The first session of Astana Open Dialogue
was held on June 7, 2024
Influential representatives from the government, business, and expert community gathered at the meeting to discuss key issues related to Kazakhstan's development. The forum included three main sessions, each dedicated to pressing topics such as lobbying, journalism, and the creative economy.
The first session, titled «Lobbying, Political Consulting, and Analytics: How to Create a Civilized Market?» was moderated by Alexandr Danilov, co-founder of AOD
This session featured speakers such as Aidos Sarym, a member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan; Kanat Nurov, Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan; Marat Shibutov, co-founder of AOD and deputy director of the Public Foundation «International Institute of Sociology and Politics»; Elena Bychkova, managing director of the «Digital Kazakhstan» Association; Aibek Kumysbekov, co-founder of AOD, CEO of B2C Consulting Group, and member of the Mazhilis Public Chamber; and Aziz Iskakov, managing partner of the Qazaqstan Institute of Social Studies.
Speakers discussed the need for a transparent and professional lobbying and consulting market, emphasizing the role of analysis in effective government-business cooperation.
The second session, titled «Journalism of New Kazakhstan: Between Ethics and Hype», was moderated by Asset Matayev, co-founder of AOD and co-founder of the KazTAG International News Agency
This session involved speakers such as Askhat Aimagambetov, a member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Committee on Social and Cultural Development; Sergey Ponomarev, a member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan; Aibek Smadiyarov, director of the Communications Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Dana Saudegerova, journalist and communications specialist; Gaziz Abishev, political scientist; and Syrym Itkulov, journalist and blogger.
They addressed the challenges facing modern journalism in Kazakhstan, the balance between ethics and popularity, and the impact of media on public opinion.
The final session, titled «Kazakhstan's Creative Economy: Creativity Without Economy?» focused on the development of creative industries. It was moderated by Daniyar Mukitanov, Head of Experimental Projects at the UNDP Accelerator Lab in Kazakhstan.
Speakers included Yevgeniy Kochetov, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan; Sukhrob Khojimov, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Kazakhstan; Aigerim Karibayeva, artist; Anton Kim, Marketing Director at ForteBank; and Yerkebulan Kurishbaev, General Producer of QARA Studios.
The discussion explored the potential and challenges for the development of the creative economy, the need to integrate creative solutions into economic strategies, and the support for innovation across various sectors.
The event was attended by over 300 guests
Subscribe to Astana Open Dialogue newsletter
Subscribe to Astana Open Dialogue
newsletter
Announcements of upcoming sessions and
analytical platform reports
