The 2025 Human Development Report was launched in Kazakhstan at the Digital Bridge 2025 forum last week. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kazakhstan organized a panel session titled “The Power of Choice: Human Development at the Crossroads of Artificial Intelligence.” The event brought together diplomats, government officials, academics, civil society, educators, and thought leaders
On October 6, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed plans for the development of artificial intelligence technologies in Uzbekistan and their broad implementation across the economy and social sectors. Today, artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key tools in various sectors, including the economy, education, healthcare, security, and other vital areas. Its application contributes to improving
For the first time, the Government of Tajikistan has financed the procurement of antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs and HIV early diagnosis tests for newborns, under the project “Support to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan in Procuring Quality Medical Products,” implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Government-financed procurement
From November 29 to December 2, 2025, the Borovoe resort (Burabay, Kazakhstan) will shine with the spirit of a Christmas fairy tale as it will host the 5th festival Voices of Friends, a place where art meets magic. The Voices of Friends V will feature author’s concerts, film festivals, art exhibitions, and master classes that
Starting from 2026, a mechanism for detecting illegal tree cutting using space monitoring will be introduced in Uzbekistan. This is stipulated in the presidential decree “On Measures to Expand the Use of Aerospace Data in Economic Sectors and Improve the Agricultural Management System.” According to the document, the Agency for Space Research and Technology will conduct
A government meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the implementation of Yashil Makon (Green Space), Uzbekistan’s nationwide program which aims to preserve and restore biodiversity through the greening of urban and rural areas. Launched by President Mirziyoyev in November 2021, the Yashil Makon program is aimed at the planting of one billion trees and
A delegation from Uzbekistan, composed of representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recently undertook a three-day study visit to Batken Region of Kyrgyzstan. The mission was organized with the objective of studying innovative artificial glacier technologies as a solution to seasonal water shortages. The delegation attended a presentation on
The Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a new strategy for Tajikistan, setting out the Bank’s priorities in the country to 2030. The new strategy reflects the EBRD’s commitment to supporting Tajikistan’s economic transformation through a comprehensive approach that combines financial investment with policy dialogue and technical assistance. In
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Smart City State Unitary Enterprise at the Dushanbe Executive Authority have launched a project to develop a digital platform for an electronic map of Dushanbe. The project is supported by the EDB Fund for Digital Initiatives and aims to create a unified digital environment for urban infrastructure management. The platform
On October 2 in Astana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan hosted the jubilee award ceremony for the winners of the 10th Annual International Contest “Kazakhstan Through the Eyes of Foreign Media”. This year, by decision of the jury, the works of journalists from Armenia, Belgium, Pakistan, the United States, and Uzbekistan were recognized
In the vibrant tapestry of global tourism, Umedjon Saidov, National Expert in Tourism Development and General Director of Somon Travel LLC, shines brightly by unveiling Tajikistan’s hidden treasures. From scholar of international relations to orchestrator of the Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition (DITE-2025), held September 18–20, he blends cultural reverence with strategic brilliance, elevating sites from
As tourism in Kyrgyzstan is becoming a driver of inclusive growth, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provides comprehensive support to the tourism industry. The regional project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia,” funded by the Government of Finland, demonstrates that a system approach to tourism development can transform local
On October 1, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held the first meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence. Tokayev emphasized that without the development of artificial intelligence, it is impossible to withstand global competition. He stated that digital systems and artificial intelligence have become essential for the country’s sovereignty and a driving force
Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Gabidulla Ospankulov and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Kazakh Invest national company Madiyar Sultanbek met with Chen Guanfu, Vice President of Chinese corporation POWERCHINA. The parties discussed opportunities to expand POWERCHINA’s participation in investment projects in Kazakhstan in the fields of
Exporters and transport operators crossing the Dostuk border – the main border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan – are set to have a smoother experience and shorter waiting times, with the launch of the Electronic Queue Management System (e-QMS), the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan reported. The digital platform, developed by the International
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is contributing to the optimization of international transport routes by supporting upgrades of key port infrastructure in Kazakhstan. A financial package of up to €45 million provided by the EBRD and the European Union will finance an increase in cargo handling capacity at the port of Aktau, Kazakhstan’s
A new crypto fund, Alem Crypto Fund, has started operating in Kazakhstan. It was established by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, managed by Qazaqstan Venture Group and registered within the ecosystem of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The primary objective of the fund is to make long-term investments in
Kyrgyzstan has begun construction of two major tunnels at the Soek and Ashuu-Suu passes on the Barskoon-Bedel highway in the Issyk-Kul region. The Barskoon-Bedel highway, whose construction began on August 27, is a key section of the future Barskoon-Uchturfan-Aksu corridor that will link the Issyk-Kul region with China’s Aksu prefecture in Xinjiang via the Bedel
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and improving access to finance for young entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan by providing a loan of up to $7 million (€6 million) to local microlender Arnur Credit. The loan is extended under the EBRD’s Youth in Business (YiB) programme for Central
Uzbekistan’s exports to Afghanistan exceeded $873 million during the first eight months of this year, TOLOnews reported with reference to the Uzbek National Statistical Committee. According to Afghanistan’s National Statistics and Information Authority, the country’s exports to Uzbekistan stood at more than $28 million over the past six months. The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and
