Kazakhstan Launches UNESCO Framework for National AI Governance Assessment
Kazakhstan has launched UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to evaluate how prepared the country is to develop and deploy artificial intelligence responsibly. The framework, introduced on 16 January 2026 at Astana Hub, guides nations through structured assessment of their AI governance capabilities against international ethical standards.
About 80 representatives from government, academia, private sector and civil society attended the launch. The event brought together stakeholders to begin mapping Kazakhstan's AI governance gaps and priorities.
What RAM Does
RAM helps countries assess readiness across key dimensions: human rights protection, gender equality, inclusion, and alignment with UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. The assessment produces practical recommendations tailored to national context and sustainable development goals.
Dmitriy Mun, Vice-Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, outlined Kazakhstan's existing priorities in digital transformation and AI ecosystem development. The assessment will test how those plans align with responsible innovation principles.
The Assessment Team
A National Stakeholder Team will drive the RAM process in Kazakhstan. Members include:
- Ministry representatives and the National Academy of Sciences
- Astana IT University and Ozim Academy
- Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs
- Association for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan
- Civil society organizations and Technowomen
This cross-sector composition reflects the range of interests that shape AI policy: government, research, business, entrepreneurship and civil rights.
The Timing
Amir Piric, Director of UNESCO's Regional Office in Almaty, said the launch arrived at a critical moment. "The faster AI spreads, the more important it becomes to ensure that it serves people - fairly, safely, and transparently," he said.
Kazakhstan has positioned itself as a regional AI hub. The assessment will help the country build governance structures that match its ambitions without importing frameworks designed elsewhere.
The RAM process is expected to produce recommendations within months, giving policymakers concrete guidance on where governance gaps exist and how to close them.
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