Nazarbayev University hosted the IV International Symposium on Emerging Materials and Devices - ISEMD 2025Medications derived from biomass, smart polymers for flexible electronics, and fuels of the future – these were just a few of the ambitious scientific topics explored at the IV International Symposium on Emerging Materials and Devices (ISEMD 2025), held from May 28 to 30 at Nazarbayev University (NU) in Astana.The symposium brought together more than 180 researchers from Spain, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Finland, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Local participants included scientists from KazNU, Satbayev University, Abai University, Astana IT University, and other institutions.«As the world faces the growing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable energy solutions is critical,» said NU President Dr. Waqar Ahmad in his opening remarks. «At Nazarbayev University, research and education in renewable energy are central to our mission. We are preparing future leaders who can develop and implement innovative technologies in solar, wind, and other clean energy sectors».The program featured more than 46 presentations, covering topics such as solar cells, biomass conversion, hydrogen production and storage, and topological materials for quantum applications.Several Kazakhstani innovations sparked a lively discussion. NU’s Renewable Energy Laboratory showcased a porous polymer designed for flexible electronics and biosensors. Resistant to mechanical deformation, it improves the performance of wearable devices and is already being applied in other environmental and energy-related projects by the team.Meanwhile, a biomass research group led by senior researcher Minawar Shaimardan presented a pioneering study for Kazakhstan – a hypertension medication based on Furfural, an organic compound extracted from corn husks, recognized as one of the most promising bio-based chemicals for future applications.«Our primary goal is to bring strong scientists from around the world here to Kazakhstan», said Professor Nurxat Nuraje, head of the Renewable Energy Laboratory at NU National Laboratory Astana. «These kinds of meetings help foster collaboration, launch joint research projects, and elevate Kazakhstan’s contributions to global science». «I am genuinely impressed by the rapid development of science in Kazakhstan and the remarkable progress in your university system. Your talented students have completed internships in my lab in Scotland and at Oxford, consistently delivering outstanding results», said Mojtaba Mirzaeian, Professor at the University of the West of Scotland.The symposium reaffirmed NU’s growing role as a regional research hub and an active participant in the global movement toward a sustainable future.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sci/press/news/details/1010088?lang=kk

"The development of aviation and transport logistics is the key to the country's territorial connectivity and equal opportunities," President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed, speaking at the National Kurultai.Today, as part of the discussion of the instructions given by the Head of State at a meeting of the National Kurultai in Kostanay, a round table was held on the development of the transit and logistics sector. Representatives of government, business and the public discussed the current state and prospects of the region's transport infrastructure.The region ranks first in the country in terms of the length of highways. In 2025, 104.7 billion tenge was allocated for the development of the road network, which is 42% more than last year. 1,200 km of roads and 382 streets in 103 settlements are planned to be repaired. Special attention is paid to access roads to villages: if 20 sections were repaired three years ago, then 80 this year."For the second year in a row, Kostanay region has received the most funding among all regions of the country for the repair of roads of regional and district significance," said Almas Yesenzholov, head of the Department of Passenger Transport and Highways.Active repairs of sites of national significance are underway, including Sarykol - the border of North Kazakhstan region, Uzunkol - Troitskoye, Bestobe - the border of Aktobe region, Arkalyk - the border of Ulytau region. After the completion of work on the last section, traffic is expected to increase from 150 to 2,500 cars per day.Of particular importance is the project of a new highway from Astana through Arkalyk, Turgai and Irgiz with access to the Trans-Caspian route. This road will shorten the route between the central and western regions of the country by 560 km and increase Kazakhstan's competitiveness in international logistics.The effect of these projects is obvious. First of all, it is the creation of favorable conditions for faster and more convenient movement of goods and passengers. In turn, this will contribute to economic recovery along the entire route, as the emergence of high-quality road infrastructure will certainly lead to increased business, trade and service sector growth.In addition, the access of the highway to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route will allow Kazakhstan to strengthen its position in international logistics chains. This is especially important in the context of the changing global economic situation, when countries need to quickly adapt to new trade relations and routes.Business representatives emphasize the importance of developing roadside services and multimodal logistics."Our region, as a whole, will be at the center of the transit flow. Its geographical location makes it one of the main transit hubs between Central Asia and the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. These projects are already having a positive impact on the competitiveness of Kostanay manufacturers' products, especially in the agricultural sector, mechanical engineering and processing," said entrepreneur Valery Susarenko.Entrepreneurs also note positive changes in the field of international transportation. The simplification of the permit issuance procedure made it possible to reduce the processing time from a week to one day, which greatly facilitated access to foreign markets, especially for agricultural and machine-building enterprises. Reducing the cost of transportation by up to 30% has increased the competitiveness of Kostanay products.Digitalization of logistics processes continues to evolve — further implementation of integration solutions within the framework of the Authorization Information Base (IDB) is expected, which will accelerate transit and increase transparency of operations.The participants of the round table agreed that it is the synergy of government and business that is a key factor in the sustainable growth of the region's transport industry.- The construction of a new highway announced by the Head of State, which will connect Astana, Arkalyk, Turgai and Irgiz, will be an important step in the development of logistics throughout the country. Along with mechanical engineering, ferrous metallurgy and processing of agricultural products, this area will become the fourth strategically significant area of economic development for the Kostanay region," said Akim of the region Kumar Aksakalov.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1009878?lang=kk

