A meeting of the annual Academic Council took place at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during which the institute presented a report on its activities for the year 2023.
During his presentation, Director Yerkin Tukumov highlighted that the activities of KazISS in the current year were focused on preparing and providing the country’s leadership with essential forecast-analytical and scientific-information materials in the fields of domestic policy, socio-economic processes, and the foreign policy strategy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
To enhance and adapt to the new modern requirements, KazISS operated under a new structure this year – with 8 analytical departments within the framework of the Center for Strategic Development, the Center for International Studies, and the Center for Economic Research. The Institute’s team welcomed qualified experts from leading Kazakhstani and international universities, analysts from major international consulting firms, and other think tanks.
In 2023, KazISS staff prepared dozens of analytical materials, organized 28 scientific and organizational events, held 90 meetings with representatives of foreign embassies, international organizations, foreign research centers and think tanks, and made 680 appearances in the media.
The most significant event organized by KazISS in its 30th anniversary year was the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum titled “Asia in the Changing World: Agenda for the Future,” which brought together representatives from major international organizations. Among them were the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, Vladimir Voronkov, the Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, Natalia German, and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Terhi Hakala.
After the Academic Council meeting, plans were set for 2024. The Institute intends to organize the second Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum, focusing on the “Knowledge Economy” theme. There will be an increased focus on enhancing efforts to monitor and analyze the local situation in various regions of the country. Additionally, there are plans to elevate the international visibility of the journal “Central Asia’s Affairs,” implement support programs for young experts, and undertake various other initiatives.
In conclusion, Director of KazISS expressed gratitude to the team and awarded several employees with “Qurmet gramotasy” and “Algys hat” for their responsible performance and contribution to the development of the Institute.
