GOV.KZ – Single platform for the digital resources of government agencies

16 октября 2026

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:

• project title;
• relevance of the project and the problem it aims to address;
• project objective;
• key project tasks;
• target audience (who the project is intended for);
• implementation mechanism and key activities;
• project implementation period;
• expected outcomes;
• resources required for project implementation.

·                   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

14 сентября 2026

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.

14 сентября 2026

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

13 сентября 2026

Bar-Budva, September 11, 2026 – Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Montenegro Daulet Batrashev visited the facilities of the Port of Bar and held meetings with Aleksandar Slabidžoreski, Executive Director of Luka Bar AD, and Nikola Jovanović, President of the Municipality of Budva.

During the visit to the Port of Bar, the parties discussed the potential use of Montenegro’s transport and logistics infrastructure to develop cargo transportation between Kazakhstan, the Western Balkans and European markets.

The Kazakh diplomat briefed the Montenegrin side on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the Middle Corridor, and noted Kazakhstan’s interest in further diversifying international transport routes. In this context, the parties considered the possible use of the Port of Bar as one of the regional logistics hubs for the transshipment and onward distribution of cargo from Kazakhstan to the Western Balkans and Central Europe.

Particular attention was paid to the prospects for transporting agricultural and food products from Kazakhstan, including grain, as well as to the development of container and other types of cargo transportation.

The parties discussed possible formats of cooperation between interested companies from Kazakhstan and the Port of Bar, including the use of terminal and storage infrastructure, joint logistics projects and opportunities for investment cooperation.

The sides agreed to continue direct working contacts and further detailed work on possible projects, considering their economic viability and the available infrastructure.

On the same day, Ambassador Batrashev held a meeting in Budva with Nikola Jovanović, President of the Municipality of Budva.

The parties considered prospects for developing interregional cooperation, expanding tourist exchanges, implementing joint infrastructure projects and establishing direct contacts between business communities.

Daulet Batrashev noted the growing interest of citizens of Kazakhstan in Montenegro as a tourist destination and underlined the importance of maintaining favourable travel conditions, developing direct air connectivity and further increasing mutual tourist flows.

Nikola Jovanović expressed the Municipality’s interest in attracting investment from Kazakhstan and its readiness to assist potential investors within the powers of local authorities.

The parties also discussed the prospect of establishing direct partnership ties between Budva and Almaty. It was noted that such cooperation could be developed through concrete projects in tourism, investment and entrepreneurship, as well as joint business events.

Daulet Batrashev informed the Montenegrin side of Kazakhstan’s readiness to open an Honorary Consulate in Budva, which would facilitate contacts with municipalities along Montenegro’s coast, business communities and citizens of the two countries.

The meetings formed part of the practical implementation of the agreements reached following the talks between the Heads of State of Kazakhstan and Montenegro in June 2026 and confirmed mutual interest in further expanding trade and economic, investment, transport and logistics, tourism and interregional cooperation between Kazakhstan and Montenegro.

11 сентября 2026

Podgorica, September 10-11, 2026 – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan Daulet Batrashev met with Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajic. The meeting focused on the current state and prospects of trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Montenegro.

Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the agreements reached at the meeting between the Heads of State of Kazakhstan and Montenegro, as well as to the further expansion of bilateral cooperation in transport and logistics, agriculture, infrastructure, digitalisation and tourism.

Prime Minister Spajic reaffirmed Montenegro’s interest in strengthening practical cooperation with Kazakhstan, including expanding trade, attracting investment and technologies from Kazakhstan, establishing stable supplies of food products from Kazakhstan, and involving Kazakhstan’s companies and financial institutions in promising infrastructure and investment projects.

An important outcome of the meeting was an agreement to continue high-level dialogue. In this context, Prime Minister Spajic expressed his readiness to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan, the dates of which will be agreed through diplomatic channels.

