Page 17 – The Times Of Central Asia

24 Apr 2026

Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Student and Researcher Gain Global Recognition in Science

April 24, 2026
By Vagit Ismailov

Two recent achievements from Kazakhstan have drawn attention from the international scientific community, highlighting advances by young Kazakhstani researchers in water technology and education.

One standout is Dana Kadyrbek, an 11th-grade student at Gymnasium No. 79 in Almaty, who has been named among the world’s top three young inventors. She received this recognition at the Cleantech Days Forum 2026, held with the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna.

Kadyrbek has been working toward this achievement for several years. In 2024 and 2025, she became a prizewinner at the Kazakhstan Smart Space international competitions, later secured second place at the Olympiad USA, and won the YISF competition in Indonesia. However, her project on extracting water from air has drawn the most attention.

Her development, titled “Synthesis of Metal-Organic Framework Structures Based on Aluminum Fumarate for Atmospheric Water Harvesting,” makes it possible to produce drinking water even in arid conditions. In July 2025, the project earned her a gold medal at the World Invention Creativity Olympic (WICO) in Seoul.

Another researcher from Kazakhstan has gained recognition in the academic field. Assel Sharimova, a postdoctoral researcher at the Graduate School of Education at Nazarbayev University, has been awarded the Michael Fullan Emerging Scholar in Professional Capital and Community Award.

According to the organizers, she is the first recipient of the award not only from Kazakhstan but from the entire post-Soviet region. Only two researchers worldwide received the award in 2026.

Sharimova has been conducting research in education for several years. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and previously worked within the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools system. Her research focuses on the professional development of teachers.

“My research examined how teachers build and mobilize professional capital within virtual professional communities, with a particular focus on Kazakhstan. I explored how social networks facilitate informal learning, especially in the context of reforms where access to professional support is uneven. I also integrate these insights into my teaching and work with educators and researchers to support the development of collaborative professional communities,” Sharimova said.

The Michael Fullan Award is considered a notable recognition in the field of education. It is presented by the Journal of Professional Capital and Community for research with both academic and practical impact. Award recipients receive a monetary prize and international recognition within the academic community.

24 Apr 2026

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Home, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Home, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Home, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Home, Tajikistan Environment, Turkmenistan Environment, Kazakhstan Home

Central Asian Countries to Jointly Address Cryosphere Threats

April 24, 2026
By Sergey Kwan

As part of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) in Astana, the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty organised a session titled “The Cryosphere of Central Asia: From Scientific Assessment to Joint Climate Adaptation Action,” in cooperation with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The event was held under the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO Cryosphere project and in collaboration with Central Asian countries.

The session focused on discussing the Joint Subregional Action Programme (JSAP) on the cryosphere, a framework document developed by Central Asian countries with UNESCO’s support. The programme is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in monitoring and research on glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost, as well as aligning approaches to climate change adaptation, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

Central Asia is experiencing accelerated glacier melt. Under a high-emissions scenario, the region could lose up to 85% of its glacier volume by 2100 compared to 2020 levels. This would increase pressure on water resources, infrastructure, and communities, while also heightening the risk of natural hazards, including glacial lake outburst floods. As these processes are regional in nature, they require coordinated responses across Central Asian countries.

“UNESCO has been actively supporting Central Asian countries in strengthening the scientific basis and advancing regional cooperation on the cryosphere. Today, the key priority is to move from scientific assessment to concrete action. The Joint Subregional Action Programme provides a practical framework for this transition and enhances coordination of adaptation efforts across the region,” said Amir Piric, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty.

As a key outcome of the session, heads of relevant government authorities from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan responsible for environmental protection issued a joint statement supporting JSAP implementation, reaffirming their commitment to strengthened regional cooperation.

“Today it is clear that no country can effectively address climate change challenges alone. Regional cooperation is therefore essential. The Joint Statement reflects the readiness of Central Asian countries to join efforts and develop coordinated approaches to climate change adaptation,” said Nurlan Kurmalayev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan.

The JSAP provides a foundation for coordinated action among countries and partners, defines cooperation priorities, and supports the advancement of climate adaptation measures in the region. The joint statement also opens opportunities to mobilise funding from various sources, including donors, international financial institutions, and the private sector.

24 Apr 2026

International Affairs, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Russia Offers Support for Uzbekistan’s First Cosmonaut and Satellite Launch

April 24, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Russia is ready to help Uzbekistan prepare and send its first national cosmonaut into orbit and launch its first artificial satellite, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov was quoted as saying by TASS.

Manturov noted that Uzbekistan has set an ambitious goal of entering space exploration. “At the end of last year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined the task of preparing and sending the country’s first national cosmonaut into near-Earth orbit and launching its first artificial satellite,” he said.

