Chronicle of the Main Events of the Institute in 2018 ______

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______

CHRONICLE OF THE MAIN EVENTS OF THE INSTITUTE IN 2018

January 10, 2018 in Almaty, Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies at President of the Republic of Kazakhstan together with Al Farabi Kazakh national University and the Association of sociologists of Kazakhstan held a round table «New quality human capital " by the President's book Of The Republic Of Kazakhstan N. A. Nazarbayev " Era Independences». The round table was attended by the participation of leading experts of scientific research institutes, University professors, sociologists, political scientists, analysts, public figures of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of the media. The event participants discussed the new quality of human capital in the context of development of education, science, culture, sports, investment in human capital, development of the state language, formation of new personnel for industrializations. The book of Elbasa is a holistic, historical and philosophical work that reflects the path of development Kazakhstani's. It provides a description of the stagesconstruction of a sovereign state from the moment its foundations, prospects, and future development trajectory. In his book, the Chapter state reveals the internal logic and decision-making mechanism in response to those internal and external challenges before the Republic. The book clearly reflects the essence Kazakhstan's development model, its evolution, basic principles, mechanisms, and driving forces.The "era of Independence" chronologically reflects the 33 main results, achieved by Kazakhstan during the years of Independence. These, first of all, include building a modern strong state, international legal registration state borders, a unique model interethnic and interfaith harmony,closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site,creating a market economy from scratch, appearance of the national currency – tenge,construction of a new capital – Astana, creation modern Armed Forces, large-scale innovative industrialization, social modernization, presidency of the OSCE and other authoritative international organization, early implementation Of the strategy "Kazakhstan2030" and the country's development Strategy until 2050, Five institutional reforms, the holding of the international exhibition EXPO-2017 andmany other key achievements of the country.

January 18, 2018 at the Central a press conference was also held experts Kishi on the topic of "Strategic objectives Messages-2018: new opportunities". The event was attended by the Director of the Institute Zarema Shaukenova, chief researcher Vyacheslav Dodonov, head of The Department of social and political research of Alua Zholdybalina, head of social and economic research Lyazat Nurkatova,researcher of

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______Department of socio-political studies Slyamzhar Ahmedzharov, and media representatives. In their speeches, the speakers stressed that the Message Of the President of Kazakhstan to the people Kazakhstan's "New development opportunities in the context of the fourth industrial revolution" is a systematic plan of measures that will ensure the quality of life and growth of social well-being in society in the conditions of unstable economic conditions. Today, Kazakhstan is on the verge of changes for a new breakthrough in economic and social development. KISI employees gave expert comments on 10 priority tasks for the development of the country, presented in the address of the Head of state.

On January 24, 2018, the Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a presentation of the monograph of the chief researcher of Kishi, a well-known scientist and economist Vyacheslav Dodonov "Financial factors of changes in the economic growth of Japan". The presentation was attended by the author of the monograph V.Y.Dodonov, Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Of Japan to the Republic of Kazakhstan Ichiro Kawabata, responsible employees of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Kazakhstan, leading Kazakh experts in the field of world economy and international relations, University professors, representatives of state bodies and public figures.. The last in the book economic history of Japan – rapid economic growth and "Japanese economic keremetinen" the beginning of the 90's and the financial crisis, and then in the "abenomics" provided for during the implementation of the policy. The book is devoted to the study of the role of the state budget and state-owned companies in the development of the Japanese economy, as well as the impact of specific economic processes on the formation and current state of public debt. The author of the book, Vyacheslav Dodonov, noted that in the modern world, Japan has become the object of research and has become an example of implementing an effective economic policy, and in different countries there has been an attempt to use this experience. However, in the early 90's, the country experienced a sharp decline in the stock market, the real estate market, and a large-scale financial crisis that led to problems in the banking sector and other problems. From this crisis, the Japanese economy has not yet been able to recover, experiencing stagnation called the "Lost decade". The growth and decline of the Japanese economy arouse serious scientific envy, on the one hand, demonstrating the possibility of rapid and highly effective development, and on the other-the possibility of losing these achievements very quickly due to the financial crisis. The change in Japan's growth from the period of "economic miracles" to the long-term depression associated with changes in the nature of financial factors requires analysis, including it is very important from the point of view of creating an effective economic model in Kazakhstan. Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Of Japan to the Republic of Kazakhstan Ichiro Kawabata congratulated Kishi and V. Y. Dodonov on the publication of the monograph and thanked them for the analysis of the modern economic model of Japan. in his opinion, this will be more interesting not only for readers of Kazakhstan, but also for Japan, and will undoubtedly help Japanese specialists in this topic.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______

The meeting of experts, held at the Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS), was attended by Vice- Minister of foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev and responsible employees of the Ministry, management and employees of KazISS, including Director Zarema Shaukenova, Deputy Director Sanat Koshkimbayev, scientific Secretary Kazbek Isaev and other experts. The meeting was also attended by representatives of a number of Kazakhstan expert structures, including Deputy Director of the Library of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Leader of the Nation Timur Shaimergenov, Director Of the Institute of diplomacy of the Academy of public administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Anuar Ayazbekov, Director Of the Institute of modern studies of ENU.L. N. Gumileva Mukhit-Ardager Sydyknazarov, head of the program "Eurasian studies" at the Foundation of the first President of Kazakhstan Ruslan Izimov and others. The main topic of discussion was such topical issues as Kazakhstan's presidency of the UN Security Council, Kazakh-American relations, regional cooperation and security in Central Asia, and the situation in Afghanistan.

On January 29, 2018, a round table "Kazakhstan's mission to maintain peace" was held in KISI, dedicated to the book "The era of Independence"by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. The event was attended by leading experts of research institutes and universities of the country, public figures and representatives of the media. Experts discussed "Kazakhstan model of development" foreign policy network in the context of state cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and the Turkic world and building a multi-vector diplomacy involving the consistent Western stance "path to Europe" but also The biggest political achievements on the platform of organizations such as the OSCE and the UN.