The Ambassador also held a series of meetings at Montenegro’s relevant ministries. During the meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Vladimir Jokovic, the parties discussed opportunities to supply agricultural products from Kazakhstan to Montenegro, establish direct contacts between producers, importers and distributors of the two countries, and sign a bilateral cooperation document with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During talks with Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj, the parties considered prospects for cooperation in the digitalization of public administration, GovTech, artificial intelligence and human resources development. Ambassador Batrashev expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to share its experience in digital transformation, while Minister Dukaj confirmed Montenegro’s readiness to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries.

At the meeting with Minister of Transport of Montenegro Rados Zecevic, the parties discussed opportunities to develop transport and logistics links by using the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and Montenegro’s port infrastructure. They also considered cooperation between sectoral companies and the identification of potential cargo flows, with Montenegro’s Port of Bar, located on the Adriatic coast, highlighted as having considerable potential.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, the parties discussed the further development of political dialogue, expansion of the bilateral legal framework, prospects for establishing an Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, strengthening interparliamentary ties and cooperation in international organizations. An agreement was reached to hold the next round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries in 2027.

The meetings and talks were also attended by Mr. Gabiden Temirbek, Consul General of Kazakhstan in Montenegro.

10 сентября 2026

We, the Foreign Ministers of the States Parties to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia (hereinafter referred to as the “CANWFZ Treaty”), on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the CANWFZ Treaty in Semipalatinsk

reaffirming our commitment to humanity’s common goal of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons, and recognizing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use or testing of nuclear weapons,

emphasizing that the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is one of the most powerful universal tools for preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and strengthening the global disarmament process,

noting the importance of the Treaty between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness, and Cooperation for Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century in strengthening peace and security in the region,

recalling that the idea of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia was first proposed by the Republic of Uzbekistan in September 1993 at the 48th session of the UN General Assembly,

convinced that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia represents a successful example of the consolidation of efforts by the countries of the region, and emphasizing that this was an important step toward strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime and the process of nuclear disarmament, regional and international peace and security, as well as the development of cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the environmental rehabilitation of areas affected by radioactive contamination,

welcoming the thirty-fifth anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and the thirtieth anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and paying tribute to the memory of the numerous victims of nuclear explosions and their consequences in all regions of the world,

we hereby declare the following:

1. We reaffirm our commitment to the historically significant CANWFZ Treaty, signed by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan on 8 September 2006, in Semipalatinsk. As the result of collective efforts of all five Central Asian states in their aspiration to ensure security, stability and peace in the region, and as it remains the first and only such zone located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and directly bordering two nuclear-weapon States, the Semipalatinsk Treaty continues to play an important role in strengthening the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime and serves as a symbolic example of Central Asia’s transformation from a region where nuclear weapons were once actively tested and deployed into one of the leaders of global efforts toward nuclear disarmament.
2. We reaffirm the key role of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of international efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and, ultimately, to achieve their complete elimination. In this regard, we regret that the Eleventh Review Conference of the States Parties to the NPT concluded without adopting substantive outcomes, reflecting continuing differences and a lack of trust in the field of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. We call on all NPT parties to continue negotiations in good faith on the effective implementation of obligations under all three interrelated and mutually reinforcing pillars – nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
3. In light of the urgent and unprecedented challenges threatening global security and stability, we express serious concern over the lack of substantial progress in the field of nuclear disarmament in accordance with Article 6 of the NPT, as well as the cessation of key arms control agreements, coupled with an alarming trend toward the modernization of nuclear arsenals. At the same time, we note the special responsibility of nuclear-weapon States to engage in negotiations on nuclear disarmament and call for the urgent development of new, verifiable arms control mechanisms to prevent a nuclear arms race.
4. We affirm our unwavering support for the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in implementing the provisions of the NPT, promoting cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and applying safeguards and monitoring of nuclear programs in the Agency’s member states.
5. We firmly advocate for the necessity of the earliest entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) which will mark exactly thirty years since its opening for signature on 24 September 2026. In this regard, we emphasize the need to preserve and further strengthen the international norm against nuclear testing and call for refraining from any actions that could undermine this norm.

