Our People > Aliya Haidar

Aliya Haidar

Journalist

Aliya Haidar is a Kazakhstani journalist. She started her career in 1998, and has worked in the country's leading regional and national publications ever since.

Articles

Cryptocurrency

Kazakhstan Sets Sights on Becoming Central Asia’s Blockchain Hub

Kazakhstan is accelerating its efforts to become a regional leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency. Among its latest initiatives is a proposal by the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) to establish a state crypto reserve. National Strategy and Regulatory Evolution The NBK recently endorsed the idea of forming a national reserve of crypto assets. This was confirmed in an official response from NBK Chairman Timur Suleimenov to a parliamentary inquiry. The proposal includes creating the reserve through a subsidiary of the NBK focused on alternative investments. Mirroring practices in countries such as the United States, the reserve could be composed of confiscated crypto assets and cryptocurrencies mined with state involvement. Legislative amendments to support this move are expected. In January, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the urgency of developing Kazakhstan’s crypto infrastructure, citing a global shift toward digital assets. Tokayev emphasized the need for a comprehensive national strategy to meet emerging challenges. Currently, legal cryptocurrency transactions in Kazakhstan can only occur via exchanges operating under the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC). Registered participants include major platforms such as Binance and Bybit. Expanding Infrastructure and Innovation The government is also considering the creation of crypto banks, which would regulate the digital asset market, facilitate storage and transactions, and boost the financial ecosystem. These institutions are seen as critical to fostering IT sector growth and blockchain compliance jobs. There are also plans to establish a licensed national cryptocurrency exchange that would operate nationwide beyond the AIFC. In May, Kazakhstan announced the launch of a special CryptoCity zone to pilot cryptocurrency-based payments for goods and services. The following month, five banks, Halyk Bank, Forte, Freedom, RBK, and Altyn, joined a NBK pilot program to introduce crypto cards. These cards, linked to wallets on AIFC-registered exchanges, allow for the real-time conversion of crypto into tenge for payments and cash withdrawals, including at physical retail terminals. Mining: Prospects and Pressure Kazakhstan has had a complex relationship with cryptocurrency mining. Between mid-2021 and early 2022, the country ranked third globally in Bitcoin mining, driven by low energy costs and an influx of miners from China. At its peak in January 2022, Kazakhstan accounted for 13.22% of global mining power. However, the surge in mining led to severe energy shortages. While enthusiasm for mining has returned, President Tokayev called in March 2025 for renewed investment in digital mining infrastructure. First Deputy Minister of Digital Development Kanysh Tuleushin has championed state-regulated mining as a potential revenue source and a catalyst for modernizing the energy grid. He pointed to models such as the U.S., where miners help balance grid loads, and to Kazakhstan’s “70/30” initiative, which allocates 30% of newly modernized thermal power plant capacity to miners and 70% to the national grid. Tuleushin also emphasized the potential for repurposing associated petroleum gas to generate mining power, thereby reducing emissions and monetizing a previously wasted resource. He argued that legalizing crypto activity nationwide could transform Kazakhstan into Central Asia’s crypto leader, on par with emerging markets in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Energy...

1 year ago

Corruption

Former Justice Minister From ‘Old Kazakhstan’ Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison

