Annual review of foreign media on Kazakhstan in 2024
The year 2024 brought numerous prominent news topics to the forefront of international media. Kazakhstan also garnered significant attention from various foreign press outlets. In this report, prepared by a Kazinform News Agency correspondent, we present our annual review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in international mass media.
Euronews: Euroviews. Middle powers have the power to save multilateralism
In an article for Euronews, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his views on Kazakhstan's role in the world, emphasizing the nation's dedication to multilateralism and its pursuit of new platforms for global dialogue and cooperative efforts.
According to the President today's world is marked by extraordinary geopolitical turbulence and persistent conflict, and the need for multilateral solutions has never been more urgent.
Wars in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands, whilst climate change is leaving millions hungrier, vulnerable, and displaced. These conflicts appear beyond resolution, with no hope in sight, says Tokayev.
Amidst this global discord, the traditional powerhouses - the world’s economic and political behemoths - are increasingly unable to work together.
“The veto power held by permanent members of the United Nations Security Council often results in deadlock, preventing decisive actions against global crises and leading to repeat scenarios where unilateralism is favored over collective action. This weakens multilateralism and the credibility of international institutions”, explains Tokayev.
Despite not having the same global influence as superpowers, countries like Kazakhstan have the economic and military resources, as well as the political will and diplomatic skill, to significantly impact issues such as food and energy security, green transitions, and the sustainability of supply chains.
“Unburdened by the complexities of superpower politics, our agility enables us to navigate intricate diplomatic terrains and carve paths toward compromise and reconciliation,” explains Tokayev.
Unlike superpowers, which may see these institutions as constraints, middle powers depend on them to resolve disputes, protect their territorial integrity, and tackle collective challenges like climate change and pandemics.
Kazakhstan has always been deeply committed to multilateralism, continuously seeking new forums for international dialogue and collaborative action, says Tokayev.
Eureporter: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan: Architect of Modernization and Diplomatic Vision
According to Eureporter, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the current President of Kazakhstan, has been at the forefront of significant political, economic, and social reforms since assuming office in March 2019. His presidency marks a new chapter in Kazakhstan's post-Soviet history, characterized by a strategic blend of modernization, diplomacy, and a commitment to socio-economic development, as quoted in the article.
President Tokayev has achieved political openness and democratic governance, implementing reforms to increase political transparency and citizen participation. Key measures introduced since 2020 include simplifying party registration, lowering parliamentary entry thresholds, and promoting greater legislative representation for women and youth, enhancing Kazakhstan’s democratic landscape.
Tokayev’s administration has prioritized economic diversification beyond oil and gas, focusing on non-extractive sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and digital technology. The “Digital Kazakhstan” initiative is central to this strategy, aiming to boost the digital economy through improved infrastructure and innovation, thus attracting investment and growing the tech sector.
“In response to public concerns about economic inequality, Tokayev has increased social spending, particularly in areas such as housing, healthcare, and education. The construction of affordable housing units and the expansion of healthcare services are key components of his social agenda, aimed at providing better living standards and access to essential services for the population,” the article quotes.
An experienced diplomat, Tokayev has strengthened Kazakhstan’s international relations, promoting regional stability and global cooperation through bodies like the EAEU and the SCO. His diplomatic efforts have bolstered Kazakhstan’s role in peace initiatives and global issues like climate change and nuclear disarmament.
National Geographic: Why 2024 is the prime time to discover Kazakhstan
As National Geographic reports, the vast grasslands of the Great Steppe stretch across Central Asia, presenting a dramatic landscape that is largely untouched by travelers, except for the occasional horse rider or nomad. However, Kazakhstan is beginning to showcase its modern side to the world through its cities, events, and transport hubs. With direct flights from London and 30-day visa-free access for UK visitors, exploring Kazakhstan’s unique culture and landscapes is now more accessible than ever, the article quotes.
Most visitors start their journey in Kazakhstan by arriving in Almaty, located in the forest-rich southeast. The city is nestled among green mountains dotted with pine and birch trees, hiding vast lakes and horse-back trails.
“In Kolsai Lakes National Park, Lake Kaindy’s cerulean waters draw the most attention. Here, a landslide triggered by an earthquake formed a natural dam and submerged a spruce forest beneath the surface of the lake. It’s now surrounded by picturesque hiking trails and secluded accommodation options,” the article quotes.
For equally dramatic yet drastically different scenery, one should travel from Almaty to Charyn Canyon. Easily traversable, this vast red and golden gorge is cut through by a walkable or driveable (in a 4x4) trail guiding visitors to dizzying desert viewpoints.