On January 30, 2018, a Memorandum of cooperation was signed between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of national economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The document was signed within the framework of the international conference "The Role of mind centers in Kazakhstan". Within the framework of the Memorandum, long- term cooperation of structures in the field of joint scientific and analytical research in areas of mutual interest will be carried out. In particular, it is planned to organize and hold joint round tables, scientific forums, seminars, conferences and other events on international relations, global politics, economy, security, energy, sociology, communications and other major trends.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______On January 31, 2018, the annual "Global Go To Think Tank Index Report" rating of research and analytical centers of the world was presented by the University of Pennsylvania, which is considered the most authoritative world rating of "think centers". At the end of 2017, in the global ranking of "Top leading think tanks in the world (excluding research centers in the United States)", KISI took the 140th position (in 2016, for the first time entering this top, KISI took the 147th position). The rating is compiled within the framework of the "Think tanks and civil society" program under the guidance of Professor James Mcgahn. The American University analyzed the activities of 7815 "think tanks" in 2017, 28 of which represented Kazakhstan. Once again, KISI became the only Kazakhstan "think tank" included in the main rating, confirming its special status. In addition, the rating includes 55 different categories, which, in turn, are combined into 4 main groups. In some categories of the rating, Kishi also improved and maintained its positions. The rating is based on the results of a survey of evaluated centers, as well as more than 4 thousand journalists, politicians and experts in the field of economic and political research. At the final stage, a group of authoritative experts takes part in compiling the rating, and the final ranking is based on their opinions. The rating is based on more than 30 different criteria that structure think tanks based on geographical location, functional and organizational orientation, quality and reputation of scientific and analytical work, "recognition" of the center, the number of briefings and official meetings, as well as a number of nominations for special achievements. The presentation of the global rating "Global Go To Think Tank Index Report" was preceded by the annual global forum Why Think Tanks Matter 2018, during which various events were held simultaneously in 150 cities around the world, including Astana.

21 February 2018 in Almaty, Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a round table "potential for Modernization of Kazakhstan: growth points", which discussed the tasks set in the President of RK N. And. Nazarbayev to people of Kazakhstan. With a welcome word from the organizers of the event were Director of the Archive of the President of Kazakhstan Boris Djaparov, Deputy Director of KazISS under the President of Kazakhstan Madina Nurgalieva. Speakers noted that the President's address to people of Kazakhstan "New possibilities of development in the context of the Fourth industrial revolution" is a logical continuation of the country's modernization process and is associated with the development Strategy "Kazakhstan- 2050", the national Plan - "100 steps" program article of the head of state "Bolashakka Badar: Rouhani gear". The scientific event was also attended by Shavkat Sabirov, President of the Internet Association of Kazakhstan, Leonid Gurevich, President of BISAM Central Asia, Manat Seidumanov, chief physician Of the city clinical hospital No. 4 in Almaty, Bela Syrlybayeva, managing Director for strategic initiatives of Tech Garden, and Vyacheslav Dodonov, chief scientific officer of KazISS.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______On February 22-23, 2018, Astana hosted the international conference "25th anniversary of European Union-Central Asia relations: from the past to the future", organized by the European Union Mission in Kazakhstan. The event brought together more than 150 participants from the EU and Central Asia, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, the expert community, public opinion leaders, civil society, business associations, international organizations and the media. The conference was attended by Minister of foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov, EU Special representative for Central Asia Peter Burian, heads of EU missions in Central Asia, international experts, including: Krzysztof Strahota, head of the Department for research of Turkey, Caucasus and Central Asia Of the center for Eastern studies (Poland), Nicolas de Pedro, expert of the Barcelona center for international relations (Spain), Muzaffar Olimov, Director of the center for research "shark" (Tajikistan), Emilbek Juraev, Professor of the American University of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan), Botir Tursunov Deputy Director of the Institute for strategic and interregional studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ilain Konkievich, representative of the UN Women structure, Helen Dubok, head of the EU project on gender research in Central Asia, Alma Kasymova, Director for Kazakhstan of the EBRD program "Consultations for small businesses" and others. The conference participants discussed bilateral and regional relations in the political, economic, trade and project spheres, as well as prospects for future partnership and expansion of relations; common security challenges for the EU and Central Asia: the human dimension of security; gender equality and human development; a new generation of partnership agreements with the EU: trade and business; and a new EU strategy for Central Asia. At the conference, Deputy Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of Kazakhstan Sanat Kushkumbayev made a presentation. he noted the importance of inter-regional cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia, the attractiveness of the EU as a collective value- motivated partner. In addition, the speech noted that the EU plays a special role in balancing the interests of various players in the Central Asian region. In the light of recent developments in the region, the EU's support for development issues is important in terms of enhancing cooperation processes in Central Asia. In this context, the EU for Central Asia is a positive example of the effectiveness of regional interaction and cooperation. Also, on the sidelines of the conference, the Deputy Director of the CIS held a number of bilateral meetings with colleagues from partner analytical centers. In particular, expert discussions were held with Botir Tursunov, Deputy Director of the Institute for strategic and interregional studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Krzysztof Strahota, head of the Department for research of Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia of the center for Eastern studies (Poland).

