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.
Ruslan Daiyrbekov, the founder of the Eurasian Digital Foundation (civil society)
Sarkis Darbinyan, cyberlawyer, dedicated advocate of open-source and decentralized IT solutions (private sector)
Ms. Anja Gengo, Programme Management Officer, Internet Governance Forum, Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (UN)
Denis Khoroshun, project coordinator (civil society)
Nurbol Meyrmanov, technology manager (IT-community, business)
Dana Utegen, Adjunct Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University (Academic Circles)
Batyrbek Umarov, founder of the blockchain community of Kazakhstan (IT-community, busines)
Yelzhan Kabyshev, human rights activist, cyberlawyer (civil society)
Yrysty Zhalilkhanova, Head of the Department for the Development of Personal Data Protection, Committee on Information Security, Ministry of AI and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan (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
Opening of Qazaqstan IGF. Welcome speech from the organizers of the forum (Space Hall)
Description: In the context of an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment, access to an open and free Internet is becoming ever more important. New rules for regulating the online environment are being introduced, while new products based on AI and big data technologies are entering the market, shaping and influencing the rights of citizens and the interests of businesses in an environment of 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 ensuring, rather than restricting, digital rights in Kazakhstan. This approach is aligned with the work of the Regional Hub for the Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia and Afghanistan, which has become an important platform for advancing the sustainable development agenda across the region.
Speakers:
Paulius Vaina, Project Coordinator, European Union “Connectivity for Central Asia” Project, ICT Policy and Regulation Component
Doszhan Ualdinovich, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Dinara Seidzhaaparova, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Central Asia
Vahan Hovsepyan, Senior Community and Public Policy Advisor at the RIPE NCC
Moderator: Ruslan Daiyrbekov, Founder, Eurasian Digital Foundation; Managing Partner, DRCQ Law Firm
Coffee break
Speakers:
Moldir Utegenova, Project Manager, MediaNet International Centre for Journalism
Zhanya Urankayeva, Journalist at independent media outlets; working in journalism since 2009
Mikhail Komissraov, Director, Centre for Analysis and Information, Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Sarkis Darbinyan, RKS Global
Moderator: Gulmira Birzhanova, Co-Founder, Legal Media Centre; Head of Legal Service, Media Qoldau
Description: Kazakhstan’s digital space is increasingly shaped not only by the state but also by online platforms. Who decides what content remains accessible and what gets removed? And what can users or media outlets do when a platform’s decision is unclear or cannot be effectively appealed? This session will explore the emerging rules governing the digital space, interaction with online platforms, and the right to an effective appeal.
Speakers:
Yrysty Zhalilkhanova, Head of the Personal Data Protection Development Department, Information Security Committee, Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Timur Dzhamaldinov, Director of Legal Affairs, Freedom AI Labs; Chief Consultant, Choco Group of Companies
Rinat Kisambiev, Head of Data Protection, Freedom Holding Corp.
Moderator: Ruslan Daiyrbekov, Managing Partner, DRCQ; Founder, Eurasian Digital Foundation
Description: The adoption of the Digital Code and the AI Law establishes new standards for personal data protection. Experts will examine the interplay between the Digital Code, personal data protection, AI, and information security legislation, analyzing their direct impact on the transformation of the data protection framework.
Speakers:
Moldir Utegenova, Project Manager, MediaNet International Centre for Journalism
Yevgeniya Nefedyeva, Constitutional Law Expert, Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law
Moderator: Yelzhan Kabyshev, Founder, Digital Paradigm Public Foundation; Head of Legal Practice, Eurasian Digital Foundation
Description: The session will focus on the decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued in summer 2026 concerning the constitutionality of provisions of the Law “On Communications” that allow for nationwide Internet shutdowns. Speakers will examine the substance and legal implications of the Constitutional Court’s decision, as well as the Court’s approach to Internet access and restrictions on digital communications. Particular attention will be given to the recommendations issued by the Court and their significance for further legislative development. Participants will also discuss possible steps to implement these recommendations and maintain a balance between national security and the digital rights of citizens.