We emphasize the important role of raising awareness on disarmament and non-proliferation in fostering a culture of peace, trust and responsibility, and note the particular importance of involving the youth in discussions on disarmament and international security. We support the continued promotion of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, initiated by the Kyrgyz Republic and symbolically observed annually on 5 March – the date the NPT entered into force – as well as related regional educational initiatives.

In this regard, we note the relevance of the recommendations contained in the UN Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education, as well as the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament, “Securing Our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament.”

6. We welcome the signing on 6 May 2014 by the nuclear-weapon States of the Protocol on Negative Security Assurances to the Treaty on the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone and its ratification by four nuclear-weapon states, and we express our hope for the earliest completion of the ratification process for the Protocol by the United States of America.
7. We express our interest in the institutional development of the CANWFZ Treaty and in expanding further partnerships with existing nuclear-weapon-free zones with the aim of strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and uniting international efforts to ensure peace and security. In this context, we welcome the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with the African Commission on Atomic Energy (AFCONE) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL), as well as the holding in Astana on August 28–29, 2024, under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship, of the second meeting of representatives of all existing nuclear-weapon-free zones.
8. We note the great importance of strengthening regional security as a key factor for sustainable development and stability in Central Asia, and we reaffirm our intention to continue to cooperate closely in addressing common challenges and threats.
9. We support efforts to establish new nuclear-weapon-free zones in regions where they do not currently exist, including in the Middle East.
10. We welcome the adoption of the resolution “Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia” at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly as well as the holding, of an anniversary meeting of the Treaty’s participating States in Ashgabat on 5 December 2024, under Turkmenistan’s chairmanship, with the participation of representatives of other existing nuclear-weapon-free zones and international organizations.

19 августа 2026

A Landmark Document for Peace, Sustainable Development and Intercultural Dialogue

Adopted at the conclusion of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana on 17-18 September 2025, the Astana Peace Declaration 2025 outlines key areas of international cooperation in promoting peace, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.

The Congress brought together more than 100 delegations from approximately 60 countries, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s role as a global platform for dialogue among religions and civilisations.

Opening the Congress, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the world was experiencing an unprecedented period of geopolitical tension, escalating conflicts and deepening ideological divisions. Against the backdrop of hybrid warfare, growing confrontation and the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction, spiritual leaders have an increasingly important role to play as moral guides for the international community.

President Tokayev emphasised that the Congress provides a unique platform for building consensus through open dialogue. Its final declarations are circulated as official documents of the United Nations General Assembly, further enhancing the international visibility of the forum’s work.

Particular attention was devoted to the protection of religious sites and cultural heritage. The Head of State stressed that safeguarding sacred places means protecting the very foundations of human civilisation.

President Tokayev also put forward several strategic initiatives, including the promotion of a Movement for Peace under the auspices of the Congress and the expansion of cooperation with the United Nations and regional organisations.

Key Priorities of the Declaration

The Astana Peace Declaration 2025 reaffirmed the strategic role of interreligious dialogue in preventing conflict and strengthening mutual trust.

Its key priorities include closer cooperation with the United Nations, the protection of religious sites and cultural heritage, the use of education to counter radicalisation, greater participation of young people and women in intercultural dialogue, and the prevention of attempts to misuse religion to justify violence and extremism.

The Declaration states unequivocally that terrorism cannot and must not be associated with any religion, culture or civilisation.

A New Global Agenda

Particular attention was given to digital transformation. Amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence, religious leaders supported the elaboration of universal ethical principles governing its use. President Tokayev’s proposal to establish an Interreligious Commission on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence marked an important step towards developing a human-centred approach to technological progress.

Environmental issues also featured prominently. Participants proposed preparing an international document on the role of spiritual leaders in addressing climate change, reflecting the understanding that environmental responsibility is also a moral imperative.

Interreligious Diplomacy

Over more than two decades, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has developed into an established international platform for spiritual diplomacy. The Astana Peace Declaration 2025 demonstrates that interreligious initiatives can serve not only as symbols of mutual understanding but also as practical instruments for strengthening international trust.

The IX Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is scheduled to be held in Astana in 2028.

