Creating an open and safe digital space for the development and prosperity of Kazakhstan
280 Baizakov Street
The Qazaqstan IGF is a part of the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), mandated by the United Nations. Regional and national IGF initiatives represented in 85 countries and 17 regions across four continents.
Qazaqstan IGF is a unique annual national forum on internet governance, bringing together representatives from government authorities , the private sector, civil society, and academia to discuss a wide range of issues related to internet governance and cybersecurity.
Our mission is to promote development of cyberspace in Kazakhstan that is open, innovative, and secure for all citizens and participants. We aim to ensure balanced internet governance, taking into account the interests of society, business, and the government.
OPENNESS AND ACCESSIBILITY
We advocate for unrestricted access to information, ensuring the openness of the internet for all citizens and organizations in Kazakhstan. We believe that the internet should serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, innovations, and the growth of the digital economy.
CYBERSECURITY
We prioritize ensuring the security of the online space.
DIGITAL RIGHTS
We aim to protect the digital rights of citizens, including the right to freedom of expression and data privacy, and uphold ethical standards and principles online.
INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
We promote innovative development in digital technologies in Kazakhstan and support research, advancement, and the implementation of new digital solutions that contribute to the progress of society and the economy.
PARTICIPATION AND COLLABORATION
We provide with a platform for dialogue and collaboration among citizens, businesses, and the government, aiming for balanced solutions that consider a diversity of voices and opinions.
SUPPORTING THE DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
We collaborate with participants in the digital ecosystem, including the government, private sector, and society, to jointly develop digital infrastructure and promote innovative growth.
Registration
Gulmira Tulesbayeva, Project Manager, United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan
Vahan Hovsepyan, Senior Community and Public Policy Officer (Central Asia and Caucasus) RIPE NCC
Paulius Vaina, European Union project 'Connectivity for Central Asia', Component Coordinator for ICT Policy and Regulatory Framework
Ruslan Daiyrbekov, Founder of the Eurasian Digital Foundation, Managing Partner of the DRCQ Law Firm
Description: In the context of an unstable geopolitical environment, access to an open and free Internet is becoming increasingly important. New rules for regulating the online space are being established, while new products based on AI and big data technologies are entering the market—products that, in one way or another, shape and influence the rights of citizens and the interests of businesses amid continuous digital interaction. Only balanced Internet governance that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders can create conditions for the development of the digital economy and innovation, while not restricting but rather guaranteeing digital human rights in Kazakhstan. This approach aligns with the work of the Regional Hub on Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia and Afghanistan, which has become an important platform for promoting the sustainable development agenda in the region.
Speakers:
Bekbolat Moldabekov, Vice Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Vlastimil Samek, Representative of the United Nations Department of Global Communications in Kazakhstan
Mikhail Anisimov, Stakeholder Engagement Senior Manager - Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Ruslan Daiyrbekov, Founder of the Eurasian Digital Foundation, Managing Partner of the DRCQ Law Firm
Jaap Ora, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia to the Republic of Kazakhstan
Moderator: Ruslan Daiyrbekov, Founder of the Eurasian Digital Foundation, Managing Partner of the DRCQ Law Firm
Coffee break
Speakers:
Asyltas Armanova, Information Security Engineer
Aruzhan Qaldybek, Co-Founder of DODGER, Cybersecurity Enthusiast/Researcher/MRE
Guldana Zhumatai, Project Lead at CitizenSec.kz, OSCE Speaker
Meruert Dauletbek, Senior Lecturer, Department of Cybersecurity, International Information Technology University
Moderator: Dana Baitukaeva, PhD in International Space Law, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Department of International Law
Description: This session explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, focusing on their impact on women’s digital safety. Participants will discuss the phenomenon of offensive AI — when hackers train neural networks for attacks — and the concept of AI hygiene as a new dimension of online protection. Special attention will be given to threats such as prompt injection, deepfakes, and AI-driven phishing, as well as to opportunities for leveraging technology to protect women and children online. The session will also highlight women’s leadership in cyberspace.
Speakers:
Yrysty Zhalilkhanova, Head of the Department for the Development of Personal Data Protection, Committee on Information Security, Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Aleksey Kalinnikov, Deputy Chairman of the Board, KazTeleport JSC
Dmitry Shaposhnikov, Executive Director for Information Security at Bank CenterCredit, CISSP, SSCP
Aset Ordabaev, Head of Government Affairs for Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and Mongolia at Kaspersky
Nurlan Adaliev, Senior Officer of the Financial Crime Prevention Department, Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA)
Moderator: Yevgeniy Pitolin, Cybersecurity, IT, and Marketing Expert; Co-Chair of the Information Security Committee of the QazTech Alliance
Description: This session is dedicated to the key cybersecurity challenges that Kazakhstan faces today. We will discuss current threats—cyber fraud, data breaches, and attacks on critical infrastructure—and explore effective solutions for protecting the digital space. Join our expert discussion on building a secure and sustainable Kaznet and its related infrastructure.