For those interested in exploring central Kazakhstan, one must take the train journey to the region of Turkistan and the historic Silk Road city of Shymkent. Shymkent, a city that dates back to the fourth century, has been a hub for Sufi sheikhs, Mongol leaders, and Islamic scholars under the Timurids. Visitors can explore its well-preserved Uzbek architecture and Persian designs, walk among turquoise-tiled domes of ancient mausoleums, and along the battlements of its old city walls. It serves as an excellent base for further exploration in the Turkistan Region.
Further west, the port city of Aktau provides access to the Mangistau Region’s Caspian shores and its striking landscapes. This region features colorful geology, dramatic gorges, and fossil-rich canyons where paleontologists have discovered evidence of life dating back 50 million years, including dinosaurs and mammoths.
These regions are steeped in the traditions of the nomadic steppe people. Today, visitors can experience horse riding displays, falconry, and local cuisine like beshbarmak, served with fermented milk, or qurt, a cheese made from goat’s or camel’s milk traditionally churned during horseback journeys.
Euractive: Kazakhstan prepares to host World Nomad Games with European competitors
According to Euractive, the upcoming fifth edition of the World Nomad Games is poised to be a grand affair, taking place from 8-13 September in Astana. Nail Nurov, Head of the Directorate for the event, shares that this year’s Jubilee Games will not only focus on traditional sports but will also incorporate a rich cultural program and scientific competitions.
Since its inception in 2014, the Games have grown from 18 participating countries to an impressive 88, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive and diverse representations of cultural heritage sports. This surge in participation is attributed to the increasing awareness and appreciation for ethnic and historical sports amidst the crises facing traditional Olympics, such as doping scandals and politicization.
This year’s World Nomad Games mark a significant shift. Unlike previous editions held in rural areas, the committee chosen the capital city of Kazakhstan as the venue, showcasing the nation’s advanced infrastructure and technological capabilities alongside its rich cultural heritage.
“Kazakhstan is a fast-developing country, boasting cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure. By hosting the Games here, we demonstrate that tradition and progress can coexist harmoniously,” adds Nurov.
The Games also serve as a significant platform for business and diplomatic engagement, indirectly fostering relationships among the international community. Over 20,000 guests from Europe are expected, alongside key political figures from Central Asia and beyond.
According to Nail Nurov from a business perspective, the World Nomad Games primarily influence tourism. These games attract a unique demographic - tourists who seek experiences beyond traditional seaside holidays. They are drawn to explore different cultures and engage in more extreme sports.
“While the organizers don’t explicitly view the World Nomad Games as a global business platform, it inevitably becomes a massive venue for interpersonal communication,” concludes Nurov.
BBC: Wild horses return to Kazakh plain after centuries
BBC reports that endangered wild horses have returned to the Golden Steppe of Kazakhstan for the first time in at least 200 years after decades-long efforts.
The airlifts of seven Przewalski's Horses from Europe to the Central Asian country took place in early June in an operation run by Prague Zoo.
Researchers told the BBC that the horses are already doing well two weeks in: roaming around the plains and even beginning the mating process.
Zoo officials say it's a triumph of generations of conservation work.
While the horses have been slowly reintroduced to Mongolia and China in recent decades, this operation marks the first time they are back in Kazakhstan.
The Przewalski's Horse is the last wild horse species on the planet, named after Russian explorer Nikolai Przewalski who was the first to identify the horse for the European science community.
The species originated millennia ago from the steppes of Central Asia and was taken by researchers to Europe and North America in the 19th and 20th Centuries, where populations were established in zoos. Some of them ended up in zoos in Munich and Prague - it's their descendants that have now been reintroduced in Kazakhstan.
The first group of horses that came back to Kazakhstan last week consists of one stallion and six mares. It aims to bring in at least 40 more over the next five years.
Reuters: Judo: Smetov wins men’s -60kg gold for Kazakhstan
Accroding to Reuters, Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan won the gold medal in the under 60kg judo at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
Luka Mkheidze of France took the silver, while Ryuju Nagayama of Japan and Spain’s Francisco Garrigos earlier won bronze.
NL Times: Siberian tigers moved to Kazakhstan by the World Wide Fund for Nature
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) brought two Siberian tigers from the Netherlands to Kazakhstan last weekend, reports NL Times. The male and female tigers, Kuma and Bohdana, will live in a large fenced enclosure in the Ili Balkash Reserve. WWF hopes their offspring will be the first wild tigers in the Asian country, where the species has been extinct for over 70 years.
