President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held the first meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence

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Opening the first meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the particular importance of this event. The Head of State emphasized that without the development of artificial intelligence, it is impossible to withstand global competition. He stated that digital systems and artificial intelligence have become essential for the country's sovereignty and a driving force for economic growth.

- That's why we've set ourselves an ambitious goal: to transform Kazakhstan into a fully-fledged digital country within three years. I spoke about this in detail in my Address. Overall, a lot of work has been done in this area in the country. Today, over 92% of government services are available online. Last year, the share of cashless payments in the country exceeded 85%. In the first six months of this year alone, 26 million digital services were provided to Kazakhstani citizens, half of which were provided via smartphones. These are good results. At the same time, it should be noted that AI is developing very rapidly, and this requires constant updating of our approaches, - the Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the meeting would be devoted to the topic "Artificial Intelligence in Education: Opportunities and Challenges."

The President further emphasized that we are living in an era of profound transformation, where AI is having a decisive influence on the development of the economy, public administration, science, and, above all, education.

- The way we use this technology will define our national competitiveness and sovereignty. Artificial Intelligence will be the driving force of this transformation. In this regard, it is not a question of leadership in the world or in our region. Our main goal is to turn Kazakhstan into an advanced, civilized state. Many leading countries have already recognized artificial intelligence as a strategic resource of the 21st century, directing significant investments toward its development. In China, for example, there is a state plan called "AI+," which provides for the comprehensive integration of AI technologies into the economy, science, and the social sphere. The United States is implementing a strategy to consolidate its global leadership in this field. These facts confirm that a completely new development paradigm is emerging in the world, with artificial intelligence at its core. Kazakhstan must not lag behind these trends. That is why we have created the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, which will coordinate and resolve issues related to the comprehensive implementation of AI technologies, - he said.

The Head of State identified the comprehensive development of domestic technologies and the training of highly qualified IT specialists as an important task. He emphasized the need to prioritize improving the quality of education.

- Universities should prepare a new generation of domestic engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs capable of creating cutting-edge technologies that meet modern global needs. Earlier this year, we launched the AI-Sana program, through which over 440,000 students have already received specialized certificates in artificial intelligence. Such programs are extremely valuable, as they are the platforms through which the best projects can develop into startups and gain access to the international market. However, we must not forget that the global demand for artificial intelligence specialists is very high and will continue to grow, outpacing the education system's capacity to train them. Therefore, every specialist in their field, in addition to their core skills, must master digital skills and be able to apply the capabilities of AI in their work, - the President emphasized.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out that there is currently no specialized educational institution in the country that trains specialists in the field of AI, and that training itself is concentrated only in a few universities. In this context, he stated the need to take concrete decisions.

- This practice has long existed around the world. For example, the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence was established in the UAE. In Kazakhstan, more than 63,000 students are studying IT specialties at 79 universities. Since last year, the subject "Artificial Intelligence" has been widely introduced into educational programs. In addition, universities have AI research centers. Last year, qualified domestic scientists developed a unique language model for the Kazakh language, KazLLM. All of these are undoubtedly very important projects. However, we still have a lot of work to do, - the Head of State said.

According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the first priority is to establish a specialized research university in the field of AI in the country.

- Educational institutions should be granted special status. It is also important to involve the world's best universities as partners in this work. I instruct the Government to prepare specific proposals by the end of the year. The question may arise as to why Kazakhstan needs a new university of this kind. The main goal is to train qualified specialists who will implement artificial intelligence technologies in all sectors of the economy. The research university should function as a center for science, education, innovation, and international communications. Today, competition in the global market for knowledge and technology is extremely high. Therefore, talented young people should have the opportunity to receive a world-class education not only abroad, but also in their own country. The future of Kazakhstan depends on this, - said the President.

The Head of State believes it is necessary to ensure the widespread implementation of artificial intelligence in the education system.

- Personalized learning is a revolutionary opportunity. The traditional "one program for all" model no longer meets the demands of our time. Each student is unique. Some excel in mathematics but need additional support in languages; others show outstanding results in humanities but need more time for physics. AI could overcome this barrier. AI-based systems can form individual learning pathways, ensuring that each student develops at his own pace, realizes their potential, and gains confidence. Successful international examples already exist. In the United States, platforms such as DreamBox and Knewton adapt math courses for each student, while in South Korea AI is applied in language learning. For Kazakhstan, personalization has special meaning. As a multiethnic country, we must ensure equal conditions for all children, regardless of their linguistic, cultural, or educational background, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President named the creation of digital learner profiles as another key priority.