Towards a Global Culture of Peace

The Astana Peace Declaration 2025 affirms that religion in the twenty-first century can serve not as a source of division but as a force for unity. The combination of spiritual values, international diplomacy and technological responsibility offers a new model of global cooperation based on mutual respect, trust and shared responsibility for the future of humanity.

Through the Congress and its initiatives, Kazakhstan continues to contribute to international efforts aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, intercultural dialogue and a more secure and sustainable world.

14 августа 2026

The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Croatia (OIB: 40649438406), with its registered address at Bosanska ulica 26, Zagreb, hereby announces an open auction for the sale of motor vehicles.

The auction will be conducted by ascending bids.

The auction will take place at 11:00 on 1 September 2026 at Bosanska ulica 26, 10000 Zagreb.

Details of the vehicles offered for sale

 Lot No. 1

Passenger vehicle

Make and model: Mercedes-Benz S 500 L 4MATIC

Colour: Black

Year of manufacture: 2014

Mileage: 240,391

Engine capacity and fuel type: 4,663 cm³, petrol

General condition: Not in working order; repairs required

Starting price: EUR 4,349.94 (four thousand three hundred and forty-nine euros and ninety-four cents)

Security deposit, equal to 15% of the starting price: EUR 652.49 (six hundred and fifty-two euros and forty-nine cents)

Bid increment, equal to 5% of the starting price: EUR 217.50 (two hundred and seventeen euros and fifty cents)

Lot No. 2

Passenger vehicle

Make and model: Mercedes-Benz Viano

Colour: Black

Year of manufacture: 2014

Mileage: 184,020

Engine capacity and fuel type: 2,143 cm³, diesel

General condition: Not in working order; repairs required

Starting price: EUR 3,210.24 (three thousand two hundred and ten euros and twenty-four cents)

Security deposit, equal to 15% of the starting price: EUR 481.54 (four hundred and eighty-one euros and fifty-four cents)

Bid increment, equal to 5% of the starting price: EUR 160.51 (one hundred and sixty euros and fifty-one cents)

Eligibility and application procedure 

1. Individuals and legal entities that submit their applications and pay the security deposit within the prescribed time limit are eligible to participate in the auction.
2. Applications must be submitted, and participants registered, in writing at Bosanska ulica 26, 10000 Zagreb.
3. The deadline for submitting applications is 17:30 on 28 August 2026.
4. The participant submitting the highest bid will be declared the successful bidder.
5. The security deposit paid by the successful bidder will be credited towards the purchase price of the vehicle. Security deposits paid by the other participants will be refunded within 15 working days.
6. Applicants must submit the following documents to the auction organiser at the address specified above:

    a)A completed application form in the prescribed format;

    b) For individuals: a copy of an identity document;

For legal entities: a copy of the identity document of the legal entity’s authorised representative and a document confirming the legal entity’s registration in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Croatia;

    c) A copy of the payment document confirming payment of the security deposit.

7. Before paying the security deposit and submitting an application, participants must carefully review this notice and the draft sale and purchase agreement and inspect the technical condition of the relevant vehicle. Participants may not request any improvements, modifications or repairs to the vehicle, nor may they claim exemption from any taxes, fees or other costs associated with the transfer of registration or ownership.
8. If the successful bidder fails to fulfil the terms of the agreement within the prescribed period, the bidder will be deemed to have waived the right to purchase the vehicle. Any payments already made, including the security deposit, will not be refunded. Bank charges incurred in transferring the security deposit are non-refundable. Bid rigging and any other form of unlawful interference with the auction are strictly prohibited.

 Bank details for payment of the security deposit

Beneficiary: Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Address: Bosanska ulica 26, 10000 Zagreb

OIB: 40649438406

IBAN: HR5024840081105847755

Beneficiary bank: Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d.

SWIFT: RZBHHR2X

Payment reference: Security deposit for participation in the auction, Lot No. [insert lot number]

Buyer’s obligations and collection of the vehicles

The participant submitting the highest bid must sign the Record of Auction Results immediately after the auction has concluded.