Former Minister of Justice Marat Beketayev has been sentenced to nine years in prison with confiscation of property for crimes linked to large-scale corruption. Beketayev is widely regarded as a representative of the "Old Kazakhstan" of the first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, a term widely used to describe officials removed from power in the wake of the January 2022 unrest and associated with systemic corruption. Verdict Handed Down The Anti-Corruption Service of Kazakhstan announced on June 30 that Beketayev was convicted of fraud, embezzlement on an especially large scale, and illegal participation in entrepreneurial activities. Details of the case remain classified. The charges were formally submitted to the court in March 2025. Beketayev served as Minister of Justice from 2016 until early 2022. Following the January unrest, he was appointed as an advisor to the Prime Minister but was quietly dismissed in December 2022, a fact that only became public knowledge in February 2023. He was detained in October 2023 while allegedly attempting to flee the country. According to investigators, he abused his office by lobbying for the interests of an affiliated company and awarding it annual contracts for unnecessary services, actions that reportedly inflicted significant financial damage on the state. Fallout from the January Events Beketayev’s dismissal came immediately after the events known in Kazakhstan as "Bloody January" (Qantar), when protests initially triggered by rising liquefied gas prices escalated into nationwide unrest. From January 3-7, 2022, major cities were engulfed in chaos. Government buildings, law enforcement agencies, and military units were attacked; 238 people were reportedly killed, including children and police officers. The worst violence occurred in Almaty, where protesters stormed the city administration, the president’s residence, and the airport. Order was restored on January 8 with the intervention of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), at the request of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Open-source information and official investigations suggest the unrest was orchestrated by supporters of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, who had stepped down in 2019 after nearly 30 years in power. In the aftermath, many high-ranking officials were removed or prosecuted. Among them was former Prime Minister and National Security Committee (KNB) Chairman Karim Massimov, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison for orchestrating what authorities describe as a coup attempt. Nazarbayev’s nephews, Samat Abish and Kairat Satybaldy, also faced charges. Abish received an eight-year suspended sentence due to his "sincere repentance," while Satybaldy, accused of economic crimes, paid approximately 700 billion tenge ($1.5 billion) in restitution and was released. The post-Qantar purge extended to numerous grassroots organizers and ordinary citizens involved in the unrest. In political discourse, the divide between Tokayev's supporters and the remnants of Nazarbayev’s influence is often described as a split between "New Kazakhstan" and "Old Kazakhstan." Beketayev’s Legacy and Links to Major Scandals Beketayev is considered an ally of Massimov and thus part of the old power structure. He was also involved in one of Kazakhstan’s most controversial international legal disputes, the case involving Moldovan businessmen Anatol and Gabriel Stati. In 2017, $22...

1 year ago

Society

Kazakhstan Moves to Ban Face-Coverings in Public

On June 25, Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, approved amendments to the law “On the Prevention of Offenses,” introducing a new provision that prohibits wearing clothing that obscures the face in public places. While the regulation applies broadly, the most contentious element is its effective ban on the niqab, a religious garment that leaves only the eyes visible. This legislative move echoes ongoing debates in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia, where secular norms are enshrined in law but tensions persist over religious expression. Medical Masks Exempt Earlier, on June 19, Senator Nauryzbay Baikadamov clarified that the amendments would exempt face coverings worn for medical reasons, weather protection, or professional duties. According to Baikadamov, the law aims to enhance public safety and assist in crime prevention. While accessories such as balaclavas are included in the ban, the central controversy surrounds the prohibition of the niqab. The Scarf of Discord Understanding the distinctions among various forms of religious dress is critical to the current debate. The niqab is a face veil that leaves only the eyes uncovered, while the burqa (or paranji), typically worn in Afghanistan, covers the entire face with a mesh screen over the eyes. Burqas are rarely seen in Kazakhstan. Niqabs and black, floor-length dresses have become more visible on Kazakhstan’s streets in recent years, reflecting broader religious shifts. By contrast, the hijab, a headscarf that leaves the face exposed, has become commonplace and enjoys broader acceptance. While niqabs are widely seen as foreign to Kazakh culture, hijabs hold a more complex status. Historically, Kazakh women did not cover their faces, a fact supported by pre-revolutionary photographs. The niqab is viewed by many as an imported practice, largely linked to Islamic teachings from Arab countries. The hijab, however, is often seen as consistent with Kazakh traditions. As such, attempts to ban it have repeatedly stirred controversy. Religious Tensions in Schools In the fall of 2023, more than 150 schoolgirls in the Atyrau region refused to attend classes in protest against a hijab ban. Similar incidents were reported in other southern regions. Authorities reported that the situation was resolved after consultations with parents, but ambiguity remained regarding the scope of the restrictions, particularly whether the hijab was included. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ultimately addressed the issue, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s secular identity. “This principle must be strictly observed in all spheres, including education. School is, first and foremost, an educational institution where children come to gain knowledge. Religious beliefs, on the other hand, are a choice and a private matter for each citizen,” Tokayev stated. Still, the legal and cultural status of the hijab remains unresolved. While school uniform policies emphasize secular dress, enforcement is inconsistent, and experts warn of renewed conflict. Religious scholar Asylbek Izbaev noted, “It is not so important what a girl wears on her head as what she thinks.” A Regional Trend Kazakhstan’s move is part of a broader trend across Central Asia. In January 2025, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a law banning face-covering clothing. In...

