Tokayev Hails AI & Digital Bridge 2026 as Platform for Global Technology Cooperation
Astana, The Gulf Observer: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum as an important platform for international cooperation in emerging technologies, saying the event brings together innovative ideas, business contacts and practical projects.
Addressing participants of the international technology forum in Astana, Tokayev said AI & Digital Bridge had developed into a recognized platform in Eurasia, bringing together experienced professionals contributing to technological development.
He said the forum provided an environment where innovative ideas emerge, business partnerships are established and projects are launched, making it a platform for people with innovative, creative and intellectual potential.
The President emphasized the growing importance of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, which he said was transforming industry, finance, education, science, public administration and people’s daily lives.
He noted that the forum’s agenda is updated annually in response to technological developments, with discussions covering digitalization, computing infrastructure, large language models and robotics. Particular attention is also being given to legislative regulation and safety in science and technology.
Tokayev said AI & Digital Bridge effectively served as a “golden bridge” for international contacts in the field of new technologies.
The President also highlighted Kazakhstan’s efforts to establish itself as a fully digital state. He said the country’s IT service exports exceeded US$1 billion in 2025, while Kazakh digital solutions were being used in more than 100 countries.
At the same time, Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan needed to continue supporting innovative startups and implementing advanced technological projects rather than relying solely on achievements already made in digitalization.
He proposed developing a list of industrial AI challenges based on the practical needs of the economy and launching an AI Challenge involving Kazakhstani and international teams. Projects demonstrating proven effectiveness could subsequently be introduced into production, he said.
The President also placed emphasis on responsible regulation of artificial intelligence. He said Kazakhstan had established a legal foundation for digital transformation, including the Law on Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Code, while calling for a balanced institutional framework and a risk-based regulatory approach.
Tokayev stressed that regulation should protect safety, citizens’ rights and vital interests without creating excessive requirements that could discourage innovation, technology teams or investment.
He further underscored the importance of human capital, saying technological infrastructure alone could not guarantee technological progress without qualified scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.
In this context, he highlighted the role of the recently opened Qazaq AI Research University, saying it should combine education with research responding to the needs of industry and the wider economy.
The President also referred to the AI+X model, designed to apply artificial intelligence to specific sectors, including industry, energy, healthcare, finance and public administration.
He stressed that artificial intelligence should be viewed as an auxiliary tool for learning and knowledge development rather than a replacement for human intellectual capabilities, emphasizing the continuing importance of knowledge, critical thinking, decision-making and responsibility.
Tokayev also called for stronger international cooperation in AI, including knowledge exchange, joint research, investment, technological cooperation and talent development.
He said Kazakhstan supports the peaceful, safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence and believes technology should serve humanity and contribute to progress rather than create new divisions between countries.
The President identified cybersecurity, data protection, information integrity, algorithmic transparency and accountability as issues requiring timely attention as AI capabilities continue to expand.
He said the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence were particularly important for young people, urging them to use new technologies while developing education and critical-thinking skills.
Tokayev said Kazakhstan had established a foundation for a new technology-driven economy and identified the central task of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence as turning technological progress into tangible benefits for citizens.
He expressed confidence that AI & Digital Bridge would continue bringing together talent and ideas, strengthening international cooperation and supporting the launch of ambitious technology projects.
The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum is being held in Astana from October 1 to 3, bringing together technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and government representatives to discuss artificial intelligence, digital technologies and the development of the innovation economy.
