Page 3 – The Times Of Central Asia

20 Jan 2026

Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Lead Story, International Affairs, Features, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan Agrees to Join U.S.-Proposed Peace Council on Gaza

January 20, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan has received and accepted an official invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join a new international initiative aimed at promoting peace and resolving conflicts in the Middle East, according to the press secretary of the President of Uzbekistan.

The invitation, addressed to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, proposes Uzbekistan’s participation as a founding member of a newly established Peace Council. The initiative is anchored in a comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which was announced on September 29, 2025, supported by several global leaders, and endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted on November 17, 2025, the presidential press service stated.

According to the letter from the White House, the initiative seeks to unite countries willing to take responsibility for fostering long-term peace, stability, and security in the Middle East. The Peace Council is envisioned as an international body that would initially focus on Gaza, with a broader mandate to address other conflicts over time.

In his response, President Mirziyoyev affirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to join the Peace Council as a founding member. He called the initiative a significant step toward resolving enduring conflicts in the Middle East and promoting peace and stability across the wider region. In recent years, Tashkent has sought to expand its international role through dialogue-oriented diplomacy while avoiding formal military or bloc alignments.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan has also accepted an invitation to join the Peace Council. The offer, addressed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was confirmed by Ruslan Zheldibay, assistant to the Kazakh president’s press secretary. Zheldibay stated that Tokayev was among the first world leaders to receive an official invitation from President Trump.

“Yes, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received an official invitation to join the Peace Council, and Kazakhstan was invited to become one of its founding states,” Zheldibay said. He added that Tokayev responded with gratitude, confirmed Kazakhstan’s participation, and reaffirmed the country’s intention to contribute to a lasting peace in the Middle East and broader global stability.

According to a report by Reuters, international reactions to Trump’s proposal have been cautious. The initiative, sent to approximately 60 countries, has raised concerns among some diplomats who worry it could undermine the role of the United Nations.

Reuters also reported that the Peace Council would be chaired for life by President Trump and would initially focus on Gaza before expanding its scope to other global conflicts. Member states would serve three-year terms, unless they contribute $1 billion each to gain permanent membership. The White House stated that permanent membership would be reserved for countries demonstrating a sustained commitment to peace, security, and prosperity.

20 Jan 2026

Central Asia, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Home

Public Hearing Set for Sea Breeze Uzbekistan Project Near Charvak Lake

January 20, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

A public hearing on the environmental impact assessment of the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan tourist complex is scheduled for January 23 in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region, according to the State Center for Environmental Expertise.

The hearing will take place at the Bostanlyk district administration building in the town of Gazalkent. Officials stated that the event aims to review the potential environmental effects of the proposed development and to gather feedback from residents, environmental specialists, and other stakeholders.

The Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project is planned for the eastern shore of the Charvak reservoir in Bostanlyk. It envisions a large-scale, modern tourism infrastructure in one of Uzbekistan’s most frequented recreational zones. During the hearing, participants will assess land use and construction proposals, as well as potential impacts on air quality, water resources, and soil conditions.

Additional topics for discussion include waste management, the preservation of green zones and water bodies, and environmental safety measures, including continuous ecological monitoring. The State Center confirmed that all project documentation complies with Uzbekistan’s environmental legislation.

Residents and interested parties are invited to submit comments or proposals either during the hearing or in writing. Authorities emphasized that public involvement is a critical component of the environmental review process.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, businessman Emin Agalarov plans to develop Sea Breeze Uzbekistan as a $5 billion, all-season tourism complex spanning between 500 and 700 hectares along Charvak Lake. The development is set to include hotels, villas, swimming pools, sports and leisure facilities, retail areas, restaurants, and a bridge connecting both sides of the reservoir. Cultural events, festivals, and concerts are also planned throughout the year.

Despite mounting public scrutiny and opposition from environmental activists, the Uzbek government has endorsed the project. In August 2025, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov signed Cabinet Resolution No. 490, granting Sea Breeze Uzbekistan LLC a 25-year direct lease on 577 hectares of land for development.