1 year ago

Law Enforcement

Kazakhstan Launches Sweeping Reform of Law Enforcement System

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced a major reform of Kazakhstan’s law enforcement system, signaling a new phase in his broader political modernization agenda. Experts view the initiative as a natural progression of his previous institutional reforms. Crime Rates Decline, But Challenges Remain At an expanded meeting of law enforcement agencies on June 23, President Tokayev tasked his administration and the Security Council with conducting a comprehensive analysis of the sector within one week. The resulting report is expected to openly identify shortcomings and offer targeted solutions. Tokayev noted that since 2019, Kazakhstan's streets have become "calmer and safer." Overall, criminal offenses have nearly halved. Robberies, thefts, and hooliganism have decreased fourfold, and the murder rate has dropped by 30%. Crimes in public places have declined by 80%. The president also highlighted progress in combating domestic violence. A 2024 law introduced harsher penalties, contributing to a 30% decrease in crimes against women and children in 2025. Over five years, crimes violating women’s rights have halved. “The most important thing is that public awareness is changing. Our citizens show zero tolerance for cruelty and tyranny in the family. Victims of aggression and violence receive the necessary support,” Tokayev said. Law enforcement agencies also intensified operations against drug-related crime this year. Eighty-three drug laboratories were dismantled, and drug seizures rose by 84%. Sentences for narcotics production have been strengthened, including the possibility of life imprisonment. Despite progress, Tokayev acknowledged persistent gaps that pose risks to national security. Economic Transparency and Anti-Corruption Measures The share of the shadow economy has declined from 23% of GDP in 2019 to 16%. While the figure remains high, Tokayev emphasized that the government continues to support law-abiding entrepreneurs while addressing unjustified criminal prosecutions of domestic businesses. The president also underscored that the General Prosecutor’s Office is monitoring hundreds of infrastructure projects involving foreign investment, totaling 34 trillion tenge ($66 million). Anti-corruption efforts remain a cornerstone of Tokayev’s agenda. Court-ordered funds confiscated from corrupt officials have financed public infrastructure: over the past three years, 150 billion tenge have been allocated to build 89 schools. Amnesty and Penal Reform In honor of the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Constitution, Tokayev announced an amnesty for more than 15,000 inmates. The clemency applies primarily to women, minors, and the elderly. Excluded are those convicted of corruption, terrorism, extremism, sexual crimes against minors, and other grave offenses. Tokayev noted several recent judicial reforms, including the creation of a Constitutional Court, expanded powers for the human rights commissioner, and the abolition of the death penalty. The president also advocated for adopting international best practices in rehabilitating convicts. “Their return to normal life will be the best proof of the success of prison reform,” he said, citing international models where inmates can earn “credits” toward early release through good behavior, education, and participation in cultural and athletic programs. Tokayev called on local entrepreneurs to open production facilities in correctional institutions. “Such mutually beneficial partnerships are widespread abroad. The money earned will allow convicts to get back...