Speakers:
Aziza Shuzheyeva, Chair of the Board, TechnoWomen NGO
Alfiya Kazi, Digital Lawyer; Founder, AI & GovTech Foundation
Rustem Bigari, Chairman of the Board, International IT University
Aruzhan Kaldybek, Project Lead, DODGER; Cybersecurity Researcher / Enthusiast, “The Invisible Perimeter: What Lies Beyond Your Network”
Kundyz Turabay, UNICEF National Consultant on Child Online Safety
Description: The session will focus on the safety of children and adolescents online and possible measures to protect them in the digital environment. The discussion will centre on the proposed legislation to restrict access to social media for children and adolescents under the age of 16. Participants will discuss the potential benefits and risks of such regulation, as well as issues related to its practical implementation and the protection of the digital rights of minors.
Lunch
Speakers:
First Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Artem Romanov, Head of Antitrust & AI Compliance, Freedom Holding Corp.
Sofiya Yuvshanova, UNICEF Multi-country Regional Evaluation Specialist
Evgeniy Pitolin, Founder of Heartland Product and Technology Bureau
Moderator: Dana Utegen, Teaching Professor, Higher School of Law, Maqsut Narikbayev University; Coordinator, CyberLaw School Qazaqstan
Description: How can we ensure that technology truly serves people and contributes to addressing global challenges, from environmental protection to economic development? The session will explore emerging international principles for responsible AI and discuss how countries, experts, and organizations can work together to harness AI for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Спикеры:
Yekaterina Smyshlyayeva, Member of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Dana Utegen, Adjunct Professor, Maqsut Narikbayev University; Coordinator, CyberLaw School Qazaqstan
Ruslan Daiyrbekov, Founder, Eurasian Digital Foundation; Managing Partner, DRCQ Law Firm
Moderator: Yelena Bychkova, Associate Professor, Narxoz University; PhD, MBA; Digital Law Expert
Description: The “Parliamentary Track” is held both at the Global IGF and at national IGF platforms. Kazakhstan’s Digital Code has entered into force, marking a new stage in the development of legislation governing digital relations. The initiating Member of Parliament and civil society representatives who participated in drafting the Code’s provisions will discuss the initial results of its implementation, practical issues arising from its application, and further plans for the development of digital legislation. Particular attention will be given to the role of cooperation between Parliament, the expert community, and civil society in shaping digital policy.
Speakers:
Saltanat Esetova, PhD in Law, Associate Professor at Q University
Dana Baitukayeva, PhD, Vice Dean of the Faculty of International Relations at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Elvira Omurcheyeva, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development, International Relations and Commercialization, Kunaev University
Moderator: Madina Yessirkepova, Vice Dean for Research, PhD; International Researcher, Austrian Academy of Sciences; Associate Professor, SDU University
Description: The digital economy is built on the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and Big Data. It offers significant potential for development and innovation, while also creating demand for new skills and competencies among students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. What professions will be in demand in the digital economy? How can people be trained and retrained to work in an increasingly digital environment? What resources and platforms will support the development of the next generation of digital professionals? These and other questions will be addressed by the speakers at this Qazaqstan IGF session.
Speakers:
Nursultan Begenov, Entrepreneur; Founder, Maksi AI Solutions
Shakhira Khrevich, Technology Educator & Blockchain Entrepreneur; Founder; 2× Bitcoin Hackathon Winner
Zhasulan Medetkhan, Infrastructure & Strategy; former Aztec Labs; DATA Foundation
Moderator: Batyrbek Umarov, President, BlockchainKZ and AI Association of Blockchain Technology Developers and Users
Description: Experts from the crypto industry and experienced legal professionals will discuss the development of the legal status of cryptocurrencies in Kazakhstan and the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The discussion will focus on the regulation of digital assets, user rights protection, and ensuring transparency in market operations. Participants will also explore how new initiatives in fintech and blockchain can contribute to the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s digital economy.
Speakers:
Representatives of the winning teams (TBA)
Moderator: Yerzhan Suleimenov, Independent Media Consultant
Session Description: As part of Cybersecurity Month in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with Digital Rights Center Qazaqstan and CyberLaw School, organized the Privacy Legathon. Over several weeks, participants developed practical Legal Tech solutions in the fields of personal data protection and cybersecurity. During the session, five finalist teams will present their projects, followed by an award ceremony.
Closing of the Forum. Closing Remarks.
For any inquiries, please contact us at: igf@igf.kz