AGP Executive Report

Inclusive Education in Focus: Kozybayev University upgraded its library with an assistive device that turns printed text into audio, helping 16 students with visual impairments study independently in 20+ languages. Women & Community Activism: Kazakhstan’s embassy in Azerbaijan co-hosted a forum spotlighting women volunteers and inclusive support, tying modern activism to the Kazakh tradition of mutual help (asar). Culture & Identity Online: Tajik women are using the “I am Tajik” trend to push back against rigid social expectations, blending tradition with modern, career-focused self-expression. Tech for Mobility: A2Z Drone Delivery partnered with Alatau Advance Air Group for Kazakhstan’s Alatau City urban air mobility test center, aiming to integrate drones and air-taxi infrastructure into a smart-city plan. Education Recognition: UC Santa Barbara doctoral candidate Munira Kairat won a prestigious National Academy of Education Spencer Dissertation Fellowship for research on Kazakh youth language learning and identity in “Little Kazakhstan” in Los Angeles. Eid al-Adha Moments: Kazakhstanis marked Eid al-Adha with livestock market visits and public celebrations, while leaders across Central Asia sent congratulations emphasizing charity and unity.

Sports & Culture Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s Arman Abeuov has been appointed head of the IJF Military Commission, linking judo with military and police sports training and youth outreach from Astana. Eid al-Adha & Faith: President Tokayev congratulated Muslims of Kazakhstan on Qurban Ait, stressing mercy, solidarity, and interfaith harmony as core state priorities. Arts & Literature: An international forum in Almaty honored Olzhas Suleimenov’s legacy, with plans for new photo albums and renewed focus on his anti-nuclear activism and cultural diplomacy. Sports: Kazakhstan returned with six medals from a recent table tennis event in Tajikistan, including women’s gold and multiple podium finishes. Environment & Conservation: Kazakhstan’s biodiversity group ACBK highlighted its IUCN membership push, including saiga monitoring and reintroduction work for kulan and Przewalski’s horse. Tourism & Social Media: Chinese influencer Tao Mingxiu (“Tao Tao”) received Kazakhstan’s Order of Dostyk II for promoting the country’s culture and tourism across major regions. Global Context: The week’s biggest international culture-and-lifestyle ripple for Kazakhstan readers: Trump’s Abraham Accords expansion talk could force passport changes for countries that currently bar travel to Israel, with Pakistan singled out.

Kazakhstan Tourism in the Spotlight: Chinese influencer Tao Mingxiu—“Tao Tao” to nearly 10 million followers—has been galloping across the steppe, racking up over 1 billion views from six Kazakhstan trips. In May 2025 she was named Kazakhstan’s “Tourism Ambassador,” and in April 2026 she received the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) II degree from President Tokayev, with 2026 framed as the China–Kazakhstan Year of Cultural Exchange. Eid al-Adha Message: Tokayev congratulated Kazakhstanis on Qurban Ait, stressing mercy, unity, and interfaith harmony as core state priorities. Energy & Tech Diplomacy: Putin’s Kazakhstanskaya Pravda piece points to deepening Russia–Kazakhstan cooperation in oil, gas, and digital platforms, including AI projects. Regional Tensions: Iran condemned new U.S. strikes as “bad faith,” while Trump pushed for Abraham Accords expansion tied to an Iran deal—an idea Pakistan rejects. Culture & Debate: Kazakhstan’s Venice Biennale pavilion controversy continues after reports of a work being dismantled. Sports: Kazakhstan returned from Tajikistan with six table tennis medals.

Biodiversity Boost: Kazakhstan’s Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) says joining the IUCN is a major step to link local conservation with global policy, backing work from saiga monitoring to reintroducing kulan and Przewalski’s horse. West Asia Shockwaves: As US-Iran talks continue, Iran calls new US strikes “bad faith,” while the US says it acted defensively to protect troops—raising fresh uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire. Abraham Accords Pressure: Trump is pushing Muslim-majority states to normalize ties with Israel as part of any Iran deal, but Pakistan publicly rejects the idea, saying it clashes with “fundamental ideologies.” Culture & Memory: Almaty hosts an international forum honoring Olzhas Suleimenov’s legacy, with plans for new photo albums and a renewed push to connect literature, science, and public dialogue. Sports & School Life: Kazakhstan returns with six table tennis medals from Tajikistan; school year ends with unified “Law and Order” classes for millions.