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В рамках Международного форума Астана (AIF) состоялась рабочая встреча вице-министра национальной экономики РК Асана Дарбаева с руководителем Директората государственного управления ОЭСР Эльзой Пиличовски.Обсуждались вопросы панельной сессии форума о повышении экономической устойчивости и Краткий обзор госуправления Казахстана, подготовленный ОЭСР. Вице-министр рассказал о мерах по реализации принципов «Слышащее государство» и «Закон и Порядок», направленных на повышение инклюзивности и участия граждан в госуправлении.В центре внимания была Концепция развития госуправления до 2030 года, нацеленная на создание «человекоцентричной» модели. Ключевые направления — децентрализация для баланса полномочий и ресурсов между уровнями управления, а также дебюрократизация для упрощения условий ведения бизнеса.Стороны рассмотрели предложения по улучшению госуправления Казахстана с учетом международного опыта. По итогам встречи отмечена важность продолжения сотрудничества.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1009714?lang=kk

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Astana, June 2, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held a meeting with the Chairman of the Emirati company Azizi Group, Mirwais Azizi.The parties discussed prospects for the joint implementation of investment projects in Kazakhstan, particularly in the fields of construction and real estate.During the conversation, Minister Nurtleu also outlined Kazakhstan’s efforts to create favorable conditions for foreign investors and to develop tourism, suggesting the possibility of building hotels and tourist facilities in various regions of the country.In addition, the prospects for cooperation in Afghanistan were discussed, including the use of Azizi Group banks (AZIZI Bank and Islamic Bank of Afghanistan) to expand trade and logistics.Azizi Group is one of Dubai’s leading developers, operating in the fields of real estate, industry, hospitality, investment, asset management, philanthropy, and finance (in Afghanistan).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1009566?lang=kk

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Astana, May 30, 2025 – On the sidelines of the Astana International Forum, a Kazakhstan-Nigeria roundtable was held with the participation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov, Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi – head of the Nigeria’s Yoruba people, and members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Samat Nurtaza and Maksim Rozhin.The event brought together representatives of Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector and IT companies, along with Nigerian business leaders from the financial and tech sectors.Participants discussed opportunities to expand economic ties between Kazakhstan and Nigeria. Special focus was given to the export of Kazakh agricultural products, including meat and meat processing, and to prospects for cooperation in digitalization and smart urban solutions. The Kazakh side highlighted its potential in organic and halal food production, deep agro-processing, and exporting agricultural goods to African markets. The dialogue also touched upon prospects for joint investment, logistics, and applying Kazakhstan’s digital technologies in Nigeria’s urbanization and infrastructure modernization.A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of Kazakhstan’s “Sergek” intelligent system, used for public safety, traffic control, and urban analytics. The Nigerian side expressed strong interest in exploring pilot projects in the country, noting the system’s relevance in managing rapid urban growth and the increasing demand for smart governance technologies.“We view cooperation with Nigeria as one of the most promising avenues for engagement with Africa. Both countries have dynamic private sectors and complementary economies. Kazakhstan stands ready to offer practical solutions in agro-processing, export logistics, digitalization, and urban development. We are confident that today’s discussions will lay the groundwork for tangible projects and a long-term partnership that will bring real benefits to both sides,” stated Kuantyrov summing up the meeting.The roundtable continued the deepening Kazakhstan-Africa dialogue within the framework of the AIF, reaffirming the mutual interest in practical cooperation rooted in technological partnership and sustainable development. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1008768?lang=kk

Astana, May 30, 2025 – On the sidelines of the Astana International Forum, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akan Rakhmetullin met with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Singh Gill.The parties discussed Kazakhstan’s technological achievements, including the introduction of artificial intelligence, the creation of a supercomputer, the expansion of digital infrastructure, progress in e-government (eGov), the establishment of the international tech park Astana Hub, and the initiative to create a Digital Solutions Center for Sustainable Development in Almaty.First Deputy Minister Rakhmetullin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s support for the UN’s digital agenda, including the Global Digital Compact and initiatives for the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence.In turn, Under-Secretary-General Gill expressed interest in deepening cooperation to promote inclusive, responsible, and sustainable digital transformation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1008770?lang=kk

Astana, May 30, 2025 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akan Rakhmetullin met with the Head of the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze, who arrived in Astana to participate in the Astana International Forum.During the conversation, the parties discussed key areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA, issues of regional security, sustainable development, as well as preparations for joint events.Special attention was paid to the upcoming meeting of the deputy ministers of foreign affairs of the Central Asian countries, scheduled for this autumn in Kazakhstan. In particular, they discussed the formation of an agenda that includes issues of regional security, sustainable development, water resources and climate change.First Deputy Minister Rakhmetullin noted the importance of the upcoming event for strengthening cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and expressed gratitude to the Regional Center for its active role in promoting preventive diplomacy and coordinating efforts in the region.The sides agreed to continue close cooperation in preparation for the meeting, and discussed the prospects for further cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1008773?lang=kk