The buyer must pay the full purchase price of the vehicle, less the security deposit already paid, within 10 working days of signing the sale and purchase agreement.

The buyer will bear in full all costs associated with the transfer of ownership, including taxes, administrative fees, customs duties and any other payments arising from the purchase of the vehicle.

 Vehicle inspection and contact details

The vehicles and the relevant documentation may be inspected, and application forms obtained, at Bosanska ulica 26, 10000 Zagreb, on working days between 09:00 and 17:00.

Telephone enquiries: +385 91 1935 348; +385 91 9316 460

Email: zagreb@mfa.kz

22 июля 2026

The competition aims to encourage participants to creatively express their vision of Kazakhstan, their love for their homeland, its historical and cultural heritage, natural beauty, national values, and aspirations for the future.

The main objectives of the competition are:

• To strengthen the spiritual connection of ethnic Kazakh children living abroad with Kazakhstan;
• To promote the culture and national values of Kazakhstan;
• To develop the creative abilities of young artists;
• To identify and support talented ethnic Kazakh children;
• To foster love and appreciation for their historical homeland.

Organization and Conduct of the Competition

1. Ethnic Kazakh children aged 12–17 living abroad are eligible to participate. To confirm Kazakh ethnicity and foreign citizenship, participants must submit a copy of their passport together with their artwork.
2. Submitted artwork must correspond to the theme “Kazakhstan Through My Eyes.”
3. When submitting an entry, participants must provide the following:

• Personal information (full name, citizenship, school and grade, contact number);
• A self-introduction video of no more than 2 minutes explaining themselves and their artwork;
• A video recording of the drawing process, no longer than 3 minutes, to confirm authorship of the artwork, as well as several additional artworks created by the participant.

4. Entries will be accepted until August 28, 2026, via email at oqbaiqau@gmail.com.

Artwork Requirements

1. The competition accepts digital versions of hand-drawn artworks created on paper.
2. Participants may use any traditional art materials and tools, including:

• Pencil;
• Colored pencils;
• Markers;
• Watercolor paints;
• Gouache;
• Oil paints;
• Pastels;
• Charcoal;
• Acrylic paints;
• Gel pens;
• Other artistic drawing materials.

3. Artwork may cover the following themes:

• Nature of Kazakhstan;
• Historical and cultural monuments;
• National customs and traditions;
• Everyday life of the Kazakh people;
• National holidays and celebrations;
• Landmarks of Kazakhstan;
• Visions and aspirations for the future of Kazakhstan.

4. Each participant may submit multiple artworks.
5. Only original works created by the participant will be accepted.
6. Artwork created or edited using Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
7. By submitting an artwork, participants grant the organizer permission to display and publish it on official websites, social media platforms, and exhibitions.
8. Entries must be submitted in JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF format.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Relevance to the Theme

The extent to which the artwork fully and meaningfully reflects the theme “Kazakhstan Through My Eyes.”

2. Creativity

The originality of the idea, imagination, and creative approach demonstrated by the participant.

3. Artistic Skill

The quality of drawing technique, composition, color harmony, proportions, and overall execution.

4. National Content

The effectiveness of depicting Kazakhstan’s culture, history, nature, and national values.

5. Emotional Impact

The artwork’s ability to convey the author’s thoughts and emotions and to engage the viewer.

1. Competition Timeline

Creative works will be accepted from June 17 to August 28, 2026.

The jury will determine the winners within 30 calendar days after the submission deadline.

Competition Results and Awards

Based on the jury’s decision, 10 winners will be selected.

Winners will receive First-, Second-, and Third-Degree Diplomas, as well as special prizes:

• 1st Place – Laptop;
• 2nd Place – Tablet;
• 3rd Place – Smartwatch.

Encouragement Prize:

• Bestemshe traditional board game.

The best artworks will be published on the organizers’ official information resources and featured in an online exhibition.

In addition, the 10 participants whose works are recognized as the best may be required to send the original artwork to the Otandastar Qory (NJSC) at their own expense.

30 июня 2026

Astana, April 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.