Kazakhstan Joins OpenAI Initiative to Integrate AI into National Education System
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan has joined a new OpenAI initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into national education systems, with plans to support personalized learning, research, and workforce training across schools and universities, according to media reports.
OpenAI has announced the launch of its “Education for Countries” program under the broader OpenAI for Countries framework, which focuses on helping governments embed AI tools into core public infrastructure. Education has been identified as a key channel for narrowing the gap between the rapid development of AI technologies and their practical, everyday use.
The program is designed to help education systems adapt to changing labor market demands. Studies cited by OpenAI indicate that by 2030, nearly 40 percent of core workplace skills are expected to change, largely due to the expansion of AI. By introducing AI tools, training, and research at scale, the initiative seeks to better align learning outcomes with future workforce needs.
Under the program, OpenAI will work closely with ministries of education, universities, and research institutions. Participating countries will gain access to AI tools such as ChatGPT Edu, advanced language models, study-focused features, and collaborative workspaces that can be adapted to local curricula and policy priorities.
Another key pillar of the initiative is large-scale research on learning outcomes. National and cross-border studies will assess how AI affects student performance and teacher productivity, with the findings intended to inform education policy and the design of education technologies. Training and certification programs are also planned to provide educators and students with practical AI skills linked to national economic priorities.
Kazakhstan is among the first group of participants, alongside Estonia, Greece, Italy’s Conference of University Rectors, Jordan, Slovakia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates. In some participating countries, AI tools have already been deployed nationwide. Estonia, for instance, has rolled out ChatGPT Edu across public universities and secondary schools, reaching tens of thousands of students and teachers.
OpenAI noted that the introduction of AI in education typically follows a phased approach, beginning with educator training. In higher education, student access to AI tools is already expanding, while in secondary schools, pilot projects are being developed in cooperation with local authorities, with a strong emphasis on safety and alignment with national standards.
Commenting on Kazakhstan’s participation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of AI and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev said the move reflects the country’s broader digital transformation strategy.
“Kazakhstan’s participation in OpenAI for Countries marks a milestone in our Year of Digitalization and underscores our strategic decision to embed AI at scale across priority sectors,” Madiyev said. “Working together with OpenAI, Freedom Holding Corp. and Bilim Group, we aim to integrate AI into education as a high-impact tool and set a model of effective public-private partnership for building a future-ready workforce.”
OpenAI said additional countries are expected to join the initiative, with the next cohort scheduled to be announced later in 2026.