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______On February 28, 2018, the Library of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy hosted the international conference "Kazakhstan-Russia: an Alliance aimed at the future". The conference was attended by heads and responsible employees of state bodies, well-known scientists, representatives of analytical structures and other organizations of Kazakhstan and Russia. At the conference, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Azamat Abdymomunov announced the greeting of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. In turn, the greeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin was announced by Vladimir Chernov, head of the Russian President's office for interregional and cultural relations with foreign countries. The plenary session was moderated by Oleg Soskovets, President of The Russian Union of commodity producers, President Of the Association of financial and industrial groups, Chairman of the coordinating Council of the Eurasian Business Council, and Bakhtiar Maken, member of the Majilis Of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, member of the Committee on economic reform and regional development. The event was made by a Member of the Board (Minister) for integration and macroeconomics of the Eurasian economic Commission Tatiana Valovaya, Deputy President of the Senate of Parliament of Kazakhstan Sergey Gromov, the Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots, Omahan Umakhanov, first Deputy foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi, Secretary of state – Deputy Minister of foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Grigory Karasin, Chairman of chamber of Commerce of Kazakhstan Ayan Eregenov, Vice- President of the chamber of Commerce and industry Vladimir Padalko, and many others.. The conference of the KazISS was attended by Director Zarema Shaukenova, Deputy Director Sanat Kushkumbayev, employees Of the Department of foreign policy and international security Kymbat Nurgalieva, Anastasia Reshetnyak and Adilkhan Gadelshiev. The Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of Kazakhstan spoke at the first session of the conference "the Role of Greater Eurasia in modern international relations". Zarema Shaukenova noted that the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation have built a multi-format structure of interaction on different economic and military-political platforms (EEU, CSTO, SCO), which has allowed generating new approaches and contributions to international relations. Relying on the support of its ally in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan has passed the stages of foreign policy growth from the OSCE Chairman to the presidency of the UN Security Council. Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia in the areas of security and peacekeeping is one of the main vectors of development of relations between the countries in bilateral and multilateral formats. The historical connectedness caused by

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______neighborhood factors and geographical contiguity was expressed in the formation of stable allied relations and joint efforts to solve emerging international problems and crises. To date, it is difficult to imagine the security architecture of Eurasia under construction without the participation of Russia and Kazakhstan, which stood at their origins and took a direct part in their institutional design. The Director of the KazISS stressed that effective interaction between Kazakhstan and Russia allowed to launch the Astana process for the settlement of the Syrian conflict. Nuclear security and disarmament is another important area of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.

On March 1, 2018, Astana hosted the round table "Central Asia: prospects for cooperation and security challenges", organized by the Institute of world economy and policy (IMEP) under the Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The round table was attended by heads and responsible employees of state institutions, representatives of the expert community and the media. Reports were made by IMEP Director Yerzhan Saltybayev, Director of the CIS Department of the MFA of Kazakhstan Valikhan turekhanov, Deputy head of the Analytical Department of the security Council of Kazakhstan Yerlan Shamishev, Director Of the Institute of diplomacy of the Academy of public administration under the President of Kazakhstan Anuar Ayazbekov, IMEP expert Zhumabek Sarabekov. The key topic of discussion was the first consultative meeting of the heads of Central Asian States to be held in Astana on March 15, 2018. The participants of the round table focused on the dynamics of inter-country and regional cooperation, initiatives emanating from Uzbekistan as one of the key States of Central Asia. Experts stressed the importance of developing a consolidated regional agenda and the need to focus on pragmatic and mutually beneficial goals. Deputy Director Sanat Kushkumbayev took part in the round table on behalf of KazISS.he noted that the diverse experience of regional cooperation in Central Asia can contribute to a better understanding of the current state and prospects for potential interaction. Taking into account the lessons of the past, there is no need to rush to institutionalize interstate or supranational structures, and it is important to focus on the effectiveness of agreements and agreements reached. Step-by-step, realistic and achievable goals should become key approaches in bilateral and multilateral cooperation in Central Asia.

On March 6, 2018, the Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan held an Expert Discussion Session on "Five Social Initiatives of the President: New Horizons for Modernization" attended by authoritative experts on social and economic policy, political scientists, sociologists, and representatives of the media. In her opening speech, the KAZISS director Zarema Shaukenova outlined the key measures mentioned by the President in his Annual Address to the Nation such as affordable housing, reducing of the tax for the low-paid employees, increased accessibility and quality of higher education, improved living conditions of the student youth, expanded microcredit opportunities and further gasification of Kazakhstan.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______The speeches were also made by Aigul Kosherbayeva, Director of the Institute of Applied Research of the Academy of the Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Khudaibergenov of the Center for Strategic Initiatives focused on education, housing and taxation, The Deputy Head of the "Education Consulting Academy" Aliya Mukhamedzhanova, International investment and real estate expert Lev Tetin, The KAZISS Chief Research Fellow Vyacheslav Dodonov.

On March 12 2018,The Central Communications Service hosted the press conference organized by the Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan (KAZISS) "Five Presidential Initiatives: Kazakhstan Model of a Welfare State". Speeches were made by KAZISS Deputy Director Madina Nurgalieva, KAZISS Chief Research Fellow Berik Abdygaliuly and Vyacheslav Dodonov, Head of the KAZISS Department of Social and Economic Analysis Lyazat Nurkatova and the Head of the KAZISS Department of Socio-political Analysis Alua Zholdybalina. The event was broadcast live on Facebook and received wide coverage in the press.

On March 26, 2018, the experts of the KAZISS received the delegations of the National Diplomatic Academy and the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security of the Republic of Korea. The delegation included the Rector of the National Diplomatic Academy Cho Byung-jae, Professor of the Department of European and African Studies Jae-nam Ko, Associate Professor Li Hieng, Professor Jun Bonggyn, research fellows Han Mihe and Le Jison, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea Kim Dae-sik, Minister-Counsellor Khan Man Chun,, Political Adviser Kim Jin Dong, and Political Assistant Daulet Ibraev. The discussion touched upon a wide range of issues of the bilateral and multilateral cooperation of Kazakhstan and South Korea in the sphere of large and small businesses, with the emphasis made on the need to strengthen the partnerships at the regional and sub- regional level, to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of earlier concluded agreements in such sectors as energy, metallurgy, construction, information and communication, petro-chemistry, agriculture, health as well as the production of new materials. The experts exchanged their views on the basic principles and directions of Kazakhstan's foreign policy towards China, Russia, the United States and the European Union.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______On April 4, 2018, Astana hosted an event in a series of thematic seminars organized by the Center for China’s Study, the Institute of Strategic Studies and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kazakhstan “Modern Silk Road - More Than Economy” to discuss non-economic aspects of the Kazakh-Chinese cooperation. The KAZISS was represented by Deputy Director Sanat Kushkumbayev and Senior Research Fellow of the Department of International Affairs Analysis Anastasia Reshetnyak. China was represented by three speakers from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, one of the most authoritative think tanks in China. China's cooperation with Kazakhstan, its non-economic aspects, soft power and common interests were among the topics. The Cninese c colleagues presented the results of research of the image of the PRC abroad and its branding strategy. The development of IT-sphere in China caused great resonance. According to the professor of the Center for Information Sciences, Chinese approaches to digitalization and the use of high technologies have much in common with such a project as "Digital Kazakhstan - 2020". Sanat Kushkumbayev emphasized the role of China as an important partner in building Kazakhstan's infrastructure due to the conjugation of the "One Belt - One Road" with the "Nurly Zhol". The KAZISS expert noted the "window of opportunity" open the bilateral relations to make cooperation even more profitable for the both parties and better mutual understanding; cultural convergence will contribute to this in every possible way – the expert said.

