Articles by Dana Omirgazy 

ASTANA – The Children’s Day, marked on June 1, reminds us that a child’s right to safety, dignity, and emotional support should be upheld every day. In Kazakhstan, where concerns over bullying in schools have become increasingly urgent, a wave of new national programs and international partnerships is yielding encouraging results.  Experts, educators, and advocates…

ASTANA — The construction of the strategically important Center – West highway corridor has been launched in the Kostanai Region, as part of Kazakhstan’s efforts to develop the country’s transport infrastructure and transit potential. The construction work began in two places – in the city of Arkalyk and in the village of Torgai. The construction…

ASTANA – The Astana Times has curated a selection of articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes topics such as Kazakhstan’s proposed “blue” foreign policy centered on water diplomacy, deepening strategic ties with India, expanded rail capacity along the Middle Corridor, and more.  The evolution of Kazakhstan’s new “blue”…

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with the heads of parliaments of the member countries of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TurkPA) on June 12, underscoring Kazakhstan’s commitment to deepening cooperation within the Turkic world. The meeting was attended by the speakers of the parliaments of all TURKPA member countries,…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s population is steadily increasing, with almost one-third under the age of 15, placing the country at a pivotal demographic turning point. According to Florence Bauer, Regional Director of UNFPA for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, this youth represents both a tremendous opportunity and a critical responsibility. In an exclusive interview with The…

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia Timcho Mucunski met on June 9 to discuss political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian aspects. The diplomats focused on increasing cooperation in key areas, including investments, transportation, and the mobility of citizens. “North…

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected key international media coverage on Kazakhstan this week. Today’s foreign media digest covers the Italy-Central Asia Summit, Kazakhstan’s climate policy, the Astana International Forum (AIF) and more. Kazakhstan’s climate vision: interview with Zulfiya Suleimenova at Astana International Forum During the AIF, Zulfiya Suleimenova, Special Representative of the President…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranks 114th out of 139 countries in the 2025 global cost of living index, with prices 73.4% lower than in New York City, which serves as the baseline with a value of 100%. The index excludes housing costs but includes prices for food, transportation, and services. Kazakhstan’s cost of living index stands…

ASTANA – KazMunayGas (KMG) CEO Askhat Khassenov presented the company’s strategic priorities during the Baku Energy Forum, part of Baku Energy Week, held from June 2 to 4. The event gathered representatives from 267 companies across 39 countries to discuss trends in hydrocarbon exploration, production, transportation, green energy, and global investment prospects, reported the company’s…

ASTANA – Seven more Przewalski’s horses, also known by the ancient Kazakh names Kerkulan and Kertagy, arrived in Kazakhstan on June 3 as part of an international effort to restore the species in its historic habitat, with plans to bring around 45 animals by 2029. The horses arrived from the Prague Zoo (Czech Republic) and…

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in a solemn ceremony to raise the National Flag of Kazakhstan on June 4 at the Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex, marking the Day of State Symbols. Addressing the event participants, Tokayev emphasized the importance of the National Flag, Coat of Arms, and Anthem as symbols of Kazakhstan’s sovereignty…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector recorded a 7.2% growth from January to April, according to Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev, who presented the data at a June 3 government meeting. The strongest growth dynamics were observed in mechanical engineering and the chemical industry, both increasing by 111.2%, the construction materials sector grew by…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan, along with seven other OPEC+ countries – Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – participated in a virtual meeting on May 31 to review global oil market conditions and reaffirm their commitment to market stability amid steady economic outlook and healthy fundamentals. The group, which…

ASTANA – The National Research Oncology Center and the AstraZeneca biopharmaceutical company signed an agreement on May 30 to strengthen their long-term partnership. The agreement outlines cooperation in three key areas aimed at enhancing cancer care in the country. The first area focuses on modern diagnostics and therapy, including the introduction of molecular profiling, targeted…

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected recent articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the Astana International Forum, climate security and more. Why countries cannot afford to turn inward on climate security South China Morning Post published an opinion article on climate security by Zulfiya Suleimenova, Advisor to…

ASTANA – As climate change accelerates and water resources grow scarcer, Central Asia finds itself at a critical stage. The high-level panel session on water security at the Astana International Forum (AIF) underscored its crucial role in Central Asia’s sustainable development.  Speaking at the forum, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev highlighted the country’s efforts…

ASTANA – At the plenary session of the Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 on May 29, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed pressing global uncertainties and emphasized the need for unified responses grounded in shared values. Amidst rising conflicts and economic challenges, Tokayev stressed the importance of dialogue, reform, and youth engagement in building a stable and…

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu assured of Kazakhstan’s unchanged and active position in supporting multidisciplinary cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during a meeting with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev. During the talks, Nurtleu congratulated Yermekbayev on assuming the position of SCO Secretary General, reported the ministry’s press…

ASTANA — ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence-based chatbot developed by OpenAI, has officially become a value-added tax (VAT) payer in Kazakhstan, reported the State Revenue Committee’s press service on May 27. Starting from May 2025, OpenAI, L.L.C. — a leading U.S. organization in the field of artificial intelligence and the creator of ChatGPT — has undergone…

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Budapest, Kazakhstan’s growing role in global diplomacy, cultural cooperation, economic reforms and energy production. Middle Powers can help glue our fracturing world The Geopolitics published…

ASTANA — The Kazakh capital is set to host the Regional Climate Summit 2026 (RCS 2026), a landmark event aimed at boosting regional cooperation on climate change. Announced by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Astana International Forum (AIF) in 2023, the summit will gather Central Asian leaders to push forward joint climate initiatives, finance…

ASTANA — Euronews released a new episode of Modern Nomads highlighting the Kazakh Tazy — an ancient sighthound breed now earning international recognition for its cultural and historical significance in Kazakhstan on May 14. “Once loyal companions to nomads, the Tazy has become a symbol of friendship that extends far beyond Kazakhstan’s borders. Scientists believe…

ASTANA – The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program announced the opening of its Subregional Office for Central Asia in Almaty, during the first meeting of Kazakhstan’s National Organizing Committee for the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development in 2026 held on May 12.  The office will serve as a regional hub to promote volunteerism…

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev took part in the first China-Central Asia Education Ministers’ meeting on May 13 in Urumqi. The event focused on educational integration and building sustainable partnerships. According to the ministry’s press service, Kazakh Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the participating countries…

ASTANA – Beginning in May, Kazakhstan is launching new air routes to ten countries, including Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, the Kyrgyz Republic, South Korea, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, reported the Transport Ministry’s press service on May 12. SCAT Airlines will open several new international routes from Shymkent Airport this month. Starting May 27, flights…