20 Jan 2026

Home, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

More Valuable Than Oil: Why Kazakhstan Is Overhauling Its Water Code

January 20, 2026
By Times of Central Asia

For Kazakhstan, a country with vast territory and high dependence on transboundary rivers, water is becoming an increasingly critical constraint on economic development. Amid climate change, industrial expansion, and deteriorating infrastructure, water scarcity is emerging as a strategic risk, on par with fluctuations in global commodity markets.

Recognition of the issue has been growing for over three decades, but water resource management remained fragmented across environmental, agricultural, and municipal departments, with no unified decision-making center.

A turning point came in 2023, when President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree establishing the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. This marked institutional recognition of the water crisis and an admission that the existing governance model no longer matched the country’s needs.

The subsequent step was the drafting of a new Water Code, introducing a fundamental shift in the approach to managing water as a resource.

From Natural Resource to Economic Asset

The previous legislation was hampered by weak enforcement mechanisms. Fines for pollution or exceeding water usage limits were negligible for large industrial enterprises. In many cases, investing in treatment facilities or water-saving technologies was more costly than repeatedly paying fines.

A further constraint was a lack of personnel: only about 70 inspectors were responsible for monitoring water use nationwide, rendering comprehensive oversight unfeasible.

The new Water Code redefines the regulatory philosophy. Water is no longer treated as a near-free natural resource but is now recognized as a strategic economic asset, comparable to hydrocarbons or mineral resources.

The most significant innovation is the shift from punitive measures to economic deterrents. Companies that fail to adopt water-saving technologies risk losing their special water use permits. Continued unauthorized withdrawal is then subject to a fivefold tariff increase.

A Multi-Level Control System

The new enforcement model introduces a tiered response to violations. The first stage includes preventive oversight, during which companies receive instructions and deadlines to address issues. Penalties follow only in cases of non-compliance. Persistent violations may result in full restriction of water access.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation stresses that the primary aim is not to punish, but to incentivize water conservation and technological modernization. For many industrial enterprises, water is a vital input, making this regulatory shift especially impactful.

Sector-Specific Regulatory Models

The Water Code adopts differentiated approaches based on industry.

Agriculture, which accounts for 60-70% of total water withdrawals, remains the largest consumer. Most of this use is non-recoverable due to outdated irrigation techniques.

Farmers are offered an incentive-based framework. The state subsidizes up to 80% of the cost for adopting drip irrigation, installing metering devices, and upgrading irrigation infrastructure. Beginning in 2024, projects to repair canals and hydraulic structures, where water losses are critical, are being rolled out.

Small businesses, including car washes, bathhouses, restaurants, and service providers, account for approximately 15% of consumption. These entities fall under the purview of municipal water utilities.

Here, an indirect pressure mechanism is introduced: as water intake quotas are reduced, municipal utilities will be held financially accountable for excess consumption, encouraging them to adopt water-saving solutions for end users.

Digital Oversight Over Manual Inspection

Although the number of inspectors has nearly tripled, and basin inspection units have been established nationwide, the primary emphasis is on digital monitoring tools.

The ministry already deploys drones to create 3D terrain models and detect illegal dams, pumps, and unauthorized canal connections.

By the end of 2026, a unified information system for water monitoring is expected to launch. Modeled on tax control systems, this platform will use algorithms to review enterprise reports and flag anomalies automatically. On-site inspections will be reserved for high-risk cases.

The system will also verify the actual implementation of water-saving technologies, moving beyond mere formal compliance.

Authorities acknowledge that an immediate overhaul is unrealistic. A sudden tightening of regulations could shutter enterprises and trigger social disruption.

Accordingly, the Water Code allows for phased implementation. Core regulations will take effect in 2027, with a transition period extending to 2032. Businesses will have five years to adapt and invest.

Crucially, the ministry underscores that this transition is not a regulatory hiatus; real-time monitoring will continue throughout.

Kazakhstan is entering a phase where sustained economic growth can no longer depend on the unrestrained consumption of natural resources. As water reserves dwindle, the state is compelled to adopt a framework of strict but transparent regulation.

20 Jan 2026

Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Home

Approximately 200 Million Tons of Radioactive Waste Accumulated in Kazakhstan

January 20, 2026
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s soil is contaminated with radioactive waste, heavy metals, oil, and petroleum products, according to the Central Asia Climate Change and Green Energy Project Office (CACF). The total volume of radioactive materials is estimated at approximately 200 million tons.

