Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1255856?lang=ru

Almaty Akim (Mayor) Darkhan Satybaldy has reviewed the results of the completed beautification of Republic Square. During a working visit, he was presented with the outcomes of the reconstruction of one of the city's key public spaces, and received a report on the progress of the comprehensive improvement project along Satpayev Street from Baizakov Street to Luganskogo Street.The project concept was developed by the British firm LDA Design (London). The work is being carried out by the Almaty Public Spaces Development Department according to the "facade-to-facade" principle.The primary goal of the project is to create a modern, safe, and comfortable urban environment with priority given to pedestrians. The total area of the improved territory on Republic Square covers 4.5 hectares.At Republic Square, the public space surfaces have been fully renewed, engineering networks have been modernized, and outdoor lighting and automatic irrigation systems have been upgraded. The beautification work utilized modern, durable materials with an estimated service life of over 10 years, which will significantly reduce future maintenance costs.Large-scale landscaping has been carried out: 233 large trees, over 63,000 shrubs, and 17,700 perennial plants have been planted, along with newly established lawns and clover-covered areas. In the evening, the green spaces are enhanced by decorative architectural lighting, creating a striking appearance for the public space. A total of 129 modern light poles have been installed to ensure high-quality illumination of the square.For residents' comfort, modern children's playgrounds, walking routes, relaxation zones, and two amphitheaters have been equipped. Bicycle paths have also been built on the square, which will become part of a unified bike route being created along the entire length of Satpayev Street. Over 500 elements of urban furniture and amenities have been installed, including benches, waste bins, bike racks, tables, chairs, landscape furnishings, arches, and other small architectural forms.One of the distinctive features of the renewed square is eight decorative ponds, which shape the new landscape character of the public space. Additionally, the existing fountains have been fully restored, and new modern fountain complexes have been built, serving as additional attractions for residents and visitors to the city.Special attention has been paid to transport and pedestrian infrastructure. A new public transport stop has been put into operation on Satpayev Street, improving transport accessibility to the city's administrative and business center. Additional traffic light facilities have been installed, controlled pedestrian crossings have been organized, and a barrier-free environment has been created for all categories of citizens.As part of the project, old surfaces have been removed, new utility networks have been laid, a modern automatic irrigation system has been installed, foundations for pavilions have been prepared, and other necessary construction work has been carried out.Upon completion of all works, a unified modern public space will be formed along Satpayev Street. The renovated Republic Square will retain its status as one of Almaty's premier public spaces and will become a comfortable venue for strolling, relaxation, sports, cultural events, and city celebrations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/1255740?lang=ru

СSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1255715?lang=ru

Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov met with a delegation of leading Asian companies—Full Vision Capital (FVC), Towngas, and EcoCeres.During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for attracting investment in the country's agro-industrial complex, the introduction of modern environmental technologies, and the implementation of joint high-value-added projects.Particular attention was paid to the project to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) based on industrial oilseeds.The minister emphasized that the development of deep processing of agricultural raw materials and the creation of high-value-added production are among the key priorities of the state agricultural policy."Implementing such projects will bring unused land into agricultural use, expand the area under industrial oilseed crops, provide domestic agricultural producers with a guaranteed market, and create new growth opportunities for rural areas," noted Aidarbek Saparov.The meeting also explored the potential for using agricultural and food waste as raw materials without the use of edible oils. Specifically, projects for biochar production (Bio-Char) and opportunities for collaboration on green methanol production initiatives were discussed.Following the talks, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in developing cooperation and agreed to continue working together to develop the technical parameters of the projects and identify further practical steps for their implementation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/moa/press/news/details/1255630?lang=ru

From July 23 to 26, 2026, Almaty will host the international forum ACT Creative Tech Week 2026, bringing together representatives from the fields of education, creative industries, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies from Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.The forum marks the first practical step in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Seoul between the public association "Dialogue" Union of Translators, the Academy of Creative Technologies (ACT), and YLAB Academy.On July 4, 2026, in Seoul, the public association "Dialogue" Union of Translators, the Academy of Creative Technologies (ACT), and YLAB Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding.The document provides for cooperation in the fields of education, creative industries, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. The parties will jointly develop educational programs, organize international events, and exchange professional expertise.ACT is an international educational platform based at ALT University, training specialists in AI, IT, and creative technologies. YLAB Academy is the educational division of YLAB, a global leader in the webtoon industry and intellectual property (IP) development.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/1255114?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1253748?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1253710?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1253659?lang=ru

