Kazakhstan Positions AI and Digital Infrastructure as Urban Development Strategy
Kazakhstan presented its approach to technology-driven urban development at the World Urban Forum in Baku this week, with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasizing artificial intelligence, climate resilience and water security as central to the country's cities strategy.
The 13th session of the forum, held May 17-22 under UN-Habitat auspices, drew more than 20,000 participants from over 100 countries. Bektenov spoke on behalf of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, noting that 63% of Kazakhstan's population now lives in cities.
AI infrastructure and digital services
Kazakhstan declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, reflecting a broader push to modernize urban governance through technology. The country has established legal frameworks for transparent AI use and now offers more than 1,200 public services through its digital government ecosystem.
Two new centers anchor the strategy: the Alem.ai international AI center in Astana and the Asia-Pacific Digital Solutions Center for Sustainable Development in Almaty, operating under the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
Alatau City, a large-scale urban development project presented at the forum, aims to function as a hub for advanced urban growth and innovative infrastructure. Bektenov described it as a technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable urban ecosystem.
For professionals building AI for IT & Development projects, Kazakhstan's approach demonstrates how government-scale digital infrastructure integrates across multiple service domains.
Water security and climate adaptation
Kazakhstan used the forum to address Central Asia's water challenges. The country's revised Constitution now formally recognizes environmental protection as a fundamental state value.
Bektenov reiterated Kazakhstan's proposal to establish an International Water Organization under UN framework-an initiative previously advanced by Tokayev. He also referenced a recent Regional Ecological Summit focused on climate resilience cooperation among Central Asian countries.
Astana became the first Central Asian city to receive Resilience Hub status under the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative.
Pavilion and international cooperation
At the forum's Urban Expo exhibition, Kazakhstan unveiled a national pavilion showcasing sustainable city planning and green infrastructure projects. The Green ID initiative takes center stage-it focuses on increasing urban climate resilience through greening projects and environmentally sustainable public spaces.
The pavilion itself used eco-friendly materials and featured LED presentations of infrastructure projects and urban development models.
Kazakhstan confirmed plans to launch a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, which will serve as a coordination platform for regional development priorities.
The country also expanded cooperation with UN-Habitat on international resilience initiatives.
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