- They will record academic history, strengths, and achievements, helping optimize university programs and shorten the time to graduation. Moreover, based on digital profile, AI can build a system of career guidance. Students should be offered development pathways, elective courses, and projects aligned with their aptitudes and potential. This will help identify future engineers, researchers, doctors, teachers, and entrepreneurs in advance, enabling each person to fulfill their potential and find a worthy place in life. I instruct the Government to establish a national system of digital learner profiles, integrated with the new AI University, - he stated.

The President emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence to automate teachers' routine tasks.

- Algorithms can generate individualized assignments and practice tests, grade them to speed up feedback for students. This will allow teachers to focus on their core mission - mentorship. No technology can replace the empathy and guidance of a teacher. The human bond between teacher and student must remain at the heart of education. Therefore, while introducing AI in educational processes, the Government must be guided by the principle of maximizing relief from routine workloads as well as creating favorable conditions for teachers, - the Head of State added.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev identified expanding access to quality education as another pressing task.

- The widespread use of AI will create real conditions for reducing the gap in educational standards between the center and the regions, and between cities and villages. This is especially true for small schools. The introduction of artificial intelligence technologies is also crucial for providing comprehensive support to children with special educational needs. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive educational environment. This is one of the fundamental conditions for building a Just Kazakhstan, - he said.

According to the Head of State, artificial intelligence has a positive impact on the development and dissemination of knowledge. He emphasized that while mastering modern technologies, it is necessary to preserve the identity, culture, and values ​​of the people, while also considering the benefits and risks of new trends. He stated that narratives alien to our worldview should not penetrate the education system. Ultimately, artificial intelligence should serve the interests of the people.

- Thus, advanced technologies should not cause any damage to our spirituality, historical heritage, and unique culture. The content and quality of educational materials must be accurate. Algorithms can produce inaccurate or simplified information. I repeat, artificial intelligence can be used as an aid in education. However, it is people, not machines, who should be responsible for the quality and content of education. Teachers should remain the main guarantors of the reliability of knowledge, ensuring that materials comply with state standards, scientific criteria, and cultural values. Therefore, the government should develop a national educational platform that will allow the creation of high-quality content that meets state standards. I would like to emphasize that we must use our own developments in the field of artificial intelligence, - said the Head of State.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the importance of considering the risks of introducing artificial intelligence into education.

- First and foremost, this concerns the ethical component, the unscrupulous use of artificial intelligence. By relying on the answers provided by neural networks, students may lose their skills in critical thinking, independent learning, and analysis. Artificial intelligence should enhance the educational process, not replace its fundamental principles. Therefore, the government must take a set of measures to ensure academic integrity, the Head of State instructed.

The President then pointed out the need to take into account the inevitable transformation of the labor market.

- It is already clear today that many professions will gradually be replaced by automated systems. This will lead to the release of a significant proportion of the workforce and an increase in the number of specialists with outdated skills. This is a very important issue. If it is not addressed, the risks of social consequences such as rising unemployment, declining quality of life, and increased inequality will increase. However, AI can also contribute to solving the problem. AI technologies are capable of analyzing the professional competencies of workers, identifying their strengths, and recommending the most promising paths for development. We need to act proactively, creating broad opportunities for retraining and upskilling the workforce. And there is no need to spend millions of budget funds on creating cumbersome retraining centers. We need to make smart use of the potential of artificial intelligence. The main task is to turn the risk of job losses into an opportunity for millions of citizens. In other words, the enormous potential of artificial intelligence must be used to create new jobs, strengthen human capital, and accelerate the country's socio-economic development. I instruct the Government to launch a national AI-based online platform for retraining laid-off workers for future professions, - the President said.

In closing his speech, the Head of State emphasized that national interests must be the primary focus of Kazakhstan's digital strategy.

- This isn't just about artificial intelligence. It's about our sovereignty and the fate of future generations. The government will carefully consider all the proposals made today. In conclusion, I would like to note that artificial intelligence is the primary driver of the digital economy. Therefore, I propose dedicating the next Council meeting to this topic, - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded.

The Council meeting was also addressed by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Sultan Al Olama, Founder of Sinovation Ventures and 01.ai Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of Cambrian Futures Olaf J. Groth, Chancellor of the University of California, San Diego Pradeep Khosla, Turing Award laureate John Hopcroft, Chairperson of the United Nations AI for Good Impact Initiative Ebtesam Almazrouei, Founder of Polynome Group Alexander Khanin, and CEO of Oxford Insights Richard Stirling.