The Akim (Mayor) of Almaty, Darkhan Satybaldy, held a meeting with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso. The parties discussed the implementation of joint projects and prospects for cooperation in the areas of urban infrastructure, transport, energy, and digitalization.The EBRD President's visit to Kazakhstan takes place as part of her participation in the 38th plenary session of the Foreign Investors' Council under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.Darkhan Satybaldy noted the significant contribution of the EBRD to the development of Kazakhstan since the start of their cooperation."Almaty is the largest economic center of the country and one of the main drivers of Kazakhstan's development. Today, the city generates about a quarter of the republic's economy and remains a leading business and investment hub. It is important for us to develop cooperation with international partners not only in terms of financing, but also taking into account their expertise in implementing modern urban solutions," emphasized the Akim of Almaty.One of the key topics of the meeting was the modernization of Almaty CHP-2, which is being implemented with the support of the EBRD, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, and the Asian Development Bank.The parties also discussed joint projects for the development of Almaty International Airport, including the construction of a new passenger terminal, and the Big Almaty Ring Road (BAKAD).Special attention was paid to sustainable development issues. Almaty became the first city in Central Asia to join the EBRD's Green Cities initiative. The parties considered further cooperation in modernizing urban infrastructure, developing rail transport, and applying green financing instruments for the implementation of new infrastructure projects.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/1253252?lang=ru