Speakers:
Ilyas Yesmagul, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of Information of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Elizaveta Yachmeneva, Regional Communities Coordinator, Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) (online)
Moldir Utegenova, Project Manager, MediaNet International Centre for Journalism
Evgeniya Nefedyeva, Constitutional Law Expert, Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law
Moderator: Elzhan Kabyshev, Founder of the public foundation “Digital Paradigm”, head of legal practice “Eurasian Digital Foundation”
Description: Participants will discuss the current digital landscape of the country, possible directions for the development of the digital environment, as well as Internet restrictions and the impact of these practices on digital rights and freedoms.
Speakers:
Askhat Niyazov, Journalist and author of the YouTube channel “Obozhau”
Marat Sadykov, Media Trainer and Consultant on Video Production in Newsrooms and the Use of AI Tools
Medet Yesimkhanov, Editor-in-Chief of the Russian-language edition of Factcheck.kz
Mikhail Komissarov, Director, RSE "Center for Analysis and Information," Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Moderator: Gulmira Birzhanova, Co-founder, Legal Media Centre Public Foundation
Description: The session is dedicated to the challenges and opportunities facing the media amid the dominance of major technology platforms and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Participants will discuss how to preserve journalistic independence and ensure a balance between innovation and human rights, while also addressing the issue of deepfakes.
Lunch
Speakers:
Renat Tukanov, Chief Technology Officer, Freedom Holding
Maral Berik, Expert of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Development of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Arman Asakaev, Founder and Member of the Board of Trustees of the FinTech AI Center Public Foundation
Shyngys Temir, Legal Advisor at Kaldybayev & Partners, LL.M
Moderator: Dana Utegen, Teaching Professor at the Higher School of Law, Maqsut Narikbayev University, and Coordinator of CyberLaw School Qazaqstan
Description: How can we ensure that technology truly serves humanity and helps solve global challenges—from environmental protection to economic issues? This session will cover new international principles of responsible AI and discuss how to unite the efforts of different countries, experts, and organizations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Experts will also discuss the provisions of the Hamburg Declaration, adopted in 2025, which is aimed at the ethical and inclusive application of AI for achieving the SDGs.
Speakers:
Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva, Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Pavel Kazantsev, Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Dana Utegen, Teaching Professor at the Higher School of Law, Maqsut Narikbayev University, and Coordinator of CyberLaw School Qazaqstan
Elzhan Kabyshev, Founder of the public foundation “Digital Paradigm”, head of legal practice “Eurasian Digital Foundation”
Moderator: Ruslan Daiyrbekov, Founder of the Eurasian Digital Foundation, Managing Partner of the DRCQ Law Firm
Description: The Secretariat of the Global Forum on Internet Governance seeks to strengthen the participation of parliamentarians in discussions of the most pressing issues related to the use, development and governance of the Internet. For this purpose, a recommendation was given to hold a session "Parliamentary Initiative" including at the national and regional levels for a substantive discussion of national initiatives affecting the Internet and new technologies in the country.
Speakers:
Karlygash Kuralbayeva, Doctor of Economics, Associate Professor of Economics at SDU University
Elvira Omurchieva, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development, International Relations and Commercialization, D. Kunaev University
Aigul Kazbekova, Project Manager at the AIFC Administration, AIFC Academy Division. Expert in Human Capital Management and Organizational Development.
Galymzhan Chukumov, Head of the Faculty of Professional Training at the Makan Yesbulatov Almaty Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, PhD, Police Colonel.
Moderator: TBA
Description: The digital economy is based on the use of Internet technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, BigData, etc. It represents a huge potential for development and innovation, but also requires new skills and competencies from students, workers and entrepreneurs. What professions will be in demand in the digital economy? How to train and retrain people to work in the digital environment? What resources and platforms will be used to train new generation specialists? The speakers of the session at Qazaqstan IGF will be able to answer these questions best of all.
Speakers:
Saltanat Khusainova, Marketing, PR & Communications Lead, Solana Superteam in the region
Viktoriya Nochevnaya, Legal Director, Orion Central Asia Ltd, Independent Expert at the BlockchainKZ and AI Association, Senior Lecturer at Maqsut Narikbayev University
Ester Babadzhanian, Head of the “Jurisprudence” Educational Program and Teaching Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University
Bekzhan Mutanov, Director of Financial Technologies at Freedom Horizons Ltd. Experienced expert in fintech and blockchain
Moderator: Batyrbek Umarov, President of the "BlockchainKZ Blockchain Developers and Users Association"
Description: Experts from the crypto industry will discuss the opportunities and risks that cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies present for business, the state, and society. They will also touch upon the development of the legal status of cryptocurrencies in Kazakhstan and the jurisdiction of the AIFC.
Closing of the Forum. Closing Remarks.
For any inquiries, please contact us at: igf@igf.kz
For media inquiries: achoibekova@igf.kz