April 11, 2018, Moscow hosted an international conference on "Terrorism and internal Political Developments in Afghanistan; from war to political solutions regional engagements"organizered by Gumilev Center and attended by leading orientalists and security experts from Afghanistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The experts assessed the security challenges and threats to the Central Asian countries emerging in the context of the situation in Afghanistan, as well as the direction of the consolidated efforts of the states of the region against terrorism and drug trafficking. The main emphasis was made on the domestic political developments in Afghanistan and the external background, in particular the pros and cons of a more centralized power in Afghanistan, possible scenario for peace transition and the effectiveness of the regional peacekeeping initiatives. The experts also expressed their opinion on the outcomes of the international conference "Peace Process, Cooperation in Security and Regional Cooperation" held recently in Tashkent Lesya Karatayeva, KAZISS Chief Research Fellow spoke on the main trends that determine the current threats of terrorism, which, according to the expert, are the "return" of Al-Qaeda and the changing status of the Daesh. The expert stressed the main element of the new strategy of al-Qaeda to transfer activity into the information space leading to the decline of “expeditionary terrorism" that is being replaced by "homegrown terrorism", for examples blasts in the places of mass gathering.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______In general, a new "volumetric" model of propaganda of violent extremism and terrorism is emerging. The generators of terrorist propaganda rely on fundamentally different ideological attitudes, focus on different target audiences and use different tools and channels.

The presentation of the book "U. T. Kassenov – First Head of the first "think-tank" of the country" was held on April 24 publication time of which coincided with the 25th anniversary of establishing the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Authors of the articles, which were included to the book, deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, heads of public authorities, political parties, public figures, scientists, representatives of scientific and analytical structures and mass media participated in the presentation. The book is dedicated to well-known Kazakhstani international scholar Kassenov Umirserik Tuleshovich – First Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (1993-1997), who contributed a lot to the setting up of the Institute. U. T. Kassenov, ranking amongst the close associates of the Head of State, was entrusted with the formation of the research structure which thereafter became an analytical brand of the country with high authority in international expert communities. Selected papers of U. T. Kassenov were included to the book, memories of the KazISS officials who had worked with him, of Kazakhstani and foreign political scientists, diplomats, state and public characters as well as his friends and family.

On April 26, 2018, young experts of the Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan and the intern-students Gumilyov Eurasian University discussed new textbooks on the economic problems presented on April 12, 2018 as a part of the "Ruhani Zhanghyru" program. The moderator, Asel Nazarbetova, the head of the KazISS Information and Analytical Department emphasized the significance of the "100 Textbooks" project for integration of young people into the global educational and scientific space and for making Kazakhstan more attractive for the English-language academics. Senior Research Fellow of the Department of Social and Economic Analysis Anna Alshanskaya emphasized the importance of such literature for development and consolidation of entrepreneurial class, namely the work of the professor of the University of Texas Ricky Griffin on "Management" and "Entrepreneurship: theory, process, practice" by Donald F. Kuratko.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______The Research of the Department of Social and Political Analysis, Slamzhar Ahmetzharov introduced his colleagues to the bestseller "Economics" by G. Mankyu and M. Taylor widely used in the best universities of the world. Research Fellow of the Department of Social and Economic Analysis Bekzhan Sadykov drew attention to Klaus Schwab’s "The Fourth Industrial Revolution" with its new understanding of the information era, changes, that provides an excellent the basis of government strategies, for example, the "Digital Kazakhstan” program.

On April 27, 2018, Esenov Caspian State University of Technology and Engineering gathered the experts to discuss the projects implemented within the program of modernization of public consciousness initiated by President Nazarbayev “Ruhani Zhanghyru” organized by the Mangistau Akimat, the Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan and Ruhani Zhanghyru regional project office. The event was attended by the Department Heads and officers of the Akimat Mangistau, members of Mangistau Regional Expert Council, representatives of the Ruhani Zhanghyru Regional Project Office, and Esenov University faculty members. The Institute was represented by Chief Research Fellow, the Head of the "Sacred Kazakhstan" Research Center Berik Abdіyaliuly, Head of the Department of Socio-political Analysis Alua Zholdybalina and Senior Research Fellow Zhanar Sanhaeva. Berik Әbdіyaliuly spoke on "Sacred Lands of Kazakhstan" and Alua Zholdybalina on "Modernization of public consciousness: in experts view ". Among the participants in the discussion were the local historian Alazhaz Edilkhan, the Director of Mangistau State Historical and Cultural Park Nurlan Kulbayev, the professor and associate professor of Esenov University Bibaisha Nurdauletova and Elvira Ablanova, and the head of "Ruhani Zhanghyru" the regional project office G. Azanov.