Құрылтай Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1251984?lang=ru

Does the age of the contributor affect the threshold amounts and how is MAT determined according to the adopted Methodology? Minimum adequacy thresholds (MAT) depend on the age of the contributor. The older the contributor and the closer they are to retirement age, the higher the requirements for the future pension benefit, ensuring that after retirement, citizens can receive an income level close to international standards.The MAT is determined using the classic formula for calculating the present value of a future pension benefit. In other words, the new formula determines the minimum amount of savings, i.e., the MAT amount that must already be in the contributor's individual pension account (IPA) to ensure the recipient receives the target pension.The use of the present value of benefits formula is based on international practice for calculating the savings required for lifetime benefits. How has the calculation methodology for Minimum Adequacy Thresholds changed?Changes to the Minimum Adequacy Thresholds (MAT) Calculation Methodology are aimed at increasing the minimum pension savings requirements to ensure the adequacy of future funded pensions and are designed for higher pension benefit levels.Now, MAT amounts are determined for each contributor's age using a standard present value formula based on target future pension benefits. Essentially, the new methodology answers the question: what is the minimum amount that must remain in a pension account today to ensure an adequate level of retirement income in the future?The formula takes into account long-term demographic (national demographic tables) and financial (interest rates and indexation of payments) factors to achieve stability and predictability in future payment amounts for citizens, as well as socioeconomic indicators such as the minimum old-age pension and the minimum wage, determined annually by the law on the national budget.Meanwhile, the MAT calculation no longer takes into account future pension contributions from the time of withdrawal until reaching retirement age. After all, contributions may be incomplete or absent during certain periods due to various life circumstances. This approach reduces the risk that a citizen will receive a low funded pension in the future after using part of their savings. Why has the Methodology for Calculating Minimum Adequacy Thresholds changed?                 Since 2021, UAPF contributors have been granted the right to withdraw a portion of their pension savings early before reaching retirement age for strictly defined alternative purposes, such as improving housing conditions and paying for medical treatment. State authorities developed, and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan subsequently approved, a Methodology for Determining the Minimum Adequacy Threshold for Pension Savings.[1].However, frequent withdrawals of pension savings above the minimum adequacy threshold (MAT) from individual pension savings accounts by contributors reduce the amount of their future pension benefits from the UAPF. Therefore, a decision was made to change the minimum adequacy thresholds. This is due to the need to gradually achieve the adequacy of pension payments in accordance with the recommendations of international organizations. Therefore, the requirements for the amount of pension savings necessary to provide for a future funded pension and to increase the replacement rate of a contributor's labor income through pension benefits at retirement age have been increased.The implementation of the new model is aimed at increasing the sustainability of the pension system and ensuring an adequate level of pension provision for citizens.              Is it still possible to use pension savings for alternative purposes? The ability to use a portion of pension savings for alternative purposes, as provided by law, remains available to contributors whose savings exceed the minimum sufficiency threshold. Pensioners whose pensions constitute at least 40% of their lost income, citizens with a pension annuity agreement, and pensioners with years of service—that is, those categories of beneficiaries who have already secured a certain level of pension benefits—can also continue to access their savings.However, approaches to using pension savings are being refined to address the need to ensure citizens have adequate and stable pension payments in the future. How fair is it to calculate MAT based on future pensions if many citizens do not live to retirement age? The average life expectancy of Kazakhstanis has approached 76 years (in 2025), a record high since the country's independence. An analysis of demographic data from 1991 to the present demonstrates changes in the nation's quality of life and health. For example, in 1991, the average life expectancy was 67.6 years (in 2001 it was 65.6, in 2011 it was 68.98, and in 2021 it was 70.23). Thus, over three and a half decades, the average life expectancy of Kazakhstani citizens has increased by more than 8 years. Increased life expectancy means that Kazakhstanis will enjoy a longer retirement period than previously. Under these circumstances, it is especially important to accumulate sufficient pension savings to maintain a familiar standard of living after retirement. Increasing the thresholds for minimum adequacy of pension savings is aimed at ensuring a more adequate level of future pension and financial stability for a person over a longer period of life after retirement. [1] Government Resolution "On Approval of the Rules for the Implementation of Pension Payments, Lump-sum Pension Benefit Payments for the Purpose of Improving Housing Conditions and (or) Paying for Medical Treatment, Formed from Compulsory Pension Contributions, Compulsory Occupational Pension Contributions from the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund, Their Return to the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund, Methodology for Calculating the Amount of Pension Benefits, Methodology for Determining the Replacement Ratio of the Beneficiary's Average Monthly Income with Pension Benefits, Methodology for Determining the Minimum Adequacy Threshold of Pension Savings" Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay/press/news/details/1251397?lang=ru

Almaty hosted the regional competition-exhibition "Best Product of Kazakhstan – 2026," bringing together over 60 domestic manufacturers. The event served as a platform for showcasing the achievements of Kazakhstani enterprises, exchanging experience, and promoting locally produced goods.The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor of Almaty Olzhas Smagulov and Director of the Almaty Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" Chingiskhan Mamanov. They emphasized the importance of state support for domestic producers, improving product quality, and developing competitive businesses.Throughout the day, participants presented a wide range of goods manufactured in Almaty, and following the competitive selection, winners were determined in three categories.In the category "Best Food Products," first place was awarded to Qulpynai Production LLP, second place to Kamerton Company LLP, and third place to LOTTE Rahat JSC.In the category "Best Industrial Goods," the winner was BSF LLP. Second place was awarded to Bakarassov Concern LLP, and third place to SK Rahat LLP.In the category "Best Consumer Goods," first place was taken by Kazakhstan Pipeline Systems LLP, second place by Zhigalma LLP, and third place by Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan LLP.The winners of the regional stage will represent Almaty at the national competition "Best Product of Kazakhstan – 2026," where they will compete for the title of the country's best manufacturers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/1250923?lang=ru