US-Iran Escalation: The US Central Command says it carried out “self-defence” strikes in southern Iran, hitting missile launch sites and boats laying mines near Bandar Abbas, while Iran’s talks with Qatar continue and Trump claims negotiations are “proceeding nicely.” Abraham Accords Push: Trump is again trying to expand the Abraham Accords—demanding Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan sign on (with UAE and Bahrain already in), and hinting Iran could join later—while Pakistan’s defence minister rejects the idea outright. Kazakhstan at Home: In Astana, President Tokayev met Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek, who reported 9.1% growth in fixed-asset investment, full launch of the LRT, and plans for 12 more schools this year plus major Smart City upgrades. Sports & Culture: Kazakh junior padel players won big in Tbilisi, and Kazakhstan’s cycling and cycling-tour coverage continues to spotlight regional cultural tourism.

Education & AI Push: Kazakhstan has earmarked 177.1 billion tenge for AI and digitalization—covering rural internet access and AI tools for schools—while officials say the goal is smarter teaching, not replacing educators. Capital Upgrade: Astana mayor Zhenis Kassymbek told President Tokayev the city will open 12 new schools this year and keep expanding its light rail transit rollout, alongside major social and utility projects. Migration Rules: Kazakhstan is preparing a differentiated visa system for foreign workers and investors, with categories and a path from temporary status to longer-term residency. Language & Identity: A new look at Gen Z shows Kazakh moving from “school language” to TikTok/Instagram self-expression. Culture & Heritage: Kazakhstan continues building its Golden Horde narrative in UNESCO-linked scholarship, while regional culture news highlights UNESCO-style craft ambitions like Kyrgyz felt.

Visa Ease for Travelers: Sri Lanka rolled out a free 30-day tourist ETA for citizens of 40 selected countries, including Kazakhstan—still requiring an ETA before arrival. UNESCO Craft Push: Kyrgyzstan is seeking UNESCO intangible heritage status for felt, with Kazakhstan and seven other countries backing the application; a decision is expected in December 2026. Turkic Culture Spotlight: Azerbaijan’s traditional sports and culture drew crowds at Istanbul’s Ethnosport Festival, while Kazakhstan’s Turkology community marked the 100th anniversary of the First Baku Turkological Congress in Almaty. Regional Culture & Education: Kyrgyzstan announced a Bishkek classical music concert featuring Kazakh pianist Gulnara Kurambaeva; Qatar University’s Early Childhood Center celebrated a new kindergarten cohort with a Kazakhstan delegation visit. Sports Moment: Kazakhstan’s Greco-Roman wrestlers started the Asian U20 Championships with two gold medals.

Early Childhood Milestone: Qatar University’s Early Childhood Center celebrated the graduation of 40 kindergarteners for the 2026 academic year, with performances and a focus on safe, high-quality learning as kids prepare to move into first grade. Classical Music on the Road: Kyrgyzstan is set for an evening of world classical music in Bishkek on May 26, featuring Kazakh pianist Gulnara Kurambaeva and the A. Jumakmatov State Academic Symphony Orchestra. UNESCO Craft Push: Kyrgyzstan is seeking UNESCO intangible heritage status for felt, backed by eight countries including Kazakhstan, with a decision expected in December 2026. SCO Science Talks in Bishkek: SCO ministers and agencies are meeting to discuss science and technology cooperation, experience exchange, and strengthening regional scientific capacity. Sports Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s Greco-Roman wrestlers opened strong at the Asian U20 Championships, taking two gold medals on day one. Culture & Identity: A week of Turkic-focused events continues, including conferences and alphabet/heritage discussions tied to the legacy of the Baku Turkological Congress.