On May 4, 2018 the XI Astana Economic Forum: Global Challenges and Kazakhstan in the XXI Century round- table meeting was held at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana. The event was organized by the organizing committee of Astana Economic Forum, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Institute for Eurasian Integration, the Institute of Economic Research under the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Representatives of leading analytical centres, economists, political experts, sociologists and mass media participated in the round-table meeting. The Astana Economic Forum: Global Challenges Summit 2018 raises issues of major global challenges from resource sustainability and super longevity to global security and structures

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______of megalopolises of the future. The objective of the renewed AEF is to address those challenges and produce relevant global solutions.

In opening the meeting, round-table moderator, director of KISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zarema Shaukenova noted that today Kazakhstan is in the mainstream of global processes and today the country needs to develop and adapt to occurring realities. Head of State N. A. Nazarbayev actively promotes the agenda on joining the group of 30 most developed countries of the world, five institutional reforms, the large-scale Modernization 3.0, new development opportunities within the Fourth Industrial Revolution, public conscience modernization and social initiatives. One of the AEF sessions will be devoted to the development agenda of Kazakhstan for 2019-2020. GVA Kazakhstan partner Bulat Stolyarov delivered a keynote speech on the Concept and Programme of the Renewed Forum as a Frame for Formulating Strategic and Tactical Transformations in the Economy of Kazakhstan. In his presentation, the speaker shared key megatrends of global development through the prism of Kazakhstan reality. Bulat Stolyarov mentioned significant project ideas of Kazakhstan, including the conduct of EXPO 2017, spiritual modernization, Astana jubilee, International Financial Centre of Astana, etc. Sharing of expertise in the Forum will allow to address the most important and urgent global issues. Deputy Director of KISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sanat Kushkumbayev in his report “Astana Economic Forum: Addressing Global Challenges” noted that the economic forum had always been and remained a synchronizing tool, a bridge between the national economic and global policies. Final discussions of the Forum will assist Kazakhstani experts and the Government in preparing the National Development Strategy for 2019 – 2020 and an outlook projection. At the round-table meeting, speakers discussed the issues of technology innovation and digitalization, new paradigms of civil society, global economy, economic growth of Kazakhstan, social and cultural transformation in conditions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, agglomeration development policy in Kazakhstan in the context of urbanization, social dimension of the future of the Big Eurasia.

On May 4-5, 2018, the 13th Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in Astana, which is one of the key events held prior annual SCO Summits. The event was organized by the Institute of World Economy and Politics (IMEP) under the Foundation of the First President of Kazakhstan and attended by the leading experts from the SCO member states Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as by the representatives of the SCO Secretariat, SCO RATS Executive Committee, the delegations of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Iran that have observer status .

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______The KazISS was represented by the Director of Zarema Shaukenova, the Deputy Director Sanat Kushkumbaev, the Secretary for Academic and Research Affairs Kazbek Isaev, Research Fellows Kymbat Nurgaliyeva, Adilkhan Gadelshiyev and Slamzhar Ahmetzharov. The IMEP Director Yerzhan Saltybaev emphasized the role of the SCO to establish dialogue and to provide a platform for joint efforts to counter the current challenges and threats. At the same time, concerns have been expressed that increasing number of members could complicate coordination and decision-making within the SCO. The Deputy Secretary General of the SCO Aizada Subakozhaeva stressed that Astana SCO summit in 2017 marked a new stage and today, the SCO covers more than 60 % of Eurasia with the population of over 1.5 billion people. The KazISS Deputy Director Sanat Kushkumbayev, who took part in the first plenary session "The Role and Importance of the SCO in New Geopolitical Realities". He noted the expectations that India and Pakistan will give an additional impetus to the economic cooperation. At present, the priority areas of cooperation are energy sector, transport infrastructure, creating conditions for the free movement of goods, capital, services and technologies, and international security issues.

On may 6, 2018, in Almaty, the Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of Kazakhstan, together with the al-Farabi Kazakh national University and the Association of sociologists of Kazakhstan, held a round table "the Future is created in classrooms", dedicated to the implementation of the project " New humanitarian knowledge. 100 new textbooks in the Kazakh language". Director of the KazISS Zarema Shaukenova, Deputy of the Majilis Of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Vice-President of the Association of sociologists of Kazakhstan Serik Seidumanov, Vice-rector for social development of KazNU made welcoming remarks to the participants of the round table al-Farabi Sholpan Dzhamanbalaeva. The round table was attended by the head of the Department of information and analytical work Asel Nazarbetova, chief scientists Irina Chernykh, Lesya karatayeva and senior researcher Gulnara Mukhatayeva from KazISS.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______The main purpose of the visit of the delegation of Pakistan to Kazakhstan is to develop cooperation between the expert communities and the media of the both countries. The KazISS experts were introduced to the specifics of the information policy in Pakistan, where the measures to ensure freedom of speech and independence of the media are linked with monitoring of the press and social networks content for propaganda of extremism and radicalism. The two parties noted the importance of intensifying further cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan in the political, economic, information, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres.

On May 10, 2018, the Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan (KAZISS) received the delegation of the Ministry of Information of Pakistan that included the Deputy Director General Arif Ahsan Kazmi, the Director of the Media Coordination Department Rafi Uhlah Khan, the Military Attaché Shakil Faridi as well as a number journalists. The KazISS was represented by the Deputy Director Sanat Kushkumbayev, Senior Research Fellow Bolat Tokabayev, Senior Research Fellow Anastassyia Reshetnyak, Research Fellows Kambat Nurgaliyeva, Adilkhan Gadelshiyev and Slamzhar Ahmetzharov. The main purpose of the visit of the delegation of Pakistan to Kazakhstan is to develop cooperation between the expert communities and the media of the both countries. The KazISS experts were introduced to the specifics of the information policy in Pakistan, where the measures to ensure freedom of speech and independence of the media are linked with monitoring of the press and social networks content for propaganda of extremism and radicalism. According to Dr Kushkumbaev, the relations with Pakistan are of great importance for Kazakhstan, not only because of its strategic location, but also because of close historical and cultural ties between the two nations that go back centuries. The basis for development of partnership relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan should be a common understanding of regional security and, accordingly, cooperation in the field of combating terrorism. In addition, Dr Kushkumbaev noted the significant potential for further expansion of economic cooperation, export of energy, electricity, mining and metallurgical products, agricultural products, in particular grain and meat. In turn Pakistan may import textiles, leather, sanitary ware, pharmaceutical and medical products. The two parties noted the importance of intensifying further cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan in the political, economic, information, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres.