1 year ago

Domestic Violence

Kazakhstan’s Domestic Violence Law Brings Progress Amid Ongoing Challenges

Crimes against women and children have declined over the past year in Kazakhstan, a trend attributed to a sweeping new law on domestic violence. Despite these gains, authorities caution that women and children remain at significant risk from abuse. Persistent Challenge On June 16, 2024, Kazakhstan's Law on Ensuring the Rights of Women and the Safety of Children came into force, having been signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev two months earlier. Since the outset of his presidency, Tokayev has identified combating domestic violence as a top policy priority. Children’s Ombudsman Dinara Zakieva reported that roughly 900 crimes against the sexual integrity of minors are recorded annually. Since the law’s enactment, at least 25 individuals convicted of sexual violence against children have received life sentences. Meanwhile, according to Marat Abishev of the General Prosecutor’s Office, at least 80 women die from domestic violence each year. Law enforcement officials stress that official statistics significantly underreport the true extent of domestic abuse. Surveys suggest that one in three women in Kazakhstan has experienced physical violence, threats, or psychological pressure. The new law has introduced tougher criminal penalties for domestic abuse, as well as protective and preventative mechanisms. Amendments to the Criminal Code now bar lenient sentences for crimes involving violence against minors and prohibit reconciliation between victims and perpetrators in such cases. The sole punishment for the murder or rape of a minor is now life imprisonment. The law also establishes liability for the sexual harassment of persons under 16 and introduces penalties for inciting or abetting suicide. Initial Results State Secretary Yerlan Karin recently shared data showing early progress under the new legislation. In the first five months of 2025, reports of domestic violence dropped by 20.5% compared to the same period in 2024. The number of serious domestic crimes fell by 29%, while particularly serious offenses declined by 44%. Crimes against the sexual integrity of minors decreased by 21.3%, and pedophilia-related offenses dropped by 40.7%. Karin noted that crimes against women have halved over the past five years, crediting stricter penalties and improved prevention efforts for the amelioration. He also highlighted a rise in the detection of domestic violence cases, facilitated by a new mechanism allowing authorities to launch investigations without a complaint from the victim. Between January and May 2025, more than 19,000 such cases were identified through mobile patrol units, police reports, witness statements, and social media monitoring. To improve reporting mechanisms, QR codes for the national 111 contact center are now displayed in schools. This has led to a spike in outreach: in the first five months of 2025, children sent more than 86,000 messages, with over 2,000 seeking help for violence or bullying. In 28 cases, potential suicides were prevented. Adults also placed over 62,000 calls to the center, many concerning domestic violence. Kazakhstan currently operates 20 psychological support centers and family support services in 112 districts and cities. A new prevention initiative, mandatory psychological counseling for aggressors, was introduced this year, with courts ordering 52 individuals...

1 year ago

Migration

Citizens of Central Asia Face New Entry Restrictions To Russia and the U.S.

