BAKU, Trend, July
29. The Games of the Future in Astana will provide a
powerful impetus to the international phygital movement,
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the opening
ceremony of the tournament.
"Today we have gathered in the heart of the Great Steppe. Around
800 athletes from more than 30 countries have arrived in
Kazakhstan's capital. I am confident that the the Games of the
Future in Astana will give a powerful boost to the international
phygital movement at the intersection of traditional sports and the
cyber industry," Tokayev noted.
The President emphasized that the world is undergoing a profound
transformation, with new technologies fundamentally reshaping every
sphere of public life and even the foundations of human
existence.
"In line with the spirit of this new era, we are building a
fully digital state. Kazakhstan's Parliament has adopted the
Digital Code and a dedicated Law on Artificial Intelligence. These
legislative acts have provided a strong impetus to the development
of this critically important sector, confirming our country's
position among the world's advanced digital nations," he said.
Tokayev also highlighted that Kazakhstan's new Constitution,
which entered into force on July 1, represents a historic milestone
for the country.
"The Constitution creates favorable conditions for the dynamic
development of artificial intelligence while guaranteeing the
protection of citizens' rights in the digital environment. These
are fundamentally innovative provisions aimed at ensuring continued
progress," the President stated.
He further noted that declaring 2026 the Year of Digitalization
and Artificial Intelligence clearly reflects Kazakhstan's strategic
commitment to a digital future.
"We must achieve this strategic objective together as a society.
The country is systematically preparing a new generation of
specialists. Through the AI-Sana state program, hundreds of
thousands of young people have already acquired the skills and
competencies required for the digital economy," Tokayev said.
The President announced that the Artificial Intelligence
University will open its doors in Astana this autumn, while the
city will also host the International AI Film Festival dedicated to
movies created with neural networks.
Looking ahead, Tokayev revealed that Astana will welcome the
World Esports Championship under the auspices of the International
Esports Federation next year, describing it as just one of many
large-scale digital and innovation initiatives currently being
implemented across Kazakhstan.