On May 22, 2018, the in-filed session of the Expert Council of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan was held on "Ruhani Zhanghyru": Origins of Ethic Revival and Unity of Kazakhstan" in Rodina village of the Tselinograd District of Akmola region. The opening speeches were delivered by Director General of Rodina Agrofirma LLP Ivan Sauer, Akim of the Tselinograd District Alma Aitkuzhinova, and Akim of Rodina Bella Gazdieva. The event was attended by the KazISS Deputy Director Madina Nurgalieva, Member of the Expert Council of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan Kazbek Kazkenov, Deputy Director of the International Center for Cultures and Religions of the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______Religious Affairs and Civil Society of Kazakhstan Karlygash Kalilakhanova, Professor of Gumilyov Eurasian National University Zhambyl Artykbaev. The discussion covered the issues of the implementation of the "Ruhani Zhanghyru" program. Thus, Madina Nurgalieva focused on the need for increase of competitiveness of the younger professionals: development of the indicators of f the individual modernization progress that could use the tools of project management. Such criteria for quantitative assessment may include computer literacy, knowledge of foreign languages, degree of cultural involvement. The speakers delivered their talks before public administration officers of the Tselinograd district, employees of the Rodina LLP, academics, students, the members of the Expert Council of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan, and the members of the "Zhanghyru Zholy" youth movement.

An expert meeting with the staff of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) was held at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the RK on August 29, 2018. The meeting was attended by the President of SIIS Chen Dongxiao, Assistant to the President, Director of the Institute for Global Governance Studies E Qing, Deputy Director and Head of the Center for Russian and Central Asian Studies Qiang Xiaoyun. KazISS was represented by the Director Zarema Shaukenova, Deputy Director Sanat Kushkumbaev, Senior Research Fellow of the Department of International Studies (ISD) Anastassiya Reshetnyak, Research Fellows of ISD Kymbat Nurgalieva and Temirlan Eskendir. As a sign of long-term partnership of the two analytical structures, Zarema Shaukenova awarded the director of SIIS, Cheng Dongxiao, with a commemorative medal dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies. During the meeting, a fruitful dialogue was held on the processes in international relations, the impact of the relationship in the China-Russia-US triangle on the agenda and development of the countries of Central Asia. The sides highly appreciated the results of the "Belt and Road" Initiative. Since its proclamation by the Chinese leader Xi Jinping 5 years ago in Astana, Kazakhstan and China have been fruitfully working on its elimination with the state program of the RK "Nurly Zhol". The experts shared their vision of problems and prospects for implementation, as well as the role of Kazakhstan and other countries of the region in it. The experts from KazISS and SIIS expressed mutual interest in expanding partnership relations, exchanging views on topical issues, conducting research and activities to deepen the scientific cooperation of the two countries.

A delegation of experts of KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Deputy Director of Madina Nurgaliyeva, Marat Zhumagulov, scientific Secretary of the Kazbek Issayev, the main scientific staff Vyacheslav Dodonov, Konstantin Syroezhkin, as well as the Director of the Confucius Institute at ENU. L. N. Gumilev Saule Koshanova at the official invitation of the Embassy of the people's Republic of China in the Republic of Kazakhstan made a working visit to China.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______The initiative to promote comprehensive Kazakh-Chinese strategic partnership, as well as deepening cooperation at the expert level was put forward by the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao (https://www.inform.kz/ru/kayrat-abdrahmanov-vstretilsya-s-novym- poslom-knr-v-kazahstane_a3452090) September 18, 2018 during his visit to KazISS under the President of Kazakhstan and a meeting with the leadership of the Institute (http://www.kisi.kz/en/categories/articles/posts/the-kaziss-held-a-series-of-meetings-with-experts- from-chin).

On 27-28 September 2018 in Astana city was held VI Congress of sociologists of Kazakhstan on the topic: «Kazakhstan`s Modernization Strategy in the sociological dimension: new values, new system of coordinates, new time». Organizers of the event – the Ministry of Social Development of the RK and the PA «Association of Sociologists of Kazakhstan» (ASK). On 27 September on the base of Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyev was held Forum of the young sociologists. On the base of the Kazakhstan`s Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the RK, trainings were held for representatives of the local executive bodies and regional Mass Media: 1. «Efficiency of the agenda management in the conditions of informational society», coaches – KazISS deputy director under the President of the RK Madia Nurgaliyeva, head of the social- political department studies of KazISS under the President of the RK Alua Zholdybalina; 2. «Values orientations of Kazakhstan`s people in the context of the shaping One nation of the future», - coaches director of the Academy of the political management of «Nur Otan`s» party Zhanar Bukanova, head of the Department of the sociological studies of the Institute of strategic initiatives «Nur Otan`s» party Saltanat Yermakhanova

October 11, 2018 international conference was held «20 years of the OSCE in the Republic of Kazakhstan». Organizers of the event were The Library of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbassy, OSCE Programme Office in Astana and Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbassy under the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In official opening of the international conference the Secretary of State of the RK Gulshara Abdikalikova, General Secretary of the OSCE Thomas Greminger, Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the RK Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Chief of Chancery of the President – acting director of the Library of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbassy Makhmud Kasymbekov, Head of the OSCE Programmes office in Astana, Ambassador György Szabó. On behalf of KazISS in the event participated deputy director Sanat Kushkumbayev. In her speech, the Secretary of State of the RK noticed that President of Kazakhstan in his State of the Nation address form 5th October of the current year accentuated on that «for providing successful modernization of Kazakhstan it is necessary further implementation proactive foreign policy. Our peace loving course and definitely determined principles in this sphere completely justify itself». In the plenary session of the conference, speech was made by: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Austria, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to International Organizations in Vienna Kairat Sarybai, Consultant to the Office of the OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______Human Beings Madina Dzharbusynova, representative of the UN Women in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, Head of the Multi-Country Office in Kazakhstan (Central Asia) Elaine M. Konkievich, First Deputy Director of the Library of the First President of the Republic Kazakhstan - Elbassy Amerkhan Rakhimzhanov, employees of the OSCE, diplomatic missions, representatives of the expert community of Kazakhstan.

