On 23–24 July 2026, in Astana (Sheraton Hotel), the Information and Analytical Center for Environmental Protection of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (IACEP), jointly with the Green Academy Scientific and Educational Center, organized and conducted the seminar-training entitled “Strategic Environmental Assessment: International Experience, Regulatory Framework and Practical Application in the Republic of Kazakhstan.”The event was held within the framework of Article 51 of the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of government officials, developers of strategic documents and master plans, business representatives, and members of the expert community in the field of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).During the seminar, participants reviewed international practices in SEA implementation, the regulatory and legal framework for conducting SEA in Kazakhstan, the stages and procedures of the assessment process, the consideration of public health factors in territorial planning, as well as mechanisms for public consultations and discussions.Welcoming remarks were delivered by Daulet Yesmagambetov, Director of the Department of Environmental Culture and Policy of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Askhat Kozhumov, Director General of the Information and Analytical Center for Environmental Protection. They emphasized the importance of implementing Strategic Environmental Assessment as an effective tool for sustainable development and environmentally informed decision-making.The seminar was moderated by Dr. Bakhyt Yessekina, Doctor of Economics, Professor, and Director of the Green Academy Scientific and Educational Center.The following speakers and experts participated in the seminar:* Bakhyt Yessekina, Director of the Green Academy Scientific and Educational Center;* Zhanar Tyulyubayeva, Director of the Department of Hygiene and Health Protection at the National Center for Public Health under the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan;* Yerbol Orazbekov, National Expert of the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Project;* Balzhan Zhartybayeva, Representative of the Department of Environmental Culture and Policy of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The seminar programme included both theoretical and practical sessions. Particular attention was given to the practical application of Strategic Environmental Assessment procedures. Participants became familiar with the step-by-step SEA process, worked through practical case studies, and discussed current issues related to its implementation in Kazakhstan.The seminar brought together representatives of local executive bodies, developers of master plans and strategic documents, as well as representatives of businesses and non-governmental organizations.Upon completion of the training, participants were awarded personalized certificates confirming their participation in the seminar.📧 seminar.iac@iacoos.kz  info@green-academy.kz 🌐 https://iacoos.kz  www.green-academy.kz Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ecogeo/press/news/details/1263380?lang=ru

Since July 1, 2026, a new Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Civil Service" has been in effect in Kazakhstan. It provides for a comprehensive modernization of the civil service system. One of the fundamentally new areas is the early professional training of citizens for entry into civil service.While previously, the training of future civil servants began primarily after graduating from higher education institutions, the state now creates conditions for developing professional competencies even during the educational stage of young people.The main goal of this innovation is to create a generation of young professionals who consciously choose civil service, possess the necessary knowledge, understand the principles of public administration, and are ready to work effectively for the benefit of society.Early professional training includes training aimed at developing basic knowledge of public administration, legislation, and the civil service system, as well as the professional and personal competencies necessary for civil servants. Particular attention is paid to developing customer focus, a high level of legal culture, responsibility, leadership qualities, teamwork skills, and adherence to the principles of civil service.This work is primarily aimed at high school students, college students, and students in higher education institutions. Young people have the opportunity to become familiar with the specifics of the civil service, the requirements for civil servants, the prospects for professional development, and modern digital recruitment tools.The new Law reflects a transition to a modern approach to developing the state's human resources potential. Today, the civil service is viewed not only as a place of work but also as a professional environment, where competence, integrity, responsibility, and continuous development are of particular importance. Therefore, the continuous professional development of civil servants is enshrined as one of the legislative principles.The practical implementation of early professional training will ensure that government agencies are provided with motivated and prepared young specialists, reduce their adaptation period after entering service, and improve the quality of public administration.It is worth noting that early career guidance for young people has been underway in the Kostanay Region for several years. The Department of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs in the Kostanay Region is implementing the "School of Young Civil Servants" project, which introduces students to the activities of government agencies, the principles of civil service, and career development opportunities. Since the beginning of this year, 30 university students have completed internships in government agencies as part of the "School for Young Civil Servants" project. The new Law has given this work a legislative basis and confirmed its importance for developing the country's future human resources.The development of an early professional training system is an important step toward creating a new model of civil service—one that is open, professional, customer-oriented, and attractive to talented young people. It is these specialists who will ensure the effective implementation of public policy, the high-quality delivery of public services, and the strengthening of public trust in government institutions.Department of the Agency of theRepublic of Kazakhstan forCivil Servicefor Kostanay RegionSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-mendykarin-audany-akimat/press/news/details/1263352?lang=ru