In Kostanay region, by the end of the year, it is planned to fully resolve the issue of public access to high-quality drinking water. As part of the execution of the instructions of the President of Kazakhstan, large-scale work is underway to connect rural and urban settlements to water supply systems.To date, water is provided:99% of the urban population,91.3% of the rural population.By the end of 2025, the remaining 33 villages and 2 towns — Arkalyk and Tobyl — will also be connected. As a result, the region will reach 100% coverage., What will be done:Centralized water supply will be installed in 20 villages (13 thousand people),Water distribution points will be installed in 13 villages (3,000 people),Water transportation will be organized in 7 settlements."Providing the population with clean drinking water is not only a matter of infrastructure, but also a matter of quality of life. We are completing work in the remaining villages and towns, as instructed by the Head of State," the Department of Energy and Housing and Communal Services noted.66 water supply and sanitation projects are being implemented this year:45 — in rural settlements,21 — in cities.The total amount of financing is 22 billion tenge, including:6.9 billion — from the National Fund,5.3 billion — from the Stabilization State Fund,7.6 billion — from the local budget,2.1 billion — from the republican budget.Additionally, in June, it is planned to allocate another 9 billion tenge for the implementation of 14 projects, 13 of them in villages and 1 in the city of Tobyl. The relevant petitions have been sent to the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan., Expected result:Water will appear in villages such as Georgievka, Mikhaylovka, Vostok, Konstantinovka, Lesnoye, Sverdlovka, Pervomaiske and others.Water supply will improve in 10 villages where the systems need to be updated.The problem with imported water will be resolved in remote settlements.All construction and installation work is on schedule. By the end of 2025, it is expected to fully cover the population of Kostanay region with high-quality drinking water.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1008780?lang=kk

Representatives of embassies of several EU countries visited the Karaganda region.Together with the public of the region, the diplomats laid flowers at the memorial signs at the Spassky Memorial and paid tribute to the victims of political repression. After that, at a meeting with the akim of the Karaganda region, Ermaganbet Bulekpayev, the possibilities of developing cooperation in the economic and humanitarian spheres were discussed.The meeting took place at the A. Saginov Karaganda Technical University. The regional innovation and industrial hub "Kartech" is being formed on its basis, where it is planned to concentrate efforts on the introduction of modern technologies and the development of applied science.– Projects with the participation of European companies are being successfully implemented in the region, including the production of «Boehmer» fittings, «Isoplus Central Asia» pre–insulated pipes, «Linde Gas Kazakhstan» technical gases, and the «Solarnet» solar power plant. These examples show that there are mutual interests and the experience of such cooperation can be expanded. We are interested in new investments, technological partnerships and applied research projects," said Ermaganbet Bulekpayev.The investment potential of the region was presented in more detail by the deputy akim of the region Ermek Alpysov.The Karaganda region is a region of great opportunities, open to mutually beneficial business partnership, the speaker emphasized. Currently, the region exports manufacturing products to 70 countries around the world. 25 companies from Germany, Austria, China, Qatar and Canada are successfully operating in the Saryarka SEZ. The Saran industrial zone has become a major new development point.In their response, the guests gave examples of successful partnerships and noted their interest in opening new horizons for cooperation.– We see a huge potential for cooperation in general with Kazakhstan and in particular with the region. These are areas such as transport and logistics, combating climate change, and green energy. In addition, these are human resources, digitalization, and education," said Alyosha Simkich, Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/karaganda/press/news/details/1008789?lang=kk

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Astana, May 30, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held a meeting with the Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi – one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional leaders and the spiritual head of the Yoruba people, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a visit and to participate in the Astana International Forum.During the meeting, the interlocutors expressed mutual interest in strengthening the political dialogue between Kazakhstan and Nigeria. In this context, the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which took place in January 2025 on the sidelines of the “Sustainability Week” Summit in Abu Dhabi, was noted.“Kazakhstan and Nigeria have significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the political, trade, economic, and cultural spheres. Today’s meeting marks the beginning of a good tradition and symbolizes a new stage in relations between Kazakhstan and the peoples and states of Africa, among which Nigeria holds a special place,” noted Minister Nurtleu.In addition, the parties discussed prospects for expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation in such areas as agriculture, transport and logistics, digital technologies, and energy.To this end, the importance of utilizing various interaction mechanisms was noted, such as the Kazakhstan-Nigeria Business Council, the institution of honorary consuls, people-to people contacts, and interaction between business communities of the two countries.Following the talks, the importance of strengthening partnership relations was emphasized, and the readiness to continue joint work on the implementation of the reached agreements was confirmed.The Kingdom of Ife, located in present-day Nigeria, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. As one of the oldest kingdoms in Africa, Ife has long been considered the ancestral home of the Yoruba people and one of the centers of African civilization.King Adeyeye Ogunwusi participated as a speaker in the special session “Kazakhstan – Africa: opening new horizons of cooperation,” which was organized for the first time on the sidelines of the Astana International Forum.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1008657?lang=kk