On October 15, 2018, the deputy director of KazISS Madina Nurgaliyeva held a series of meetings with the population in the Shortandy district of Akmola region as part of an explanation of the main provisions of the Message of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.А. Nazarbayev «Growing welfare of Kazakh citizens: Increase in income and quality of life». During the meetings with the population and speeches, the KazISS expert elaborated on the analysis of the quality of life and key tasks to improve the welfare of Kazakhstanis, their involvement in the ongoing reforms and development of the regions through the prism of the 2019 Message. In turn, Mayor of the Shortandy district Gulnur Sadvokasova spoke about the socio-economic development of the district, shared plans for the upcoming implementation of the tasks set by the Head of State.

On October 15, 2018, the meeting of regional experts was held on discussions on President’s message in Palace of Culture of Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University in Turkestan city. The event was organized by the Office of internal policies of Turkestan region. At the session Alua Zholdybalina delivered a presentation on «The rate of quality of life: key indicators and benchmarks», in which noted the importance of feature of the current Message. In her statement, speaker emphasized that the establishing of Turkestan region means the high potential of area, which has sufficient workforce and conductive environment on the development of certain branches. Due to this, the investment will be involved in Turkestan and people’s wealth will increase. «This is main objective in the Message of President» - she explained, while attributing key indicators and indicators for measuring quality of life. Assel Nazarbetova made a presentation «Civil servants of new formation – foundation of efficient implementation of State policy». The speaker noted that civil servants must be prepared and capable for a dialogue, have skills of team working, and cooperate with analytics – experts, also be allocated by high cultural level and patriotism. Moderator of event, Head of the Office of internal policies of Turkestan region, B. Tazhibaev indicated that opinions of Astana experts will provide a thrust to students and teachers for further realize objectives of Message. Furthermore, he underlined the necessity of cooperation with analytical centers as KAZISS, which analyze in details and conducive to problem-solving arising in regions.

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______that against the background of dynamic housing construction in the sphere of housing and communal service there are still number important unresolved tasks, including the issues of transparency and reasonableness of tariff utility, and also the quality of companies service on managing apartment buildings. «We perceive this meeting as a beginning of the work «Nur Otan» party to implementation of the President`s instructions, to restore order in the housing and communal sphere and regulation of tariffs of natural monopolists. This gives an impulses to big work which our party will organize in this area» - noticed Maulen Ashimbayev. Member of the Legal Council of «Nur Otan» party, deputy director of KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Law Marat Zhumagulov have participated in the discussion of the content of the bill «On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Housing and Communal Services». Members of the Parliament, members of the Legal Council under the «Nur Otan» party, representatives of state bodies, non-governmental organizations and also representatives of regions participated in the meeting of a round table

On October 17, 2018, the next enlarged meeting of the Legal Council was held at the Central Office of the «Nur Otan» party where participants discussed actual issues of the reforming housing and communal services in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The First Deputy Chairman of «Nur Otan» party participated Maulen Ashimbayev. Opening the meeting First Deputy Chairman of «Nur Otan» party noticed stressed that against the background of dynamic housing construction in the sphere of housing and communal service there are still number important unresolved tasks, including the issues of transparency and reasonableness of tariff utility, and also the quality of companies service on managing apartment buildings. «We perceive this meeting as a beginning of the work «Nur Otan» party to implementation of the President`s instructions, to restore order in the housing and communal sphere and regulation of tariffs of natural monopolists. This gives an impulses to big work which our party will organize in this area» - noticed Maulen Ashimbayev. Member of the Legal Council of «Nur Otan» party, deputy director of KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Law Marat Zhumagulov have participated in the discussion of the content of the bill «On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Housing and Communal Services».

On October 22, 2018, the International Expert Meeting “Prevention of Extremism in Russia and Central Asia” was held in Almaty, organized by the Berlek-Unity Center for Geopolitical Studies (Ufa, Russia). The event was attended by experts - political scientists, sociologists, historians, economists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. From KazISS in the work of the expert meeting was attended by senior research fellows Irina Chernykh and Lesya Karatayeva. The meeting is a part of the project Public Mission“ Expert Counteraction to Extremism ”: Russia - Central Asia. At the event, the experts discussed approaches to countering extremism in Central Asian countries and Russia, involving the involvement of civil society institutions and educational and academic institutions in preventive activities. The starting point of the discussion was the presentation of the analytical report “Prevention of Extremism in Russia and Central Asia”, prepared by experts from the Berlek-Unity Center for Geopolitical Studies. As part of the discussion, the experts decided on a common and particular understanding of the challenges and threats emanating from the propaganda of

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______extremism and terrorism, discussed issues related to regional and country strategies for the prevention of extremism in Central Asia, evaluated the mechanisms of cooperation between Central Asia and Russia in the fight against extremism . Special attention was paid to such issues as the state and prospects of religious education in the CIS space, factors of youth involvement in extremist activities and the importance of the Afghan factor in the context of the discussed issues. The meeting also discussed the issue of possible mechanisms for expanding the interaction of expert-analytical circles of the countries of Central Asia and Russia in developing recommendations for the implementation of the prevention of violent extremism and terrorism.

