Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — On 1 October 2026, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international forum in Astana. He noted that the forum had become a respected and widely recognised platform in Eurasia.
“The forum has brought together experienced professionals who make a significant contribution to the technological development of the world.
Innovative ideas are born here, business contacts are established and real projects are launched. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is a unique platform that brings together people with innovative thinking, creativity and intellectual potential,” the Head of State said.
The President stressed the exceptional importance of developing new technologies, which have become an integral reality of a rapidly changing era.
“We are all witnessing how artificial intelligence technologies are fundamentally transforming industry, finance, education, science, public administration and people’s way of life. In view of this, the agenda of AI & Digital Bridge is updated every year: new relevant topics emerge and the circle of participants expands. Alongside digitalisation, the forum also features discussions on computing infrastructure, large language models and robotics.
Particular attention is paid to legislative regulation and ensuring security in science and technology. Thus, AI & Digital Bridge effectively serves as a golden bridge for international contacts in the field of new technologies,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
Responsibility and international approaches
The Head of Kazakhstan said there was a need to demonstrate the highest level of responsibility and integrity in relation to artificial intelligence.
“I would like to note the recent signing, at the initiative of President Donald Trump, of the Superintelligence Agreement by leading American technology companies. I believe that this approach will be considered by all interested countries as a model that could, after careful discussion, be adopted at the global level,” the President said.
Digital transformation of Kazakhstan and AI Challenge
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan was consistently creating conditions for its transformation into a fully digital state and told participants about the country’s systemic measures and achievements.
“Last year, Kazakhstan’s IT services exports exceeded US$1 billion. Our digital solutions are used in more than 100 countries around the world. All these achievements reflect Kazakhstan’s sincere desire to contribute to progress for the prosperity of our country and the entire world. Nevertheless, in the field of advanced technologies, we cannot rest on our achievements. If we seek to build a strong technological foundation for our country, we must provide real support to innovative startup companies and implement advanced projects,” the President said.
In this context, the President said it was important to create a list of industrial AI challenges based on real demands from the economy. On this basis, he proposed launching an AI Challenge involving Kazakh and international teams. The best projects that demonstrate their effectiveness will be implemented in production.
Regulation
The President of Kazakhstan separately addressed the regulation of artificial intelligence. He noted that Kazakhstan had already established a basic legal framework for digital transformation, including the Law on Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Code. At the same time, according to the President, it was necessary to ensure a carefully calibrated institutional balance and a risk-based approach.
“We must not regulate this sphere to such an extent that promising teams, developments and capital begin to leave for other jurisdictions. We need to follow a simple principle: where security, rights and vital interests of citizens are concerned, requirements should be strict but not excessive,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
Human capital
The President of Kazakhstan paid particular attention to human capital. According to him, modern data centres and advanced technologies alone cannot guarantee the desired results, while a technological breakthrough is impossible without scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.
“Therefore, we must establish a national scientific and engineering school that will train educated, qualified and innovative-minded specialists. In this regard, a special task is assigned to the recently opened Qazaq AI Research University. Alongside education, this institution should conduct scientific research that meets the needs of industry and the economy.
To achieve this goal, the AI+X model is being introduced to apply artificial intelligence in specific sectors. Its capabilities should be effectively used in industry, energy, medicine, finance and public administration. Overall, we need strong, truly qualified specialists capable of creating finished products and new technologies.
Here, one important aspect should be taken into account. Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for human intellectual abilities, but merely an auxiliary tool in the process of learning and acquiring knowledge. The faster technologies develop, the more relevant the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility become,” the President said.
International cooperation
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the importance of developing a culture of responsible use of artificial intelligence.
“No country can fully realise the potential of artificial intelligence on its own. We need international knowledge exchange, joint research, investment, technological cooperation and support for talent. Kazakhstan consistently advocates the peaceful, safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence. Our position remains unchanged: technology should serve people and act as a catalyst for progress.
Artificial intelligence must not create new dividing lines. Technological barriers will only widen the gap between states and slow our development. That is why maintaining open channels of scientific and technological cooperation is more important than ever. Our approach to international cooperation is based on respect for national interests and the principle of peaceful use of technology,” the President of Kazakhstan said.
Risks
The President believes that as the capabilities of artificial intelligence expand, the associated risks also increase.
“Cybersecurity, data protection, information reliability, algorithmic transparency and responsibility for decisions taken — all these issues require timely action. Artificial intelligence has already been recognised as a powerful tool. There are no disagreements on this matter. But ultimately, everything depends on the person who uses it. In essence, artificial intelligence can be called a powerful tool and even a weapon of our time.
Therefore, whether it benefits or harms global development depends first and foremost on humanity itself,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
He also noted that artificial intelligence offers young people broad opportunities to obtain quality education and develop comprehensively.
“It is important that our young compatriots make effective use of these opportunities and develop as educated individuals who can freely use artificial intelligence and possess critical thinking,” the President stressed.
Conclusion of the speech
In conclusion, the President said Kazakhstan had laid a solid foundation for a new technological economy.
“The main task of the Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence is to turn the progress achieved into tangible results for every citizen and make it irreversible. Kazakhstan has all the necessary prerequisites to secure a worthy place in the new technological era.
Our success will depend on deep knowledge, bold decisions, a pragmatic approach and responsible action. I am confident that AI & Digital Bridge will bring together talent and ideas, deepen international cooperation and contribute to the launch of ambitious projects,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded.
The plenary session also featured William Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic; Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of NVIDIA; Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School; and Greg Wyler, founder of OneWeb and E-Space.