Cholpon-Ata, 24 July 2026 - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev took part in the regular meeting of the Council of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States.The heads of delegations exchanged views on further strengthening foreign policy coordination among SCO member states in the current international environment and discussed preparations for the upcoming SCO Summit, which will take place in Bishkek on 1 September 2026.In his remarks, Minister Kosherbayev underscored the SCO’s special role in strengthening regional security and advancing multifaceted cooperation, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s unwavering support for the Organization’s activities.The Kazakh Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of further improving the SCO and adapting its institutions to contemporary challenges and threats.He stressed that, amid the rapidly evolving international environment, ensuring the resilience of the global economy and the security of international trade has become an increasingly pressing priority.“Geopolitical turbulence, increasingly spilling over into the military sphere, is seriously affecting the stability of international trade relations. Today, the security of supply chains is becoming an ever more pressing issue, including for Kazakhstan. A clear example is the attacks by unidentified unmanned systems on energy infrastructure and tankers chartered by Kazakhstan for oil transportation. Against this backdrop, joint efforts to ensure the security of trade routes are of particular importance,” said Minister Kosherbayev.As previously stated, Kazakhstan considers any actions aimed at destabilizing legitimate international trade, global energy markets, and the security of global transport and logistics supply chains to be absolutely unacceptable.Among the priority areas of cooperation, the Minister highlighted the need to intensify joint efforts in climate change adaptation and the sustainable management of water resources. In this regard, Kazakhstan counts on the support of the SCO member states for its initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations, as well as an SCO Water Issues Analysis Centre.Following the meeting, the participants approved draft key documents, including the Bishkek Declaration marking the 25th anniversary of the SCO, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Organization.On the sidelines of the meeting, the SCO foreign ministers also held a joint meeting with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov.During the meeting, the participants underscored the importance of further expanding multifaceted cooperation within the SCO and implementing joint initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the peoples of the Organization’s member states.Minister Kosherbayev expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to continue supporting the Kyrgyz Republic’s SCO Chairmanship and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to further mutually beneficial and constructive cooperation with fellow SCO member states.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1263269?lang=ru

Interview with Artem Anatolyevich Abildinov, Deputy Head of the State Revenue Department for the Mangystau region Artyom Anatolyevich, what are the key changes in customs regulation in effect in 2026 and the most noticeable for citizens and businesses? A.A. Abildinov: Starting from July 1, 2026, e-commerce products have been allocated to a separate category within the EAEU. The duty-free limit has been maintained at 200 euros. At the same time, the weight threshold of 31 kg has been abolished. If the value of the parcel or order exceeds 200 euros, a customs duty of 5% of the value of the goods plus VAT of 16% will be charged. A special declaration for e-commerce goods has been introduced, which is issued by operators. For most ordinary purchases from AliExpress, Temu and similar sites, the procedure remains familiar — you do not need to contact the customs authorities yourself. These measures are aimed at streamlining online commerce and preventing the import of commercial shipments under the guise of personal purchases. How does digitalization affect customs administration, especially in the Mangystau region with its seaports? A.A. Abildinov: We are actively working in the Keden information system. It allows you to speed up the processing of transit declarations (from 30 to about 10 minutes), process container trains much faster and minimize paperwork. In the region, this is especially important for Aktau and Kuryk seaports, terminals and checkpoints. The upgraded posts, including Temir Baba on the border with Turkmenistan, are already showing a reduction in border crossing time. Digital tools increase transparency, reduce administrative burden, and enable more effective risk management. What is important for participants in foreign economic activity and individuals to know right now? A.A. Abildinov: I recommend that participants of foreign economic activity switch to work at Keden in a timely manner, keep up-to-date reference books and properly arrange preliminary information. Individuals should be attentive to the cost and nature of parcels. With regular large shipments, even from the EAEU countries, full-fledged registration may be required if the signs indicate entrepreneurial activity. There have been no significant changes in rates for customs clearance of vehicles at the moment — we are working within the framework of current legislation. What are the Department's priorities in customs administration in the near future? A.A. Abildinov: The main thing is to ensure a balance between convenience for bona fide participants in foreign economic activity and effective control. The State Revenue Committee continues digitalization, and the Department continues to optimize the work of customs posts, explanatory work and interaction with businesses. Mangystau region is an important logistics hub, so speeding up procedures while maintaining full control remains a priority. (Unofficial translation)Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-mangistau/press/news/details/1263247?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1263205?lang=ru