There are currently 5,500 tigers in the wild globally. They mainly stay in densely populated area, which regularly leads to incidents with people. This is why the WWF is looking for possibilities to expand their living areas to sparsely populated areas, which led them to Kazakhstan. The goal is for there to be around 50 tigers in the country by 2035.
“After almost 20 years at WWF, this is one of the most special projects I've ever worked on. Because who could have imagined this 15 years ago when we nearly lost the tigers in the wild?" said Gert Polet, a wildlife expert at WWF-NL. “The fact that we are now standing here after years of work offers hope for nature recovery and endangered animal species worldwide.”
The animals were transferred from the Netherlands to Kazakhstan by cargo plane and helicopter in special transport crates. They are currently acclimatizing in a temporary stay area before being released in the reservation’s fenced area, which is as big as Gelderland.
“We want the best possible future for all the animals in our care, preferably one as close to their natural habitat as possible. It is a dream for our organization that with this project, we can contribute to a species conservation program for tigers in a country where they once belonged,” said Robert Kruijff, director of the Lion Foundation, where the tigers come from.
The Diplomat: Kazakhstan sets date for nuclear power plant referendum
According to The Diplomat, On October 6, Kazakhstan will hold a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant.
Amid an extensive address delivered on September 2 opening the new parliament session, Tokayev announced the referendum date, and the next day the necessary presidential decree was issued. In his speech, Tokayev said, “Given the growing global energy deficit, we are in dire need of reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources.”
According to the IEA, as of 2021, 48.8% of Kazakhstan’s total energy supply comes from coal, followed by oil at 24.9%, and natural gas at 24.7%. Hydropower accounts for 1.2%, with 0.4% from renewables like solar and wind.
Kazakhstan holds 12% of global uranium reserves and produces 43% of the world’s uranium. A referendum on constructing a nuclear power plant will be held on October 6.
UNDP: The achievements of Kazakhstan in the conservation of the snow leopard
According to UNDP, the snow leopard is a living symbol of Kazakhstan and has important social and cultural significance.
It inhabits regions like the Western Tien Shan, Altai, and other mountain ranges that extend into China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan’s snow leopard population, crucial for international research, faces challenges due to human encroachment and habitat degradation, leading to a decline in numbers by the late 20th century. By 1995, only 80-100 remained.
Listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List and protected by all countries where it is found, the snow leopard faces threats from human activities and climate change. Urbanization, tourism, agriculture, poaching, and climate change all threaten the snow leopard’s habitat and prey, impacting mountain ecosystems where it resides.
Recognizing the threat, Kazakhstan launched conservation efforts, including “The Strategy for the Conservation of the Snow Leopard” and “The National Action Plans”. Protected areas have been expanded, and the population has grown, thanks to habitat restoration and stronger protection measures. UNDP and other initiatives have supported these efforts with advanced monitoring, increasing the number of snow leopards in protected areas.
Significant progress includes sightings of snow leopards in new regions and the discovery of breeding groups in places like the Altyn Emel National Park. The use of satellite telemetry since 2021 has tracked their movements across borders, revealing migration routes to China and Kyrgyzstan. This data aids in managing protected areas and guiding conservation efforts.
To protect the species, UNDP has worked to establish new protected areas and expand existing ones, covering millions of hectares. A 2024 agreement between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan focuses on joint efforts to conserve the snow leopard in key mountain areas. These initiatives aim to safeguard the snow leopard as an indicator of healthy mountain ecosystems, reflecting the well-being of nature and local communities.
Euro News: Kazakhstan's eGov revolution: How digital services are transforming the economy and society
Kazakhstan’s Digital Kazakhstan initiative is reshaping public services and the economy. With 80% of services now automated and 120,000 jobs created, the program has revolutionised accessibility and efficiency, Euro News reports.
The country’s eGov portal provides seamless online services for citizens and businesses, while KazPost is expanding its logistics capabilities to reach rural areas and global markets.
In addition, Kazakhstan’s introduction of the Neo Nomad Visa aims to attract skilled digital professionals and position the country as a hub for innovation and growth in Central Asia.
The country’s eGov portal provides seamless online services for citizens and businesses, while KazPost is expanding its logistics capabilities to reach rural areas and global markets.
In addition, Kazakhstan’s introduction of the Neo Nomad Visa aims to attract skilled digital professionals and position the country as a hub for innovation and growth in Central Asia.
You can read last week’s weekly digest of what foreign media posted about Kazakhstan here.