“As a strategic partner of Uzbekistan, we welcome these plans and are ready to use all our extensive experience and expertise to help implement them,” Manturov added.

He also said Russia is currently engaged in preliminary discussions with several countries across the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, on training astronauts and developing communication and Earth observation satellites.

Russia has made similar offers to other Central Asian states. A few days earlier, Russia’s ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin, said Moscow would support the training of a cosmonaut from Turkmenistan if Ashgabat expressed interest. His comments were published on the embassy’s official Telegram channel during an event marking the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight.

Volynkin also highlighted the achievements of Oleg Kononenko, a native of Turkmenabat, who holds the record for the longest cumulative time spent in space, exceeding 1,100 days. He currently heads the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.

According to the ambassador, cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the space sector could also include satellite production, launch services, navigation technologies, and joint scientific research.

24 Apr 2026

Central Asia, Home, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan Plans More Oil, Gas Cooperation with Uzbekistan, Minister Says

April 24, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Kazakhstan is looking to deepen energy cooperation with Uzbekistan, with several joint projects already moving into the implementation stage, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said on the sidelines of the RES 2026 regional environmental summit in Astana, according to BAQ.KZ.

“Exchange of experience and mutual assistance help us solve practical tasks,” Akkenzhenov said. “We are actively cooperating with our partners not only in the energy sector, but across all areas of the economy.”

The minister noted that discussions with Uzbekistan cover a number of large-scale initiatives, particularly in petrochemicals and oil refining. “We have many joint projects with Uzbekistan. A recent presidential visit included discussions on numerous initiatives, including the development of the petrochemical industry and the expansion of oil processing,” he said.

Cooperation is also expanding in energy transit and supply. Akkenzhenov said the two countries are working closely on the transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan, as well as supplies of Russian oil. “We are also considering the possibility of exporting Kazakh products, including crude oil and petroleum products, to Uzbekistan,” he added.

According to him, several of these initiatives have already reached the implementation stage. “Many projects are already in practical phases. Overall, we have built very close cooperation with our Uzbek partners,” he said.

Last year, Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry confirmed that a six-month ban on fuel exports remained in force, halting gasoline shipments to neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan.

At the same time, international developments may affect regional supply routes. According to Reuters, Russia plans to halt the transit of Kazakh oil to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline starting May 1. The decision is expected to impact deliveries to the PCK refinery in Schwedt, a key supplier for Berlin and Brandenburg.

Despite these changes, German officials have said alternative supply routes will be used and that fuel availability will not be affected.

24 Apr 2026

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Regional Ecological Summit in Astana Produces Ecology Declaration and Broader Regional Agenda

May 1, 2026
By Stephen M. Bland

Central Asian leaders have adopted the Astana declaration on ecology and sustainable development, giving the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana a formal political outcome while a wider package of biodiversity, climate, and pollution initiatives takes shape around it. Kazakhstan’s environment ministry says the five heads of state adopted the document, titled “Ecological Solidarity of Central Asia,” during the April 22 to 24 Summit.

The declaration sets out a common regional position on several of Central Asia’s biggest environmental pressures. According to the ministry summary, the text calls for closer coordination in climate negotiations, glacier preservation, the mountain agenda, biodiversity, chemical and waste management, plastic pollution, air quality, land degradation, and desertification. It also presents the declaration as a contribution to ecological sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and a sustainable future for the region.

Water runs through the document, but the language is careful. The declaration welcomes work on an interstate program to conserve the Caspian Sea and expresses concern about declining water levels and the shallowing of lakes in Central Asia. It also notes Kazakhstan’s proposal for a possible International Water Organization within the United Nations system, but stops short of endorsing its creation.

The summit’s outcome does not rest on a single document. On April 24, the United Nations Environment Programme said the Astana meeting had launched new regional partnerships on circular economy and glaciers, while countries established common approaches on biodiversity, climate action, and air pollution. UNEP also said a regional climate and ecology investment portfolio was set up to widen access to international finance for environmental projects.

A separate biodiversity track had already produced its own result earlier in the week. On April 22, UNDP in Kazakhstan said Central Asian countries had signed a regional declaration on biodiversity conservation during a high-level plenary session in Astana. According to UNDP, the document envisages an umbrella programme and action plan, as well as a regional resource mobilization plan to be presented at COP17 in Armenia.

Outside confirmation of the main declaration has also become clearer. EFE reported on April 22 that the five Central Asian republics had approved the Astana Declaration of Ecological Solidarity, linking it to Tokayev’s focus on water security, the Aral Sea, and the Caspian. Put together, the Astana summit now looks like a broader regional attempt to turn shared ecological pressure into a workable political agenda. The summit’s next test will be whether these declarations and partnerships are followed by funding, coordination, and cross-border implementation.