Citizens of Central Asian countries are encountering a wave of new travel restrictions from two major global powers, Russia and the United States. In recent weeks, Moscow and Washington have both introduced or expanded measures that complicate entry for citizens of the region, raising concerns about migration rights, bilateral relations, and regional security. Russia Tightens Border Rules Starting June 30, 2025, citizens from visa-free countries, including Kazakhstan, will be required to obtain a special QR code to enter Russia. The code must be secured in advance via the Gosuslugi RuID app, at least 72 hours before travel, or four hours in emergency cases. The app is not yet operational, but Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has confirmed its planned launch on the same date. While Russia maintains visa-free arrangements with over 30 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Israel, and all CIS members, these new digital entry requirements apply broadly. Exceptions include citizens of countries already subject to visa regimes, diplomats, and citizens of Belarus, a Union State member. Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, the allowable visa-free stay in Russia for citizens of these countries has been reduced from 90 days per half-year to 90 days per calendar year. Many Kazakhstani travelers fear that the new rules will result in long queues and technical delays at border crossings. More broadly, critics point out that the move undermines the spirit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), whose member states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, and Russia, are supposed to enjoy facilitated mobility. Response to the Crocus City Hall Attack The changes come in the wake of the March 22, 2024 terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, which left at least 145 dead and more than 500 injured. The suspects in the attack were reportedly citizens of Tajikistan, sparking a wave of anti-migrant sentiment in Russia. According to Temur Umarov, a Berlin-based political analyst at the Carnegie Center, Russian authorities are prioritizing security over economic necessity. "Russia is doing everything possible to reduce the number of migrants from Central Asia," he said, noting the vital role these workers play in several Russian industries. Regional Backlash Public figures and officials in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have expressed frustration over Russia’s tightened migration policy. In Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest with the Russian ambassador following a widely publicized incident in which Kyrgyz citizens were forcibly removed from a Moscow bathhouse. Member of Parliament Zhana Akayev strongly condemned the treatment of Kyrgyz nationals: “Partners and allies do not behave like this. They are humiliating our citizens,” he said. Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin criticized Russia’s approach as inhumane and called for migration policies that respect mutual interests and fundamental rights. In Uzbekistan, several bloggers have gone further, calling for entry bans on Russian public figures, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, for alleged chauvinistic remarks. Kazakhstan has taken a more measured stance. Aibek Smadiyarov, a spokesman for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, emphasized that the QR code system does not constitute a...

1 year ago

Soviet Legacy

Lenin Falls in Osh: Central Asia Redefines Its Soviet Legacy

The recent removal of a towering 23-meter-tall monument to Vladimir Lenin in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, has ignited heated debate both domestically and abroad. While many are surprised the monument remained in place for more than three decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, its dismantling is part of a broader regional trend of de-Sovietization, a complex process involving the renaming of cities, removal of Soviet-era symbols, and the reassertion of national identity across Central Asia. A Symbol Removed, A Debate Ignited [caption id="attachment_32769" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Lenin Monument in Osh, October 2024; image: TCA, Jonathan Campion[/caption] On June 7, Osh authorities dismantled what was once the tallest Lenin statue in Central Asia. Originally installed in 1975, the monument is to be relocated to a city park, according to the local government. Officials stressed the move was intended to improve the city’s architectural landscape, not to make a political statement, and have warned against "politicizing" the issue. Despite official reassurances, the move has sparked sharp reactions on social media and in the press, with Russian media outlets characterizing the relocation as an anti-Russian gesture. Generational divides have become apparent: younger residents tend to support the removal, while older citizens have expressed dismay over what they see as the erasure of history. “It’s a shame. It was more than a monument, it was part of our lives,” Elena, a local schoolteacher told The Times of Central Asia. “We joke that Lenin crossed the ‘red line’ and got demolished.” Irina Bayramukova, a 68-year-old public figure, called the decision a mistake. “The Lenin monument by Nikolai Tomsky was not only artistically significant, it represented an era. Removing it is like declaring war on those who identify with that past,” she told TCA. Kyrgyzstan, like other Central Asian republics, has been distancing itself from its Soviet legacy since gaining independence in 1991. One of the earliest symbolic moves was the renaming of the capital, once called Frunze after a Bolshevik military leader, back to Bishkek, a modified version of its pre-Soviet name. A Museum to Mikhail Frunze still stands in Bishkek, where the thatched-roof hut of his boyhood was purportedly transported brick by brick. A supporter of Stalin’s rival Zinoviev, when forced to undergo routine surgery by Uncle Joe in 1925, Frunze “mysteriously” died of chloroform anesthetic poisoning. Redefining History [caption id="attachment_32778" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Lenin Monument in Bishkek; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Originally erected in 1984 in the Central Square of Bishkek, a Lenin statue was relocated behind the State Historical Museum in 2003. As previously reported by TCA, earlier this year a debate on removing the monument altogether flared up. In 2022, the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek finally reopened its doors after being closed in 2016 for renovations which were planned to take less than a year but ended up taking six years. Several government officials were charged with misappropriating funds designated for the renovations, with former Prime Minister Sapar Isakov sentenced to 18 years in prison. Reportedly, over...

