Kazakhstan’s president visited the Alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana to champion digital modernization and position the country as a global AI leader by 2029.

The events reflect a comprehensive modernization strategy that combines infrastructure, legislation, education, and international engagement to build a domestic AI foundation.

During the visit, he announced the Astana AI Film Festival for this fall as part of expanding Kazakhstan’s international presence in digital innovation.

Awards were conferred at the Alem.ai Battle AI competition and the AI Governance Cup, recognizing excellence in AI applications for public services, economy, social policy, security, regions, and quasi-public sectors.

Contextually, Saudi Arabia and UNESCO are co-hosting the fourth Global Forum on the Ethics of AI with ICAIRE, highlighting regional and global AI discourse.

Plans for an AI Research University were unveiled, set to open in September and provide access to national AI infrastructure including advanced computing and large language models.

The leadership stressed training at least 100,000 AI and deep-tech specialists and supporting startups, noting rapid tech change necessitates adaptability, especially in creative industries reshaped by AI.

Alem.ai Center’s activities span scientific research, educational programs, startup initiatives, and the development of applied AI solutions.

A countdown to the Games of the Future – Astana 2026 was launched, accompanied by a commemorative Alem.ai plaque.

Presight showcased a unified AI platform at the event, demonstrating real-time city data integration to improve governance and management efficiency.

The president launched the Tomorrow School AI Network across 14 regions and opened the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies Astana to offer programs in generative AI, coding, game development, animation, 3D modeling, robotics, design, web development, filmmaking, and digital music.

The visit emphasized integrating AI across government, business, and daily life as part of a broad modernization program.