Kazakhstan leads digital innovation with new supercomputer and South-South cooperation initiatives

Kazakhstan is set to enhance its role in South-South cooperation by expanding partnerships with various development agencies, including those from Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand. This initiative aims to deliver scalable results in digital innovation and technology transfer, addressing the digital divide in developing nations.

During a recent high-level meeting at the United Nations, Kazakhstan highlighted its successful joint training initiatives with countries such as Azerbaijan, Japan, and Turkiye. These collaborations have already yielded practical outcomes, with Kazakhstan sharing its national digital solutions, including e-government modules, with Tajikistan, Sierra Leone, and Togo. This sharing exemplifies how South-South cooperation can create tangible impacts in improving governance and digital access.

Kazakhstan's advancements in digital governance are noteworthy, as reflected in its rankings in global surveys. The United Nations e-government survey for 2024 places Kazakhstan 24th worldwide, while the International Institute for Management Development ranks it 34th in digital competitiveness. The country has also introduced Central Asia's most powerful supercomputer, which is expected to drive breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and scientific research.

Looking ahead, Kazakhstan is collaborating with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to establish a center for digital solutions in Almaty. This center will serve as a hub for high-tech transfer, supporting countries in the Asia-Pacific region through South-South and triangular cooperation modalities.

Additionally, Kazakhstan is proud to host the United Nations Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. This center, initiated by the Kazakh president, aims to coordinate regional development programs, attract international financing, and foster innovation, showcasing Kazakhstan's commitment to multilateral development and regional solidarity.

Kazakhstan has also co-founded the Astana Civil Service Hub with UNDP, which now includes 43 participating states across five continents. This platform facilitates the exchange of knowledge in civil service reform and capacity building, helping governments enhance their institutional performance.

In summary, Kazakhstan's proactive approach in South-South cooperation not only aims to bridge the digital divide but also emphasizes the importance of uniting least developed countries in addressing shared challenges. The country’s initiatives are poised to create significant advancements in regional development and innovation.