About us

ABOUT US

Astana Open Dialogue is an independent platform for discussion and development of solutions to key country and regional challenges of our time. It combines approaches for conducting public discussions with the development of analytical documents.

The goal of Astana Open Dialogue is to promote progressive development in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region by addressing current social, economic, and political issues, advancing innovations, and sharing best practices.

The project aims to build mutual understanding and trust among various stakeholders, encouraging joint efforts to achieve sustainable development and improve societal well-being.

Astana Open Dialogue's mission is to establish an open and independent platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration among government representatives, businesses, civil society, and the international community to implement best management practices in economic and political spheres.

We aim to synthesize and bring together the most constructive and effective opinions in different spheres to influence the achievement of concrete results that can improve living standards of the citizens of Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Founders of Astana Open Dialogue

Alexandr Danilov

Kazakhstani public and political figure, co-founder of Astana Open Dialogue.

A current member of the Public Chamber under the Mazhilis of the Republic of Kazakhstan and a member of the party list of the “Amanat” party in the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan of the 8th convocation, a former Vice Minister of Information and Social Development of Kazakhstan.

He was as a member of the National Council of Public Trust, an independent director of a number of quasi-state organizations, media outlets, and universities. A member of the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve.

Has an extensive experience in the non-governmental sector, media, and corporate fields. Co-author of a number of analytical reports and articles devoted to political reforms in Kazakhstan.
Aibek Kumysbekov

Co-founder of Astana Open Dialogue, member of the Public Chamber under the Mazhilis of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Independent Director of the Board of Directors of the Non-profit Joint Stock Company "Karaganda Research University named after E. Buketov."

Managing Partner of B2C Consulting Group, a group of companies specializing in political and management consulting for corporate clients, national, and local government bodies.

Has experience working in the non-governmental sector, as well as in senior positions in public service and state-owned enterprises. Co-author of several analytical reports and reviews dedicated to political reforms in Kazakhstan.
Asset Mataev

Kazakhstani journalist and media manager, co-founder of the international news agency KazTAG.

He graduated from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (2005) with a degree in journalism and completed a master’s degree in media management from the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (2008). Began his journalist's career during his university years, working as a correspondent for the analytical magazine 'Exclusive' and the news agency 'Kazakhstan Today'.

In 2008, together with his father, Seitkazy Matayev, he founded the international news agency KazTAG. From 2009 to 2015, he helped organize the work of news agencies across several Central Asian countries. In October 2016, he was nominated for an award by the international organization 'Index on Censorship'.

Since 2020, Asset Matayev has served as the chair of the Almaty City branch of the Journalists' Union of Kazakhstan. In February 2022, he acquired the Kazakhstani media project 'HOLA News'.

From November 2024 owns the media project 'Za Nami Uzhe Vyekhali' ("They're Already Coming for Us").
Marat Shibutov

Born in 1977 in Almaty. Has a background in geography.

From 2000 to 2012 worked in environmental protection, primarily in the oil and gas reservoir engineering. Since 2008, he has also been involved in political analysis and expertise, which later became his main professional focus.

The author of 15 books and textbooks, as well as several hundred articles. In addition to his research activities, he is engaged in public service. Currently, he is a member of the National Kurultai under the President, a member of the Public Chamber under the Mazhilis of Parliament, and serves on government commissions for selecting university and research institute rectors.

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