The 12th Open Championship in Robotics, Programming, and Innovative Technologies — Almaty TechCup XII — for the Mayor's Cup has begun in Almaty. This year, the region's largest technology competition is being held under the motto "Age of AI." This was reported by the city's Department of Education.The championship brought together over 3,000 schoolchildren, students, and young engineers — approximately 400 teams from five Central Asian countries. Over the course of two days, participants will compete in robotics disciplines, programming, cybersecurity, autonomous systems development, and other engineering fields.The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan Darkhan Akhmediev, Head of the Secondary Education Committee of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asyl Tuymebayev, Research Engineer and Director of Strategic Partnerships for the goBILDA robotics platform Ethan Dough (USA), as well as Head of the Almaty Department of Education Saken Aralbayev.This year's program includes 14 categories, four of which are being introduced for the first time. Among them are a hackathon for developing solutions for humanoid robots, autonomous vehicle competitions, engineering projects in aerospace technologies, robotics tournaments, drone racing, cybersecurity competitions, and interactive zones dedicated to artificial intelligence.Following the official ceremony, a guided tour of the championship's competition and exhibition areas was organized for the guests.Winners and prize-winners will receive the Mayor of Almaty Cup, educational grants, cash prizes, as well as the opportunity to represent Kazakhstan at international engineering competitions and championships in the United States, China, and Hong Kong.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/1250916?lang=ru

A gala reception on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America was held at the Museum of Modern Art. The event was attended by Mayor of Almaty Darkhan Satybaldy, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan Julie Staff, and U.S. Consul General in Almaty Michelle Yerkin.The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Kazakhstan and the United States. Welcoming remarks were delivered by U.S. Consul General in Almaty Michelle Yerkin and U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Staff.In his congratulatory speech, Darkhan Satybaldy emphasized the significance of Kazakh-American relations, noting that the United States was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan's independence."This year we mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the United States. Over this time, our interaction has grown to the level of a robust and reliable expanded strategic partnership," said the Mayor of Almaty.Darkhan Satybaldy added that thanks to active high-level political dialogue, bilateral ties continue to develop steadily. He particularly highlighted the prospects for economic cooperation, calling Almaty a key logistics and business hub for American companies entering the markets of Kazakhstan and Central Asia.Currently, about 400 enterprises with U.S. capital operate in the city. By the end of 2025, the volume of foreign trade between Almaty and the United States exceeded $1 billion.The Mayor also noted the importance of the construction of a new U.S. Consulate General complex in Almaty. According to him, the implementation of this project will strengthen the city's role as a regional diplomatic, business, humanitarian, and financial center.Among the key areas addressed in the Mayor's speech were the development of tourism and transport links. In 2025, Almaty was visited by more than 24,000 tourists from the United States. The launch of a direct Almaty–New York flight, scheduled for 2027, is expected to give new impetus to the development of bilateral contacts.The culmination of the official part of the event was a symbolic bell-ringing ceremony, jointly performed by Mayor of Almaty Darkhan Satybaldy, U.S. Ambassador Julie Staff, and U.S. Consul General in Almaty Michelle Yerkin, held under the event's theme "Let Freedom Ring."Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the United States were established in January 1992. Today, the countries are developing an expanded strategic partnership based on mutual respect, shared interests, and trust in the future.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/1250894?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1250698?lang=ru

By decree of the Akim of Almaty, Zhanat Aitpayeva has been appointed as the Head of the City Department for the Protection of Children's Rights.Zhanat Aitpayeva was born on February 23, 1968, in the East Kazakhstan Region.She holds a higher pedagogical and economic education, is a Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences (Ph.D. equivalent), and holds a Master's degree in Economics and Business.Her total work experience in the fields of education and public administration exceeds 35 years. She began her career as a teacher and, over the years, has held leadership positions in educational organizations and government bodies.She has headed the East Kazakhstan Regional Scientific and Practical Center "Daryn," the Education Department of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, served as Vice-Rector of Astana IT University, Director of the KSU "Almaty Daryny," and Deputy Head of the Education Department of the city of Almaty.Since September 2025, she held the position of Chief Inspector of the Ideological Work Department of the Office of the Akim of Almaty — Secretary of the Commission on Minors' Affairs and Protection of Their Rights.She is the author and co-author of textbooks, teaching aids, and scientific monographs on educational management and pedagogical leadership.She has been awarded the badge of distinction "Honored Worker of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the medal "25 Years of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan," as well as departmental awards and certificates of honor.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/1249430?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1249126?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1249128?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1249118?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1248635?lang=ru