Golden Horde Spotlight: Kazakhstan is leaning into a deeper national story as a UNESCO-patroned symposium on the Golden Horde opens in Astana, with President Tokayev urging historians not to politicize the past and warning that society won’t renew without changing public consciousness. Smart Mobility: Astana also officially launched the first phase of its light rail transit system, adding a new public transport backbone to the capital. Education Wins: Kazakh school students brought home 6 medals at an Open International Biology Olympiad, including two golds. Culture in Turkistan: Workers in the arts and culture sector were honored in Turkistan as new cultural facilities and touring groups keep expanding. Regional Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s defense education delegation visited Azerbaijan to exchange experience, while Kazakhstan–Azerbaijan university ties and museum cooperation continue to grow. EU Border Focus: The EU kicked off the 11th phase of BOMCA, backing cross-border security and human-rights-centered border management across Central Asia.

Olympiad Glory: Kazakhstan’s school team just swept the Open International Biology Olympiad with 2 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze—medalists include Yersultan Kairken and Sofya Zheltova, while the squad was led by Dinmukhammed Urazbayev. Culture & Arts: Turkistan honored culture and arts workers, spotlighting new cultural centers and touring creative groups. Turkology 100 Years: Almaty opened a major international conference marking the 100th anniversary of the First Baku Turkological Congress, with delegates pushing a shared Turkic identity and alphabet. Education Links Abroad: Vietnam announced 40 scholarships for Ukrainian students for 2026/27, and Kazakhstan is also providing 40 state scholarships. International Cooperation: A Kazakh delegation visited Azerbaijan’s defense education institutions, while Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan discussed military cooperation. Sports Buzz: XDS-Astana’s Giro d’Italia momentum continued with Alberto Bettiol’s stage win in Verbania.

Giro d’Italia Buzz: XDS-Astana’s Alberto Bettiol stormed to stage 13 glory in Verbania, using local-road know-how to reel in Andreas Leknessund and solo to the line—another reminder that the team’s “good times” are back. Visa & Travel Policy: Thailand’s tourism operators backed a return to 30-day visa-free stays, arguing it will cut illegal low-spending long-stay activity—while Kazakhstan travelers are set to revert to normal visa rules. Immigration Tightening (US): USCIS says temporary visa holders seeking a Green Card will generally have to apply from abroad, except in “extraordinary circumstances.” Nuclear Delays: Kazakhstan’s first nuclear plant at Lake Balkhash faces more schedule pressure as Rosatom asks for extra time to finalize site reports amid financing strain. Culture & Heritage: Kazakhstan and the Smithsonian plan deeper museum cooperation, including joint research and specialist training. Tech & Talent: Kazakhstan is also moving toward a “Golden Visa” and other tailored entry regimes to attract investors and skilled professionals.

Kazakhstan–Hong Kong Legal Ties: Kazakhstan has signed extradition and mutual legal assistance agreements with Hong Kong, with prosecutors highlighting cooperation on returning stolen assets and tackling cross-border crime. Constitutional Reform Support: Parliament adopted a package of constitutional laws to make the new Constitution work in practice, while the head of state was briefed on legal support for the reform. Reading Push: Uzbekistan launched a nationwide National Reading Movement, and Kazakhstan’s own “Reading Nation” concept is set to be approved, with a national digital library platform and “Readers of the Year” project planned. Turkic Culture Spotlight: OTS leaders stressed shared identity and the common alphabet at an International Turkology Conference in Almaty, echoing the 100th anniversary focus on the 1926 Baku Turkology Congress. Heritage in Motion: Kazakhstan is advancing UNESCO bids for Golden Horde-linked sites and underground mosques, aiming for review at the World Heritage Committee in July. Arts & Museums: A Golden Horde ceremonial robe was handed to Kazakhstan’s National Museum, while Kazakhfilm’s costume collection is being digitized after a public controversy.

