A Smarter World, Together: AI’s Role in Solving Global Challenges

Supplied by Astana International Forum 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often described as a disruptive force, reshaping industries, economies, and the very nature of work. Yet, beyond its technological advances, AI presents the world with something even more powerful: a rare opportunity to unite.

Historically, the introduction of breakthrough technologies has widened global inequalities−placing the most advanced tools in the hands of a few while leaving others to catch up. Today, the world stands at a crossroads; AI can either reinforce old divisions or become the great equalizer of our time. The choice lies in collective action.

For AI to truly benefit humanity, emerging economies must be brought into the global AI ecosystem−not as spectators, but as active participants. At the same time, developed economies and leading technology companies can gain by expanding AI’s reach, unlocking new markets, diverse talent and innovative applications.

AI should not remain a luxury reserved for a select few. It should serve as a shared engine of progress, addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, economic inclusion, and public health.

Kazakhstan has embraced AI not merely as a tool for modernization, but as a bridge to a more inclusive global future.

AI as a global development accelerator

As one of the world’s largest and most geographically diverse nations, Kazakhstan recognizes the challenges of scaling innovation across vast distances, economic sectors, and communities. AI has become the national accelerator for overcoming these barriers.

In agriculture, AI-powered analytics are helping farmers optimize land use, increase crop yields, and reduce losses by up to 30%, ensuring food security for millions. In government services, Egov 3.0−a digital platform powered by AI-driven virtual assistants–is being developed to simplify bureaucracy, cut service times, and expand access to essential services, allowing citizens to interact with their government in seconds, not hours.

However, Kazakhstan’s ambitions extend further. A sovereign AI ecosystem is being built–one that is not dependent on external technologies but fully integrated into global AI advancements. The national AI platform, set to launch in 2025, will serve as a secure foundation for AI-driven governance, supporting 50 AI agents in ministries and regional authorities. Meanwhile, KazLLM and AlemLLM, Kazakhstan’s large language models, are ensuring that AI technologies reflect and serve diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.

These are not just national projects. They are contributions to a broader vision–where AI development is inclusive, collaborative, and global.

Investing in the AI workforce of tomorrow

The future of AI will be determined not by algorithms alone, but by the people who create, refine, and apply them. Without broad access to AI education and training, there is a risk of creating a future where technological progress is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Kazakhstan is addressing this challenge by committing to train 1 million citizens−from students and researchers to civil servants and entrepreneurs−in AI by 2030. This initiative represents an investment not only in Kazakhstan’s workforce but also in the global AI talent pool, ensuring that AI expertise is cultivated across diverse regions and economies.

By sharing knowledge, best practices, and educational initiatives globally, there is an opportunity to democratize AI’s potential. No country, company, or research institution can solve AI’s greatest challenges alone. Open collaboration remains the only way forward.

A call for a united AI future

Kazakhstan’s AI journey is a testament to a simple truth: when emerging economies are given the tools and opportunities to innovate, they do not merely participate in shaping the future−they help define it.

This commitment underpins Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) to contribute to international discussions on ethical AI practices, regulatory frameworks, and responsible innovation. Through the Astana International Forum, taking place May 29–30, 2025 under the theme “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future,” Kazakhstan is convening global leaders to ensure AI is developed in ways that serve all of humanity−not just those who can afford to lead the race.

The world does not need another technological arms race; it needs an AI-driven coalition that unites governments, businesses, and researchers to ensure that AI serves as a solution to our greatest global challenges, not a new source of division.

For those who view AI purely as a competitive advantage, Kazakhstan offers a different perspective: AI’s greatest potential lies not in domination, but in shared progress. Kazakhstan has chosen to embrace AI as a force for unity, innovation, and shared prosperity.