These findings are based on the 2024 National Report on the State of the Environment and Natural Resource Use. The document identifies widespread zones of excessive contamination with radionuclides, toxic substances, and heavy metals across the country.

A Radioactive Legacy

Radiation exposure to soil is considered the most hazardous form of contamination. Kazakhstan is home to six major uranium provinces, along with dozens of smaller deposits and ore occurrences, contributing to naturally elevated levels of radioactivity.

Over the full operational period of the country’s uranium mining industry, an estimated 200 million tons of radioactive waste have been generated.

Military infrastructure further compounds the environmental burden. Kazakhstan has four military test sites and the Baikonur rocket and space complex. The zones where rocket booster stages fall span vast areas of Karaganda, Ulytau, Akmola, Pavlodar, and East Kazakhstan regions. According to scientific data, approximately 9.5 million hectares of land are contaminated with the byproducts of rocket fuel combustion and debris.

Elevated levels of radionuclides, heavy metals, and toxic compounds have been recorded in areas surrounding these facilities.

Heavy Metals Intensify the Pressure

Soil contamination is also acute near major cities and industrial centers, exacerbated by the growing number of motor vehicles.

Additional pollution originates from metallurgical and mining operations. In areas around the towns of Ust-Kamenogorsk, Ridder, Zhezkazgan, Shymkent, and Karaganda, the concentrations of lead, copper, zinc, and cadmium significantly exceed permissible limits.

In the Syr Darya River plains of the Kyzylorda region, lead concentrations are double the legal threshold, while nickel levels exceed standards by roughly 1.5 times. Soil degradation is further aggravated by salinization caused by the discharge of highly mineralized drainage water.

Billions of Tons of Industrial Waste

All of Kazakhstan’s industrial regions now contain ecologically hazardous zones, including slag heaps, tailings ponds, mining dumps, and quarries. These collectively cover more than 60,000 hectares.

Enterprises in the non-ferrous metallurgy sector alone have generated over 22 billion tons of industrial waste, including around 4 billion tons of mining byproducts. Of this, more than 1 billion tons consist of toxic enrichment waste, and over 100 million tons are metallurgical waste.

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan’s total industrial waste volume has reached 31.5 billion tons. More than 1 billion tons of new waste are produced each year, with roughly 70% consisting of man-made mineral formations such as overburden and ash.

Oil Pollution: A Persistent Challenge

Oil contamination is another major environmental threat. In western Kazakhstan, nearly 200,000 hectares of land are affected by oil and petroleum products. The total volume of oil spills exceeds 5 million tons.

The highest levels of pollution have been recorded in the Atyrau region near the Makat field, where petroleum concentrations in soil surpass regulatory limits by more than 1,000 times. Severe pollution has also been reported near the Dossor, Komsomolskoye, Tanatar, Tentexor, and Iskene fields, with exceedances ranging from tens to hundreds of times over permissible levels.

Future Risks Amid Nuclear Expansion

Environmental concerns are gaining urgency in light of Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy plans. The country aims to build at least three nuclear power plants, with construction already underway on the first facility.

In this context, the government is considering the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site as a potential location for radioactive waste storage.

The accumulation of radioactive and industrial waste over decades now constitutes a critical long-term risk to Kazakhstan’s sustainable development.

20 Jan 2026

Home, Silk Road Treasures, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

A Breakout Year for Contemporary Art in Kazakhstan

January 20, 2026
By Tamila Olzhbaekova

The year 2025 marked not only a busy period for contemporary art in Kazakhstan but also a decisive acceleration. Art moved beyond professional circles, claimed urban spaces, entered international agendas, and ceased to be a conversation “for insiders only.” The Kazakhstani art scene spoke with growing confidence both at home and abroad. New institutions, landmark exhibitions, festivals, and global collaborations signaled a pivotal shift: contemporary art has become a visible and integral component of the country’s cultural fabric.

New Museums and Art Spaces in Kazakhstan

Geographically, Almaty emerged as the epicenter of contemporary art activity in 2025. The city saw the opening of key institutions that became new focal points for artists, curators, and audiences.