Kazakhstan–Kenya Cultural & Business Push: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Kenya’s William Ruto met in Astana and backed a practical roadmap for trade, energy, logistics and technology, with plans for a Kazakhstan–Kenya Business Council, regular trade missions, and even an expert group to improve transport links. Heritage in the Spotlight: Kazakhstan is also stepping up its Golden Horde and Silk Road push—UNESCO bids for Mangystau underground mosques and a multinational Silk Road nomination are set for review in July. Museums Get a Tech Boost: Kazakhstan and the Smithsonian Institution agreed to expand joint research and education, while Kazakhfilm is digitizing costumes and props after the Kyz Zhibek heroine outfit issue, with the full set promised to the museum. Culture as Education: Astana’s President’s TV and Radio Complex launched “From Chronicle to the Future,” turning film lectures into public learning. Sports Note: Giro d’Italia Stage 13 heads to Verbania with a tricky late profile that could still set up a reduced-bunch sprint or a late break.

Culture & Arts Appreciation: President Tokayev used Culture Workers’ Day to underline that culture is the backbone of national identity, thanking artists and calling for more opportunities for talented youth. Reading Nation Push: Kazakhstan will approve the “Reading Nation” concept, launch “10 Readers of the Year,” and build a unified National Digital Library Platform, with government support for librarianship and publishing. Kazakhstan–Kenya Business Bridge: Tokayev and Kenya’s Ruto met in Astana and agreed to deepen trade and investment, including plans for a Kazakhstan–Kenya Business Council, regular trade missions, and better transport/logistics coordination. UNESCO Heritage Drive: Kazakhstan is pushing UNESCO recognition for Golden Horde legacy and ancient Silk Road sites, including nominations for Mangystau underground mosques and a multinational Silk Road corridor. Digital Growth & Smart Cities Debate: At GSMA M360 Eurasia in Samarkand, connectivity was framed as an economic engine, while a separate discussion warned that “smart city” surveillance can spread through private tech even in democracies. Humanitarian Culture Diplomacy: Japanese manga artist Kaoru Mori opened a Central Asian Cuisine exhibition in Astana, billed as “diplomacy through art.”

Turkic Diplomacy, With a Twist: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s May 14 state visit to Astana and the next-day OTS informal summit in Turkistan overlapped on trade, humanitarian aid, and culture—but joint weapons manufacturing was conspicuously absent at the multilateral table, underscoring Kazakhstan’s cautious stance on security ambitions. Kazakhstan–Kenya Deal-Making: During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and William Ruto’s business forum, both sides pushed a roadmap for trade, energy, logistics, and technology, with Tokayev signaling readiness to boost exports to Türkiye by $630m. Humanitarian Culture Spotlight: UN Migration Goodwill Ambassador Dimash Qudaibergen visited Rohingya communities in Cox’s Bazar, mixing shelter support with cultural exchange. Golden Horde Reframed: In Astana, UNESCO-backed scholars gathered for a major symposium to reposition the Golden Horde as a steppe civilization model—while Tokayev floated a large publishing push. AI in the Spotlight: The OTS summit theme centered on AI and digital development, with proposals for an AI network across member states.

Baltic Security Shock: Lithuania lifted its air alert after suspected drones from Belarus were diverted, while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called Russia’s threats “completely unacceptable” and “a threat to our entire Union,” warning Europe will respond with unity and stronger eastern-flank preparedness. Golden Horde, New Story: In Astana, Kazakhstan opened a UNESCO-backed symposium on the Golden Horde, with President Tokayev urging objective study and promising deeper work on history, archaeology, culture—and even a major publishing push. UNESCO Recognition: Tokayev awarded UNESCO’s former chief Audrey Azoulay the Qoja Ahmet Yasaui Order, praising her role in protecting Kazakhstan’s heritage. Culture & Identity on Screen: Filmmaker Zhannat Alshanova discussed migration and identity in “Between Worlds,” reflecting a wider push to tell Central Asia’s stories in modern cinema. Tech in the Spotlight: Kazakhstan also announced plans for an AI Olympiad and broader AI cooperation, while aviation officials move toward aerotaxis, biometric boarding, and AI cargo systems. Heritage to UNESCO: Mangistau’s underground mosques and a Silk Road corridor bid could gain UNESCO status.