1 year ago

Environment

Kazakhstan Under Pressure to Address Environmental Crisis

The United Nations Green Climate Fund (GCF) has pledged $280 million to Kazakhstan for environmental projects, underscoring the country's increasingly urgent ecological challenges. Experts warn that Kazakhstan faces a widening crisis as environmental degradation accelerates. Toward a “Green” Transition Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev announced that the GCF will allocate substantial funding to Kazakhstan to support initiatives in renewable energy, electric transport development, and the adoption of low-carbon industrial technologies. “These investments will accelerate the country's transition to a sustainable, environmentally friendly economy,” Nyssanbayev stated. The minister said that Kazakhstan prepared a national program for GCF funding in 2024, comprising seven major initiatives. These included reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, strengthening rural water supply systems, modernizing livestock farms, and promoting private-sector green financing. The program's total budget exceeds $1 billion, with $630 million potentially financed by the GCF. Additionally, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) continues to back renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan. Eleven projects with a combined capacity of 330 MW are planned by 2027; nine have already secured financing. A Mounting Environmental Toll Kazakhstan continues to struggle with serious environmental challenges, many rooted in the Soviet-era legacy, and others emerging from modern development pressures. The country faces desertification, flooding, frequent wildfires, and escalating urban air pollution, particularly in cities like Almaty, Pavlodar, and Karaganda. On June 5, the government announced the formation of a Biodiversity Protection Fund at a forum in Astana. Akylbek Kurishbayev, President of the National Academy of Sciences, emphasized the urgency of regional collaboration in biodiversity conservation amid intensifying climate and anthropogenic pressures. Deputy Minister Nurlan Kurmalayev highlighted biodiversity preservation as a key component of environmental security and sustainable land use, calling for cross-border cooperation. In parallel, the national initiative “Green Kazakhstan” is advancing afforestation efforts across urban and rural areas, alongside waste management programs, ecosystem restoration, energy efficiency campaigns, and public education on environmental stewardship. Environmental Disaster Zones: The Caspian and Aral Seas Two of Kazakhstan's most pressing ecological crises involve the shrinking Caspian and Aral Seas. The Caspian Sea's water levels are falling dramatically. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, levels in 2024 are expected to drop by 22 cm in the northeast and 29 cm in the eastern Kazakh sector compared to 2023. Scientists warn of continued decline due to reduced inflows from the Volga and Ural rivers and rising global temperatures. TCA has previously reported about mass die-outs of Caspian seals in recent years. Vadim Ni, founder of the Save the Caspian Sea movement, described the crisis as triple-faceted, climate, ecological, and economic. “Its level is falling at an unprecedented rate, 2 meters over the past 20 years. By century’s end, up to one-third of its surface could be lost,” he said, warning that the shallow northern shelf, vital to the ecosystem, is especially at risk. Pollution, overfishing, and unchecked oil extraction are cited as critical threats. In April 2025, Mazhilis Deputy Sergei Ponomarev addressed a parliamentary inquiry to Prime...

1 year ago

Trump Administration

Central Asian Students Face Uncertainty at U.S. Universities Under Trump Administration Policies

