Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan prepares to host World Nomad Games with European competitors; Toncoin gains regulatory approval to trade in Kazakhstan

Euractive: Kazakhstan prepares to host World Nomad Games with European competitors

According to Euractive, the upcoming fifth edition of the World Nomad Games is poised to be a grand affair, taking place from 8-13 September in Astana. Nail Nurov, Head of the Directorate for the event, shares that this year’s Jubilee Games will not only focus on traditional sports but will also incorporate a rich cultural program and scientific competitions.

Since its inception in 2014, the Games have grown from 18 participating countries to an impressive 88, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive and diverse representations of cultural heritage sports. This surge in participation is attributed to the increasing awareness and appreciation for ethnic and historical sports amidst the crises facing traditional Olympics, such as doping scandals and politicization.

This year’s World Nomad Games mark a significant shift. Unlike previous editions held in rural areas, the committee chosen the capital city of Kazakhstan as the venue, showcasing the nation’s advanced infrastructure and technological capabilities alongside its rich cultural heritage.

“Kazakhstan is a fast-developing country, boasting cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure. By hosting the Games here, we demonstrate that tradition and progress can coexist harmoniously,” adds Nurov.

The Games also serve as a significant platform for business and diplomatic engagement, indirectly fostering relationships among the international community. Over 20,000 guests from Europe are expected, alongside key political figures from Central Asia and beyond.

According to Nail Nurov from a business perspective, the World Nomad Games primarily influence tourism. These games attract a unique demographic - tourists who seek experiences beyond traditional seaside holidays. They are drawn to explore different cultures and engage in more extreme sports.

“While the organizers don’t explicitly view the World Nomad Games as a global business platform, it inevitably becomes a massive venue for interpersonal communication,” concludes Nurov.

Cointelegraph: Toncoin gains regulatory approval to trade in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Financial Services and Regulatory Committee (AFSA) has approved Toncoin (TON) for trading on regulated exchanges, following an audit that determined the digital asset met the financial regulator’s listing criteria, reports Cointelegraph.

The approval of Toncoin marks the 107th digital asset approved by the government regulator, as TON joins AVAX, MATIC, ADA and others,

The Open Network and its native asset, TON, are emerging as popular choices for value transfer in the developing world. The Open Network leverages Telegram’s user base of over 800 million daily active users and messaging system to deliver Mini Apps and in-app payments. According to data from TGStat, Telegram boasts 55 million active users inside Kazakhstan.

Blockchain gaming continues to be an integral part of the TON ecosystem, with games such as Hamster Kombat, Notcoin, Yescoin and TonPotato seizing the time and attention of users seeking to earn supplemental income.

The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, UNDP, and Eurasian Development Bank Unite in Water Management

According to The Times of Central Asia, on 28 June, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) signed a letter of intent to cooperate on joint development projects in multi-purpose water resources management.

As reported by the EDB Media Center, as part of the agreement, the EDB plans to allocate approximately US $5.3 million in technical assistance to implement several initiatives including water sector digitalization, the development of regional training centers for state-of-the-art irrigation technologies, piloting modern water-saving technologies, and developing a legal and institutional framework for the water sector.

Kazakhstan is experiencing an increase in water-related disasters, as evidenced by recent severe floods and escalating water shortages caused by new infrastructure projects in neighboring regions, and to mitigate future risks, must instigate improved irrigation and water management strategies.

Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Kazakhstan's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation stated that the ministry is focusing on modernizing the nation’s water management system through a detailed plan that includes cooperation with international entities and adopting global best practices.

“We intend to actively cooperate with international organizations and financial institutions, adopt the best practices of other countries, and jointly implement large projects that will bring benefits for decades to come. Today’s agreement is another step in this direction,” said Nurzhigitov.

Nikolay Podguzov, from the EDB Management Board, expressed urgency in addressing Central Asia’s looming water shortage, emphasizing the need for rapid, collaborative action to prepare for this challenge within five years.

“We are on the verge of a water shortage in Central Asia - this is a complex regional challenge, but we are tackling it. This is the call we want to convey to all interested parties. We must act very quickly and together,” stated Podguzov.

“Globally, the water sector suffers from insufficient funding and investment,” highlighted Sukhrob Khojimatov, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Kazakhstan. “Today, less than 10% of global investment goes into water infrastructure. In this context, we are encouraged by this partnership, which we believe will help address complex issues in water management, strengthen climate resilience, and develop regional cooperation in Central Asia under the water agenda.”