Opening of the Almaty Museum of Arts (ALMA)

On September 12, 2025, the Almaty Museum of Arts (ALMA) opened its doors in Almaty, becoming one of the largest contemporary art museums in Central Asia. From the outset, ALMA signaled serious institutional ambitions, with a mission to support and study contemporary art processes and situate them within a global cultural context.

The museum’s collection includes around 700 works, more than 70% of which are by notable Kazakhstani artists of the 20th century, such as Zhanatai Shardenov, Tokbolat Togyzbayev, Makym Kisameddinov, and Shaimardan Sariyev. Contemporary artists like Rustem Khalfin, Saule Suleimenova, and Said Atabekov are also prominently featured.

Designed by the British architectural bureau Chapman Taylor, the 10,000-square-meter museum includes expansive exhibition halls (“The Great Steppe,” “Saryarka”), an Art Street atrium, storage and restoration facilities, and a creative workshop, setting a new standard for museum infrastructure in the region.

Installation view of “I Understand Everything” – Almagul Menlibayeva (12 September 2025 – May 2026), Almaty Museum of Arts; image: Alexey Naroditsky

Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture: Reclaiming a Building and Its Meaning

Just days earlier, on September 5, 2025, the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture was inaugurated in Almaty. Housed in a restored 1964 Soviet-era cinema, the building underwent nearly seven years of renovation led by British architect Asif Khan. Notably, the facade’s unique sgraffito by artist Evgeny Sidorkin was preserved.

The transformed space now features an exhibition hall, library, cafe, and workshop areas. Its opening was marked by the performance BARSAKELMES, with initial public access free of charge. Tselinny now operates three days a week and serves as a vital platform for exhibitions, education, and creative dialogue.

The Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture; image: SAPARLAS/Zhanarbek Amankulov

A. Kasteev State Museum of Arts: A New Status and Contemporary Focus

Kazakhstan’s primary national art institution also redefined its role in 2025. Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the A. Kasteev State Museum of Arts was granted National Museum status. In conjunction with this milestone, a new gallery dedicated to contemporary Kazakhstani art from the independence period was unveiled.

The exhibition Memory. Space. Progress brought together works from leading artists, charting the development of artistic practice from the 1990s to the present. Contributors included members of the Shymkent-based Red Tractor group, Almaty conceptualists, and key avant-garde figures such as Sergey Maslov, Rashid Nurekeyev, Almagul Menlibayeva, Shamil Guliyev, Bakhyt Bapyshev, and Said Atabekov. The exhibition featured installations, video art, and futuristic projects, affirming the place of contemporary art in the nation’s cultural heritage.

Major Exhibitions and Art Events Across the Country

Alongside institutional growth, 2025 saw a dynamic program of exhibitions and festivals. Astana, the capital, increasingly positioned itself as a hub for large-scale art events.

BARSAKELMES Performance @Tselinny Center

BARSAKELMES Performance @Tselinny Center

Astana Art FAIR (June, Astana)

Held in the summer, Astana Art FAIR 2025 was one of the largest contemporary art festivals in Central Asia. Centered on the theme Human and Technology, the fair featured artists from more than 15 countries. Astana’s urban spaces hosted expansive outdoor installations and public artworks, while the program included lectures, performances, and multimedia shows, exploring the cultural implications of the digital age and engaging diverse audiences.

TIREK: The Thread of Her Life (December, Almaty)

In December, the socially significant data-art exhibition TIREK was held at Almaty Gallery in collaboration with UN Women. The project addressed women’s health through visual and artistic practices.

Meanwhile, the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana hosted a traveling exhibition from the Louvre, featuring antiquities, strengthening cultural ties with leading international institutions. Traditional cultural events such as the Spirit of Tengri ethno-festival and the 10th anniversary of the Almaty Film Festival continued across the country, with contemporary visual art standing alongside music and cinema as a central cultural form.

Urban Mosaic @Tselinny Center

Kazakhstani Artists on the Global Stage

If 2025 saw institutional growth domestically, it also marked a confident international presence. Kazakhstani artists were featured in biennials, fairs, and museum projects worldwide, securing a stronger position on the global art map.

