Within the framework of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence proclaimed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, jointly with the UNESCO Regional Office, officially launched a project to assess national readiness for the use of artificial intelligence.This UNESCO project is aimed at conducting a comprehensive analysis of the national artificial intelligence ecosystem. The assessment covers key dimensions of AI development in Kazakhstan, including the legal and regulatory framework, as well as sociocultural, economic, scientific and educational, and technological aspects.Special emphasis within the project is placed on ensuring effective cross-sectoral and inter-agency coordination as a key prerequisite for the development of a balanced and inclusive artificial intelligence policy.To date, a National Stakeholder Team has been established to implement UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). The Team includes representatives of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken”, Astana IT University, Ozim Academy, the Association for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, the NGO “Technowomen”, the UNESCO Regional Office, the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ICESCO, as well as civil society organizations directly involved in the implementation of the project.Based on the results of the assessment, practical recommendations will be developed aimed at fostering a human-centred AI ecosystem in Kazakhstan.The implementation of this UNESCO project represents an important step in advancing Kazakhstan’s strategic course toward the development of artificial intelligence, grounded in international cooperation and respect for universal values, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1143949?lang=kk

Astana, January 19, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with Chairman of the Orascom Investment Holding Naguib Sawiris.The parties discussed priority areas of cooperation, including the mining and metallurgical industries, the financial sector, tourism and development. A particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s efforts to integrate into global value chains and attract strategic private investors with international expertise.The Foreign Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan is an open and predictable destination for long-term investments. Building a trust-based dialogue with investors remains an integral part of the country’s investment policy, with comprehensive support provided at all stages of project implementation.Chairman Sawiris highlighted Kazakhstan’s macroeconomic stability, its resource potential and its growing role as a regional investment hub in Central Asia. He stressed the importance of direct engagement with decision-makers and expressed interest in further exploring projects and expanding cooperation with Kazakhstani partners.The parties also exchanged views on prospective projects, including investments in the financial sector, and confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation in new areas.Following the meeting, the interlocutors expressed their readiness to make every effort to ensure the practical implementation of the agreements reached and further expansion of bilateral cooperation.Naguib Sawiris is the founder of Orascom Telecom, which has operated in more than 28 countries worldwide. He currently leads a diversified global investment portfolio through Orascom Investment Holding, La Mancha Holding (mining and metals sector), and Ora Developers (real estate and tourism). Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1143943?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1143884?lang=kk

On January 18, the final games of the Regional Ice Hockey League among the amateur teams of Kostanay region in 2025/2026 took place. All the teams demonstrated a high level of organization, athletic training and competitive spirit.According to the results of the matches, the prizes were distributed as follows:1st place — Kostanay.2nd place — Rudny.3rd place — Denisovsky district.In total, 16 teams from different regions of Kostanay region took part in the competition. We would like to thank all the participants for their active participation, correct wrestling and contribution to the development of ice hockey in the region. Special thanks go to the coaches, referees, organizers and fans for their support and assistance in holding the competition.The Regional Ice Hockey League continues to play an important role in the development of mass sports and popularization of hockey in Kostanay region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1143898?lang=kk

Effective January 1, 2026, according to the new Tax Code, income in the form of pension benefits and lump sum pension benefit payments for housing/medical expenses (LSPBP) from the UAPF is exempt from individual income tax (IIT), with the exception of pension benefits made to non-residents of the Republic of Kazakhstan.How was it?Previously, all pension benefits, including LSPBP from the UAPF, were considered income subject to IIT at a 10% withholding rate. Pension contributions were transferred to individual pension savings accounts before tax, and IIT was withheld upon payment. Adjustments and tax deductions were taken into account.When using lump sum pension benefit payments for housing/medical expenses, IIT was also withheld. There were two options for withholding: immediately upon receipt of the LSPBP or deferred until scheduled payments were made.How will this be implemented starting January 1, 2026?IIT is not withheld from all types of pension benefits, except in cases where the beneficiary is a non-resident of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and will not be withheld from the LSPBP.The changes also include the cancellation of accrued IIT obligations from the LSPBP for housing/medical expenses deferred until retirement, effective January 1, 2026, but do not provide for a refund of previously paid taxes.Individuals belonging to socially vulnerable groups are entitled to tax deductions up to 882 times the monthly calculated indicator in effect as of January 1 of the relevant financial year for taxable income in the form of lump-sum pension benefit payments. These include individuals with disabilities of the first, second, or third groups; one parent or guardian of a child with a disability; one adoptive parent or foster parent of orphans; combat veterans; and other categories. A full list of eligible individuals is available in Article 404 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. If recipients in this category paid the IIT immediately when using the LSPBP, they can submit a corresponding application and supporting documents to the UAPF for recalculation and reimbursement of the IIT in accordance with the new Tax Code within three years from the date of receipt of the LSPBP.What else will change?The changes also include the abolition, effective January 1, 2026, of tax deductions on voluntary pension contributions made to one's own account, which are applied to income subject to withholding tax at source in the amounts established by the Tax Code.However, the provision that voluntary pension contributions transferred by a tax agent to the UAPF for an employee are not considered personal income (and therefore not subject to IIT) remains in place, while such expenses are deductible for employers when calculating corporate income tax. This means that in this case, both the employee and the employer receive tax benefits.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/akimat-karakiya/press/news/details/1143763?lang=kk