Kazakhstan’s AI Strategy: Key Initiatives Announced by President Tokayev in Shanghai
If implemented successfully, Kazakhstan could emerge as an important bridge between Asia, Europe and global AI governance frameworks
Vladimir Norov
7/20/20261 min read
🔹 Proposed Astana as the venue for the first meeting of the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO).
🔹 Offered Kazakhstan as host of the organization’s Central Asian office, positioning the country as a regional AI governance hub.
🔹 Called for a global framework for AI governance based on:
* fairness,
* transparency,
* integrity,
* equal access for all countries.
🔹 Promoted the principle “AI for Good, AI for All”—ensuring AI reduces, rather than widens, global inequalities.
🔹 Proposed creating a permanent international expert platform on:
* AI regulation,
* technical standards,
* ethics,
* responsible AI.
🔹 Advocated for common international standards to test and certify AI systems.
🔹 Emphasized safeguards against:
* cyber threats,
* deepfakes,
* digital fraud,
* malicious AI use,
while keeping humans in control of AI.
🔹 Suggested an international network of AI schools, research centers and academic partnerships to strengthen global talent.
🔹 Highlighted AI’s role in:
* conflict prevention,
* humanitarian assistance,
* peacekeeping,
* early crisis detection.
🔹 Proposed establishing a Kazakhstan–China Digital Bridge to:
* expand digital trade,
* connect digital economies,
* advance Belt and Road digital cooperation.
🔹 Invited China to declare 2027 the Year of Joint AI Initiatives.
🔹 Accelerating AI adoption across strategic sectors:
* manufacturing,
* mining,
* energy,
* agriculture,
* healthcare,
* water management.
🔹 Supporting development of the Ekibastuz Data Center Valley:
* AI-ready digital infrastructure,
* modular hyperscale data centers,
* AI laboratories,
* research facilities,
* startup ecosystem,
* workforce development.
🔹 Building Kazakhstan into a regional AI infrastructure leader through partnerships with global technology companies.
🔹 Advancing national AI reforms:
* Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development,
* Digital Qazaqstan Strategy 2029,
* AI Law,
* Digital Code,
* strengthened personal data protection.
🔹 Developing Almaty as a UN digital cooperation hub and Alatau as a next-generation digital city.
🔹 Pursuing a multi-vector AI diplomacy, strengthening cooperation simultaneously with:
* China,
* the United States,
* international organizations, while maintaining strategic technological openness.
Why experts consider this significant
• Kazakhstan is positioning itself not only as an AI adopter but as a contributor to global AI governance.
• The country’s strategy combines:
* international diplomacy,
* digital infrastructure,
* regulatory leadership,
* education,
* industrial AI deployment.
Source: https://timesca.com/tokayev-offers-astana-to-host-new-global-ai-bodys-first-meeting/