Kazakhstan Starts UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment with 80 Stakeholders

Context Kazakhstan’s government has prioritized digital transformation and AI development as part of its broader economic strategy. UNESCO developed the RAM to translate its AI ethics recommendation into actionable steps for governments. The tool consists of a questionnaire covering legal frameworks, technical capacity, data governance, and societal impact. The country’s Digital Kazakhstan program aims to increase AI adoption across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and logistics by 2030.

Key Facts Dr Amir Piric, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, said, “the faster AI spreads, the more important it becomes to ensure that it serves people — fairly, safely, and transparently.” Approximately 80 representatives from government ministries, universities, private firms, civil society groups, and expert communities attended the launch at Astana Hub.

The event marked the official start of Kazakhstan’s national RAM process, which will be guided by a newly formed stakeholder team drawn from those same sectors. The team includes representatives from the Ministry of Digital Development, the National Academy of Sciences, Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs, Astana IT University, and civil society groups such as Technowomen and the Association for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.

What It Means The assessment will examine Kazakhstan’s policies, infrastructure, skills, and public trust related to AI. Findings are expected to shape concrete recommendations that support the creation of a national AI ecosystem aligned with international ethics standards and local priorities. By completing the RAM, Kazakhstan hopes to strengthen public confidence in AI while protecting human rights and promoting inclusive innovation. Watch for the release of the draft assessment report later in 2026, which will outline the next steps for policy and investment.