24 Apr 2026

Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Kurbanov on Reaching the World Fencing Elite

April 24, 2026
By Times of Central Asia

Ruslan Kurbanov is a Kazakhstani épée fencer, a Master of Sport of International Class in Kazakhstan, a World Cup medalist, a two-time World Championships bronze medalist, and a two-time Olympian. He began his journey in a children’s fencing club in Ust-Kamenogorsk and has since risen to fourth in the world rankings.

Today, he competes on the biggest stages, where a single touch can decide the outcome of a bout and the pressure from the stands can be overwhelming. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, he explains how he handles that pressure, maintains focus amid crowd noise, and stays in control when everything is at stake.

TCA: Congratulations, you’ve already won two World Cup medals this year, gold and silver. That’s an impressive result.

Ruslan: Thank you. I’m pleased with these medals because, in reality, very few athletes can deliver consistent results across two consecutive competitions.

TCA: How did you manage it?

Ruslan: With experience, you gradually learn more about your body and how to prepare for competitions. You also become more familiar with the fencing world, you get to know many athletes, understand their strengths and weaknesses, study them, and prepare accordingly. Over time, you mature as an athlete and become more consistent. You develop a clear understanding of the level of results you are capable of.

@kazfencing.kz

TCA: You won silver in Astana. Do home conditions give you an advantage?

Ruslan: There are two sides to that. On the one hand, the advantages are obvious: you’re at home, with familiar food, climate, and time zone, all of which help you prepare in a comfortable environment. On the other hand, there is pressure. When you compete at home, people expect you to deliver your best result.

TCA: So winning a medal was a must?

Ruslan: Of course. But I also had another goal. This was the first World Cup event held in Kazakhstan, and I understood that many local spectators would attend, perhaps seeing fencing for the first time. First impressions are crucial. People either fall in love with the sport or they don’t. For me, it was important to present fencing at its best, dynamic, exciting, and worthy.

Maybe “present” is too strong a word, but I wanted people, especially children, to feel inspired, to have that spark. When kids see victories and the emotions athletes experience afterward, they start thinking, “I want that too,” and they come into the sport.

TCA: Do you think you managed to inspire them?

Ruslan: I hope so. After the final, when I stepped off the piste, many children came up to me, and parents asked for photos and autographs. It’s very rewarding to see that it resonated with someone and may have stayed with them.

TCA: You were ranked seventh in the world?

Ruslan: Now I’m fourth. After the tournament in Astana, I moved up to fourth place.

TCA: In the final, you lost only to Ukraine’s Roman Svichkar. Do they have a particularly strong school?

Ruslan: In épée, the level of competition is extremely high overall. Honestly, the entire top 100 in the world rankings consists of athletes who could potentially take first place. The level is so close that every bout is essentially 50-50, you can win or lose. Most victories come with minimal margins, 15:13, 15:12, 15:14. In fencing, it’s common for even a single touch to decide the outcome.

Ultimately, the winner is the one who is better prepared on that specific day, physically and mentally. This time, I lost by two touches, but we met last July at the World Championships, and I won by one touch. In other matches, the outcome could shift again.

TCA: Is that because you’re all at roughly the same level?

Ruslan: Yes, you could say that. It’s like two identical cars, say, two Ferraris. They’re equal in capability, but at a given moment one wins and the other loses. It comes down to nuances, condition, focus, internal factors.

TCA: You’re now ranked fourth, who are the top three? Where are the strongest fencers from?

Ruslan: First place is held by an Egyptian, second by a Hungarian, and third by a Japanese fencer. In terms of schools, it’s important to note that fencing has three disciplines: épée, sabre, and foil. I specialize in épée, where competition is particularly intense. Traditionally, the strongest countries in épée include Japan, Hungary, France, Italy, South Korea, and China. For example, at the upcoming Grand Prix in Budapest, there will be around 350 participants. Imagine 350 athletes competing for just three podium spots.

TCA: Some people consider fencing a “retro sport.” Is that a misconception?

Ruslan: Absolutely. Fencing is not a retro sport, it’s one of the oldest sports, but also one of the original Olympic disciplines, included since 1896. It is highly developed worldwide, in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and continues to grow. For example, in Hong Kong, if I’m not mistaken, it is actually the number one sport.

TCA: Does Kazakhstan have its own fencing style?

Ruslan: Yes, definitely. We’ve always had a solid foundation, but with the arrival of new coaches, it has evolved into a mix of several major schools. From 2019 to 2024, we worked with Hungarian coach Ferenc Tóth, who brought in the best elements of the Hungarian school, one of the strongest in the world.

