C5+1 AI Meeting to Be Held in Astana as Part of AI MONTH 2026
Central Asian nations are advancing regional cooperation in high technology by joining forces to create a shared digital space and secure AI infrastructure. AI MONTH 2026—a marathon of technology-focused events—serves as the practical platform for this intergovernmental and expert dialogue.
A key component of this international program is the dedicated "C5+1" meeting, scheduled for September 29–30. The event will focus on strategic cooperation between Central Asian countries and the United States in the field of artificial intelligence. Representatives from the public sector, relevant government agencies, international organizations, and the region's IT community will discuss AI regulation, workforce development, the joint expansion of computing infrastructure, and mechanisms for strengthening technological sovereignty.
The KazHackStan international cybersecurity conference will also take place alongside the forum. More than 100 international experts will address issues such as data protection, malware analysis, and emerging cyber threat vectors arising in the era of rapid AI technology adoption.
The month’s key public event will be the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international forum (October 1–3). The forum will feature events showcasing the technology’s global reach, ranging from the HackAlem AI global hackathon—held in partnership with OpenAI and NVIDIA and boasting a $1.5 million prize pool—to the Eurasian Venture Capital LP Summit and the Astana AI Film Festival.
The systematic nature of these events confirms that Central Asia is confidently transforming into a rapidly developing hub where a shared digital agenda, technological entrepreneurship, and the adoption of artificial intelligence are becoming vital drivers of economic growth for the entire region.
