On October 21-22, 2024, Astana hosts the 13th International Forum on the Electronic Apostille program, organized by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with Maqsut Narikbayev University with the support of the Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law Christophe Bernasconi. This event has acquired special significance, as it was the first time a forum of this scale was held in a Central Asian country.
The forum was attended by experts and practitioners from more than 16 countries, including China, the United States, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Poland, Brazil, Singapore, Belgium, Greece, the Philippines, Chile, Israel, Colombia, Lithuania and others, as well as representatives of government agencies. The participants discussed topical issues of the implementation and use of the E-Apostille program, shared their experience and developed consolidated recommendations for further improvement of the system.
"This e-APP forum was the first face-to-face event since 2019, when we gathered for the 11th forum in Fortaleza, Brazil. Therefore, it is especially pleasant and important to return to the format of face-to-face meetings and see such a large number of participants. More than 300 people are taking part in the current forum, including representatives of 70 contracting parties and three States that are not parties to the Apostille Convention," said Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan Azamat Eskarayev stressed the importance of the forum: "Electronic apostille is an important step towards simplifying international document management, increasing transparency and security."
Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament Marat Bashimov also noted the importance of electronic apostille for citizens to exercise their right outside Kazakhstan, now the process of obtaining an apostille has become simple and convenient.
The Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan is actively working on the ratification of the conventions by Kazakhstan. "The electronic apostille is a key tool for the recognition of our documents outside the Republic of Kazakhstan," the Majilisman added.
The holding of the forum in Kazakhstan highlights the country's leading position in the field of digitalization of apostille processes. Similar forums have previously been held in America, Europe and Asia, and now Kazakhstan has become a key center for discussing issues of digitalization of apostille at the international level.

Following the results of the first day of the forum, the following recommendations were developed:
- integration of the "E-Apostille" system with state registers;
- improvement of verification mechanisms for electronic signatures and seals;
- raising awareness of citizens about the benefits of electronic apostille.
The agreements reached contribute to the further development and dissemination of best practices in the field of digital apostille of documents around the world.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet/press/news/details/868955