphasize that voting is not only the fulfillment of a constitutional duty, but also an opportunity to directly influence the future of their homeland. Kazakhstanis living abroad remain an integral part of the state.
The Diaspora in Estonia actively promotes the strengthening of cultural, economic and academic ties between the two countries, making a significant contribution to the modernization and sustainable development of modern Kazakhstan
Strasbourg, 26 June 2026 – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a Written Declaration entitled «Constitutional Referendum in Kazakhstan: A New Stage of Reforms», expressing support for the political reforms initiated in the Republic of Kazakhstan following the nationwide referendum held on 15 March 2026 (https://pace.coe.int/en/files/36245).
The author of the document is PACE member Mehmet Akalın (Türkiye, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe). The declaration, signed by 22 parliamentarians representing various political groups and national delegations from European countries, describes the referendum as an important milestone in Kazakhstan's institutional transformation and the modernisation of its system of public governance.
PACE members welcome the objectives of the constitutional reforms, including the transition towards a more balanced model of governance, the strengthening of accountability mechanisms, expanded access to constitutional justice, and enhanced guarantees for the protection of human rights.
The declaration also highlights the constructive dialogue between Kazakhstan and the Council of Europe within the framework of existing co-operation mechanisms, aimed at exchanging experience in the fields of constitutional development, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
Furthermore, the parliamentarians express their readiness to support Kazakhstan's continued efforts to strengthen democratic governance and the rule of law, recognising the country as a reliable partner in the Eurasian region.
A solemn event was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Estonia for representatives of the Kazakh diaspora, students and youth living in Estonia. The meeting brought together compatriots, as well as representatives of the Estonian academic and expert circles to discuss key vectors of development of modern
Kazakhstan and popularization of national cultural heritage.
Developing a reading culture and supporting young people The central theme of the event was the discussion of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On measures to develop the culture of reading and the formation of a reading nation». During the meeting, the diplomats stressed the special importance of this initiative for the younger generation and strengthening the intellectual potential of the country.
In order to support the reading culture among Kazakhstani students and youth studying in Estonia, the organizers held a campaign to distribute fiction, historical and popular science literature for free.
Political and institutional reforms
Special attention of the participants was paid to the socio-political modernization of Kazakhstan.
Representatives of the Embassy explained in detail to the guests the main provisions of the new Constitution of the country, as well as the implementation of large-scale institutional reforms.
The experts and political scientists present in Estonia highly appreciated the consistent steps taken by the State to strengthen democratic institutions and the legal foundations of the republic.
Melodies of the Great Steppe: Dombra Day
A striking cultural chord of the evening was the celebration of the upcoming National Day of Dombra. Famous Kazakh kuis were performed for the guests of the event. The virtuoso performance of traditional musical compositions on dombra allowed Estonian colleagues and compatriots to immerse themselves deeper into the atmosphere of Kazakh steppe philosophy and rich musical heritage. The event ended with an exchange of views and informal communication, during which the participants noted the importance of preserving the strong spiritual connection of the diaspora with its historical homeland.
Tallinn, June 19th, 2026 – Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Estonia Altay Kulginov met with members of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) representing the Estonia–Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Group.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kulginov informed the Estonian parliamentarians about the key areas of political modernization implemented by President K. Tokayev.
In particular, the diplomat elaborated on the forthcoming entry into force of the updated Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which provides for further enhancement of the system of public administration, institutional reforms, and the transition to a unicameral parliamentary structure. He emphasized that these transformations are aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, improving the efficiency of the state apparatus, and expanding citizen participation in the country’s political life.
Members of the Estonian Parliament paid special attention to Kazakhstan’s transition to a unicameral parliament, viewing it as one of the central elements of the country’s renewed political architecture.
The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations, noting the stable and constructive nature of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Estonia. Particular attention was given to the development of interparliamentary cooperation as an important tool for strengthening mutual trust, exchanging experience, and promoting joint initiatives in the political, economic, and cultural spheres.
The Estonian deputies expressed interest in further expanding contacts, organizing thematic meetings, and supporting projects that contribute to deepening the partnership between the two countries. Ambassador Kulginov, in turn, reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s interest and readiness for active engagement and for advancing both existing and new formats of cooperation.
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.