Hungary consistently wins Olympic medals; for example, they won gold in Paris. Fencing is very popular there, almost like boxing is in Kazakhstan. In Budapest alone, there are about 15 fencing halls, despite the city being slightly smaller than Almaty. Tóth gave us a strong foundation, and you could say we developed a Kazakh-Hungarian school.

TCA: And who is your coach now?

Ruslan: Currently, we’re working with Oleksandr Horbachuk from Ukraine. I consider him one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best. He coached Japan’s national team for 15 years and led them to top results, they were number one in both team and individual rankings and became Olympic champions.

His style is very effective: once you apply what he teaches, you see that it works. He trains us to create situations where the opponent makes mistakes, to set traps, and to gain a tactical advantage. His approach combines elements of Ukrainian and Japanese schools.

TCA: Taking the best from different cultures, that’s a very Kazakh approach, isn’t it?

Ruslan: Yes, exactly. Right now, we have a mix: a Kazakh base, Hungarian school, and the Ukrainian-Japanese approach from our current coach. We also train internationally, with European and Asian teams, including very strong Japanese athletes. We observe, learn, and take the best from everyone. It results in a universal style, much like our country, shaped by many influences.

TCA: How culturally close is fencing to Kazakhstan?

Ruslan: Our batyrs also fought with blades, so in that sense, it’s very close. Combat with bladed weapons exists in many cultures in one form or another.

TCA: What competitions stand out most in your career?

Ruslan: Recently, the Paris 2024 Olympics. They were held at the Grand Palais, a historic building in the city center with incredible architecture. The training and competition areas were separate. You don’t immediately step onto the piste, you arrive, warm up for about two hours, prepare, and only then compete.

TCA: So you don’t even see the arena beforehand?

Ruslan: Exactly. We stay in the warm-up zone, then are taken to the call room about 15 minutes before the bout. It’s a special room where athletes wait before entering, almost like gladiators before the arena.

TCA: Does the duel begin there?

Ruslan: Yes. You sit opposite your opponent, and the tension builds. You might exchange glances or even words. It becomes a mental battle. It’s crucial to maintain balance; keep the competitive aggression but remain internally calm.

TCA: What if there’s a delay?

Ruslan: It’s difficult. Your body cools down, adrenaline drops, and there’s a risk of burnout. You try to stay active, stretching, jumping but the tension remains.

TCA: What happens when you finally enter the arena?

Ruslan: When I stepped onto the piste, I saw the venue for the first time, huge, dimly lit, with bright lights focused on the strip. Then I saw the stands, massive, filled with people. I had never seen anything like it.

TCA: And you were fencing a French opponent on his home ground?

Ruslan: Yes, and he was the reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo. Everyone expected him to win again. The entire arena was cheering: “France! France!” There was incredible noise. And then there was me, a guy from Kazakhstan, with maybe 50 people shouting “Kazakhstan!”

TCA: Did that support help?

Ruslan: It did but it could also distract. I heard our fans, looked for them, saw the blue flags, got goosebumps, and realized my focus was drifting. I was thinking about the atmosphere instead of the bout.

TCA: How did you regain control?

Ruslan: I lowered my gaze and forced myself to focus only on the fight, on my opponent and what was happening in that moment.

TCA: Your success has become more visible in recent years, but this has been a long journey, right?

Ruslan: Very long. I lost at many World Championships before winning bronze in Milan in 2023. Without the right environment, it’s hard to endure that path. I always tell young athletes: surround yourself with people who support you. Otherwise, after repeated losses, you might start believing it’s not your path.

@kazfencing.kz

TCA: Did you ever feel that way?

Ruslan: All the time. Even after Paris, I thought about quitting. But when you have the right people around you, they remind you of what you’ve achieved and keep you going.

TCA: So it’s not just about character, but also about support?

Ruslan: Absolutely, especially family. People only see the results, but at home it’s different: emotional swings, intense training, six to seven hours a day, after which you’re completely exhausted. My wife, Yulia, is essentially my main support. She helps me get through difficult periods.

TCA: Do all athletes go through this?

Ruslan: Yes. After the 2023 World Championships, I went about a year and a half without individual medals. But I was focused on helping the team qualify for the Olympics. You have to understand that it’s part of the process, analyze mistakes and keep working.

TCA: Did your success help bring the World Cup to Astana?

Ruslan: It was a collective effort, the government, the federation, and the athletes. Our results helped.

TCA: Has the state increased support for fencing?

Ruslan: Yes. After strong results, World Championship bronze and Olympic qualification fencing was included among priority sports through 2028. Funding has increased for regional development, national teams, and athlete support. More athletes can now travel to competitions, and salaries for young athletes have risen.

TCA: What are the prospects for fencing in Kazakhstan?

Ruslan: I believe things will improve. Participation will grow, more training facilities will open, and support will continue. I’m confident we will win Olympic medals, which will give the sport a major boost.