Bukhara Biennial 2025

Held from September 5 to November 20 in historic Bukhara, the first Bukhara Biennial featured over 70 art projects. Kazakhstani artists were prominently represented, including Saule Suleimenova, Gulnur Mukazhanova, and Aisultan Seit. Themed Recipe for Broken Hearts, the biennial brought together regional voices, with Kazakhstani contributions emphasizing women’s creative experience and cultural dialogue in the post-Soviet space.

International Art Fairs

Aspan Gallery, based in Almaty, participated for the sixth time in Art Dubai (April 16-20), presenting Gulnur Mukazhanova’s solo project Shadows of Hope. In November, the gallery made its debut at Abu Dhabi Art with works by Erbosyn Meldibekov, whose practice explores post-Soviet architecture, monumentality, and memory.

Recognition and Awards

In July, Belgium’s M HKA Museum of Contemporary Art acquired Said Atabekov’s photographic series Prayer of a Thousand Horsemen, marking an increased European interest in Central Asian art.

At the VIDEOFORMES 2025 media art festival in France, video artist Lyazzat Khanim received a special award from the Puy-de-Dôme Department Council for her project, fresh film, selected from 720 submissions from 63 countries, highlighting a new generation of digital artists from Kazakhstan.

@Tselinny Center

Residencies, Grants, and Cultural Exchange

Summer 2025 saw the launch of the Art Future international residency at Esentai Gallery in Almaty, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain. Spanish photographer Juan Saliket was the central resident, conducting urban research, collaborating with local artists, and culminating in a final exhibition.

Domestically, cultural support continued. At the start of the year, 75 leading cultural figures received state scholarships, supporting a broad range of artistic disciplines, including contemporary visual arts.

Trends and Significance of 2025

Collectively, the events of 2025 signal a new phase in Kazakhstan’s cultural development. With new museums, festivals, major exhibitions, and a growing international footprint, Kazakhstan is increasingly asserting itself as a regional center for contemporary artistic innovation, where a strong connection to cultural heritage is balanced by a forward-looking vision.

20 Jan 2026

Central Asia, Home, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakh Government Transfers Control of Controversial Medical Fund to Ministry of Finance

January 20, 2026
By Dmitry Pokidaev

The Kazakh government has restructured the management of the Social Medical Insurance Fund (SMIF), transferring oversight of its operations to the Ministry of Finance. The decision was formalized by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov following a comprehensive audit of the fund’s financial activities conducted over the past month.

The SMIF serves as the principal operator of Kazakhstan’s Compulsory Social Medical Insurance (CSMI) system. It collects contributions from employees, employers, and the state, then allocates these funds to medical institutions based on the volume of services rendered.

However, the fund’s operations have faced sustained public and parliamentary criticism. In January 2025, members of parliament declared that the SMIF had lost the public’s trust and called for tighter oversight of its expenditures.

Delayed Audit and Financial Irregularities

Despite growing concerns, a large-scale audit had long been postponed. It was not until December 2025 that the Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Finance with analyzing the fund’s financial flows.

Finance Minister Madi Takiev presented the audit’s findings last week. According to the government press service, the results raised serious concerns about the overall effectiveness of the country’s healthcare financing model.

Despite a steady rise in expenditures, the Ministry of Finance found that SMIF’s efficiency had not improved. Since 2020, the fund’s investment income totaled $1.1 billion, including $383 million in 2025 alone. A significant portion of these funds, however, was not allocated toward medical services, and instead accumulated in the fund’s reserves.

Overbilling and Digital System Failures

An IT audit of the healthcare information system revealed extensive violations in service reporting. These included billing for fictitious patients, services provided without medical necessity, and instances of double financing. Numerous cases documented implausibly high volumes of procedures performed within short timeframes.

Several high-profile anomalies stood out. In some reports, medical services were recorded for individuals who were deceased at the time. In another case, minors were allegedly prescribed more than a thousand medications in a single day.

Tax authorities also conducted a desk audit of the directors of medical institutions, comparing declared incomes with actual property holdings.

Transition to Centralized Oversight

In response to the audit, Bektenov ordered that all materials be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.

This marks the effective dismantling of SMIF’s former autonomous governance model in favor of centralized control by the Ministry of Finance.

The move comes amid rising fiscal pressure on the healthcare system. In 2026, the government will continue to fund medical insurance premiums for socially vulnerable groups. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the state will finance insurance coverage for over one million unemployed citizens.