Deputy Director Kuat Akizhanov Participates in Qazaqstan NEXT Forum to Facilitate Regional Development Discussion

On January 28, Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, Deputy Director Two of the CAREC Institute, attended the Qazaqstan NEXT Forum, which was co-hosted by KAZMEDIA HOLDING and AmCham Kazakhstan. The forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, and experts to discuss key topics including AI and digital trust, energy, creative economy, education and innovation, as well as the future of work and human capital. It focused on exploring trends in these areas and their impacts on Kazakhstan’s economic growth, investment climate and competitiveness.

At the forum, Dr. Akizhanov moderated the panel titled “Three Engines of the Future: Energy, Cities, Economy,” which focused on structural transformations shaping Kazakhstan’s long-term development and that of the broader region. The panel featured Mr. Magzum Mirzagaliev, Adviser to the President of Kazakhstan; Mr. Carlos Torres, Vice President at Rystad Energy; Mr. Francesco Di Salvo, Global Director at S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Mr. Aset Shyngyssov, Managing Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Participants discussed the links between energy transition, urban development and economic transformation, and analyzed the strategic choices for resource-rich emerging economies in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Akizhanov guided this dialogue and stressed the need for integrated development approaches that balance economic resilience, sustainability and social outcomes.

As a regional think tank, CAREC Institute will continue to advance regional development through evidence-based research and policy dialogue.