Week in brief: 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan this week

1. Kazakhstan possesses all necessary conditions to join top of world’s leading digital nations - Tokayev

At the opening of the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, President Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan's digital transformation plans, highlighting AI's role in modernizing government, the economy, and business. He also stressed the need for responsible AI development with strong safeguards against cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and human rights risks.

2. Kazakhstan outranks Central Asian neighbors in global prosperity ranking

Kazakhstan ranks 52nd globally for Development, 45th for Society and 47th for Integrity of Society. The country performs particularly well in Education, where it ranks 32nd worldwide, and Integrity of Families, where it places 30th. Kazakhstan also scores relatively strongly in Standard of Living, ranking 53rd.

3. Tokayev congratulates National Archive on 20th anniversary

In his congratulatory message, President Tokayev highlighted the importance of the National Archive’s work in preserving documents reflecting the formation and development of independent Kazakhstan.

4. Ancient Sauran settlement undergoing restoration in Kazakhstan’s Turkistan region

The restoration will reinforce the ancient khanaqah and madrasa by repairing damaged brickwork and plaster while preserving their original architectural character using historically compatible materials.

5. PSG to launch football academy in Kazakhstan

French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will open its first football academy in Kazakhstan, with the PSG Academy Kazakhstan set to begin operations in Astana in September 2026.

6. Dimash Qudaibergen unveils concept for DiMENSIONS World Tour

According to the tour’s concept, DiMENSIONS reflects the many facets of Dimash as an artist, creator and person beyond the spotlight. The show aims to highlight not only his acclaimed vocal talent but also his personal values, cultural roots, emotions and inner reflections.

7. Kazakh athlete sets national record, storms into U20 World Championship final

Kazakh Anna Cherkashina has made history by qualifying for the women’s pole vault final at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, US. She cleared 3.60 m, 3.80 m, and 3.95 m on her first attempts. With her second attempt, she conquered 4.10 m, setting a new Kazakhstan U20 national record.

8. Kazakhstan bags 59 medals at Asia International Mathematical Olympiad

A delegation of 104 people represented Kazakhstan at the Olympiad in Hanoi, including 63 contestants, as well as coaches, team leaders, and parents. Kazakhstan finished the competition with 63 awards in total. Ramina Ibraimova, a student at the Republican Physics and Mathematics School (RPMS), was crowned the overall champion and received the International Star award, presented to the highest-scoring participant from each country.

9. Comic Con Astana receives eight times more cosplay applications than available spots

This year, organizers have significantly expanded the event, with the festival taking place across two venues and offering an extensive program for fans of pop culture, cosplay, video games and family entertainment. Applications for the cosplay contest were submitted by participants from more than 20 countries, although only 180 contestants advanced through the highly competitive selection process.

10. Kazakhstan reveals representative for Miss World 2026

Kazakhstan has revealed its representative for Miss World 2026, with Miss Qazaqstan 2024 title holder Bagym Baltabayeva set to represent the country at the international competition in Vietnam. The prestigious event, which marks its 75th anniversary this year, will be held in Vietnam and will bring together contestants from more than 100 countries around the world.

You can read last week’s 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan here.