The situation for students from Central Asia studying in the United States has grown increasingly precarious following a controversial move by the Trump administration to restrict foreign student admissions at Harvard University, a decision that has sparked legal and diplomatic reactions. Administrative Ban Targets Foreign Students On May 23, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen ordered the termination of Harvard University's certification for its student and exchange visitor program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited Harvard’s alleged refusal to submit records on the conduct of its foreign students, requested the previous month. “Harvard can no longer accept foreign students, and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the DHS said in a statement. The university is currently challenging the decision in court. The administration attributes the crackdown to ideological concerns. Officials have cited a determination to confront anti-Semitic rhetoric amid campus protests related to the war between Israel and Hamas. They also oppose Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which the administration has condemned as “illegal and immoral discrimination.” Harvard representatives reported that 6,793 international students were enrolled in the 2024-2025 academic year, comprising 27.2% of the student body. The loss of international students, they argue, could jeopardize not only Harvard’s standing but also the broader U.S. academic landscape. Beyond Harvard, the administration has intensified scrutiny of foreign students' social media activity, suspended hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to universities, revoked thousands of student visas, and initiated deportations. In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit, and on May 30, a federal court in Boston temporarily blocked the enforcement of the ban, according to Bloomberg. Nonetheless, the outlook remains uncertain. Kazakhstan Responds with Contingency Planning According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, seven students are currently studying at Harvard under the state-funded Bolashak program. Additional students may be enrolled privately or through other sponsorships. Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek described the situation as "difficult" and stated that the ministry is awaiting the final court decision. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, Bolashak students would be offered transfer opportunities to other Ivy League institutions, all of which maintain partnerships with the scholarship program. Bolashak Program: Opportunity and Criticism Founded in 1993, the Bolashak (Future) program offers state-funded scholarships for international education in priority sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy. In return, graduates are required to work in Kazakhstan for a specified period. Despite its aims, the program has faced criticism for alleged elitism. Critics claim it disproportionately benefits children of influential families and that many graduates fail to fulfill their service obligations or remain abroad. Among its alumni is former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev, who was educated in the U.S. under Bolashak and later served as chairman of the Bolashak Association. He was subsequently convicted twice, first for corruption, and later for the murder of his common-law wife, Saltanat Nukenova, in a case that attracted international attention. Nevertheless, official statistics indicate that more than 13,000 individuals have benefited from the...

1 year ago

Astana International Forum

Astana Gathers the World: Forum Elevates Kazakhstan’s Diplomatic Stature

The Astana International Forum 2025 (AIF2025), themed “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future,” will take place in Kazakhstan’s capital on May 29-30. World leaders, business executives, investors, and experts will convene to address pressing global challenges and explore avenues for mutually beneficial agreements. Who is Expected in Astana? The AIF2025 aims to serve as a platform for open dialogue and to attract foreign capital. Participants will also seek to forge strategic partnerships and promote economic development initiatives. Approximately 600 international guests are expected, including prominent political figures, heads of international organizations, business leaders, investors, and members of the academic community. Confirmed attendees include Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, President of the Republic of North Macedonia; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General and Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and the Boao Forum for Asia, will also participate. Other distinguished guests include Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM); Mathias Cormann, Secretary General of the OECD; and Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization. Also expected are Antonella Bassani, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia; Haoliang Xu, UNDP Deputy Secretary-General and Deputy Administrator; Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB); Jürgen Rigterink, First Vice President of the EBRD; Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States; and Sebastian Kurz, former Federal Chancellor of Austria. This year, the forum will focus on three global themes: politics and international security, energy and climate change, and economics and finance. According to the Kazakh government, AIF2025 takes place amid intensifying global competition for investment and showcases Kazakhstan’s openness to international collaboration. The country continues to solidify its global presence through comprehensive reforms, legal modernization, and a strengthened investment climate. On May 28, two bilateral business forums, Kazakhstan-France and Kazakhstan-Italy will precede the main event. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will also attend a Central Asia-Italy summit. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, in recent years Italy has emerged as one of the European countries most keen to maintain close relations with the countries of Central Asia. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to open the forum. Global Anticipation Builds In the run-up to the event, several participants have already shared their expectations, with Maha Al-Kuwari, General Manager of the Doha Forum, saying that it was a privilege to be involved. “Together with the Qatar Development Fund, the Doha Forum will host a session focused on innovative approaches to enhancing global sustainability. Given geopolitical fragmentation, post-pandemic recovery, and disrupted supply chains, this discussion is vital, especially for developing and least developed countries,” she stated. The session will highlight new investment models and successful partnership frameworks spanning from Astana to Doha. Interviews...

1 year ago

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