Kazakhstan is consistently building a digital state and betting on the development of artificial intelligence. This was stated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the opening ceremony of the international tournament 'Games of the Future – 2026', where he also spoke about new AI projects and personnel training. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the head of state, the world is undergoing large-scale changes, and new technologies are rapidly transforming all spheres of life.
The President noted that Kazakhstan has already adopted the Digital Code and a special law on artificial intelligence.
"We are building a fully digital state. These laws have given a powerful impetus to the development of this extremely important sphere. In other words, this step has become a clear confirmation of our country's entry into the ranks of advanced states," he emphasized.
Tokayev also recalled that on July 1, a new Constitution came into force in the country, which, in his words, creates a legal basis for the development of digital technologies.
"The fundamental law promotes the dynamic development of artificial intelligence in our country, guarantees the protection of citizens' rights in the digital environment. These are innovative provisions in their essence, oriented towards progress," the President stated.
The head of state added that declaring 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence confirms Kazakhstan's choice in favor of a digital future.
The President also spoke about projects that should strengthen Kazakhstan's position in the field of new technologies.
According to him, thanks to the state program AI-Sana, hundreds of thousands of young people have already acquired the necessary skills to work with artificial intelligence.
This autumn, the University of Artificial Intelligence will open in Astana. In addition, the capital will host the International Festival of Films Created with Neural Networks, and next year, the World Championship under the auspices of the International Esports Federation.
"And this is only a small part of the large-scale projects and initiatives being implemented in our country," Tokayev noted.
Speaking about the tournament itself, the President emphasized that the 'Games of the Future' reflect the spirit of a new era, combining traditional sports and modern technologies.
"The 'Games of the Future', which have united the energy of sports, the power of intellect, and the enormous potential of the digital era, perfectly fit into our common constructive development agenda," the head of state said.
He noted that the competitions help find a balance between the physical and virtual worlds, and also unite youth from different countries.
Addressing the participants, Tokayev emphasized that it is the younger generation that will determine the future.
"Your knowledge, talent, hard work, and determination are a strong, unshakable foundation for tomorrow's future," the President stated.
In conclusion, he expressed confidence that the 'Games of the Future' will strengthen friendship between countries and become another 'golden bridge' of unity and solidarity.
After the opening ceremony, the audience was presented with a large-scale theatrical show and a concert program featuring Kazakh pop stars.
Earlier, 'Kursiv' reported that the international multi-sport tournament 'Games of the Future – 2026' officially started in Astana.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the high level of organization and traditional Kazakh hospitality.
The opening ceremony was also attended by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, and head of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.
Recall that the large-scale event, combining physical sports and cyber disciplines (phygital sports), is taking place in the capital of Kazakhstan from July 29 to August 9. The competitions involve more than 800 athletes from 34 countries.
Participants will compete for medals in eight disciplines: phygital football, phygital basketball, phygital martial arts, phygital shooter, phygital dance, as well as Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and PUBG: Battlegrounds.