29-30 October 2018 was held First meeting of the Central Asian expert forum in the cities of Tashkent and Bukhara of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The event was organized jointly by the Institute of strategic and regional studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA). The First meeting was attended by the heads and representatives of analytical centers from Central Asia countries, the leadership and representatives of the UNRCCA. Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of Kazakhstan was represented by the Director Zarema Shaukenova, Deputy Director, Sanat Kushkumbaev, Head of the Department of Information-Analytical work Asel Nazarbetova and Head of Almaty Office of KazISS Asara Mukanova . Also, the Kazakh delegation included representatives of the Library of the First President of Kazakhstan - Elbasy – leading researcher Aida Shaikova and senior researcher Osman Dosov.

On October 29, Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan held an expert meeting with a delegation from the people's Republic of China. The agenda included issues related to the intensification of bilateral cooperation, increase of confidence-building measures between Kazakhstan and China. The discussion was attended by representatives of government agencies and the Chinese Embassy in Astana, as well as employees of the leading Chinese analytical centers: the Academy of social Sciences, the Academy of modern international relations, the Chinese Islamic Association. The Kazakhstan side was represented by the founder of the Institute "public opinion" Botagoz Rakisheva, project Manager of the Institute "public opinion", representative of Central Asia&Caucasus Kalamkas yessimova and Director of the Center for the study of interethnic and interreligious relations of the Academy of public administration under the President of Kazakhstan Aigul Sadvokasova. From KazISS in the event participated: Deputy Director of Madina Nurgaliyeva, Deputy Director Marat Zhumagulov, scientific Secretary of the Kazbek Isaev, chief researcher Murat Laumulin, senior expert Bolat Tokubaev, senior researcher of the Department of international

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______studies Anastasia Reshetnyak, scientific employees of the Department of international studies Kymbat Nurgaliyeva and Temirlan Eskendir. Researchers from China shared their experience of building infrastructure within the framework of the belt and road Initiative in China; the changes are most noticeable in the Xinjiang Uygur region of China, where four major transport corridors intersect, which already contributes to the tourist attractiveness of this part of the country. The parties highly appreciated the joint efforts of Kazakhstan and China to implement the initiative of the belt and road, as well as the prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and China in the field of security, including within the framework of the Shanghai cooperation organization. The sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues of multilateral cooperation and topical issues of international and regional security. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening of the Kazakh-Chinese cooperation in the field of research.

The Embassy of Japan in Kazakhstan on December 6, 2018 held an annual reception in honor of the birthday of his Majesty the Emperor of Japan. On 23rd of December, his Majesty Emperor Akihito will be 85 years old. Next year he will celebrate his 35th anniversary on the throne. On 30th April next year, he will abdicate, and on 1st of May, the crown Prince will ascend to the throne. Opening the event, Japanese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Itiro Kavabata said: «in 2018, relations between Japan and Kazakhstan were strengthened in various areas. In the year of the 20th anniversary of Astana many events were held, including international conferences and symposiums. New Japanese plants and institutions have been opened in Almaty and Astana, as well as joint ventures. In the fields of culture and sports, the development of scientific exchanges among archaeologists has been observed, as well as cooperation between the national Olympic and Paralympic committees of Kazakhstan. Let's join forces to ensure that cooperation between Japan and Kazakhstan in 2019 continues to develop in different directions». During the reception, the ceremony of awarding the «order of the rising sun» of Japan Deputy of the Majilis Nurlan Dulatbekov and Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC "international University "Astana" Tolebay Rakhypbekov was held. In addition, the certificate of honor of the Minister of foreign Affairs of Japan was presented to President of Nazarbayev University Shigeo Katsu.

10th of December the Ministry of foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan held a round table dedicated to the international human rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations universal Declaration of human rights with the participation of the State Secretary of Kazakhstan G. Abdykalikova in Astana. The event was also attended by Chairman of the Supreme Court J. Asanov, the Chairman of the Commission on human rights K.Sultanov, the Minister of foreign Affairs K.Abdrakhmanov, the UN resident coordinator in Kazakhstan N. Shimomura, head of the European Union in Kazakhstan, S-O.Carlsson, head of the Office of Programs in Astana D.Sabo, Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of great Britain to Kazakhstan M.Gifford, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations accredited in Kazakhstan, members of the National Commission on human rights under the President of Kazakhstan, representatives of state bodies, civil society, etc. In her speech, the Secretary of state focused on the words of the Head of state: «The rule of law is a key factor in the success of our reforms». Gulshara

Chronicle of the main events of the Institute in 2018 ______Abdykalikova stressed that in Kazakhstan the national system of human rights protection is based on a solid economic Foundation and is aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, which is a defining indicator of the legal development of the country. She also thanked international institutions and human rights NGOs for their effective cooperation in the field of human rights protection.

On December 11, 2018, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation held the international conference «Models of modernization in Central Asia. In search of the future. Within the conference the expert group "Almaty club" presented a new document «Modernization projects in Central Asia. In search of the future», dedicated to the analysis of modernization projects developed in Central Asia. The event was attended by experts from Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries, in particular Nargis Kassenova (Almaty), Farkhod Tolipov (Uzbekistan), Abdugani Mamadazimov (Tajikistan), Elmira Nogoibaeva (Kyrgyzstan), etc. During the conference, the parties discussed the vision of the countries of the region of their future, the ratio of national modernization projects and global trends, strengths and weaknesses in the strategies of modernization of Central Asian countries, common and special approaches in the region. In addition, the discussion raised questions: who are the carriers of the idea of modernization in regional countries, what segments of the population are involved in the process and policy of modernization, the probability of modernization of economies without political modernization?

26th of December, the Kazakh Institute for strategic studies under the President of Kazakhstan held an extended meeting of the Academic Council. The Director of the center for Zarema Shaukenova made a report on the work done for 2018 by the KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Employees of the KazISS Representative Office in Almaty took part in the work of the Academic Council in the online mode. Also, in the meeting participated undergraduates and doctoral students studying at the L.N.Gumilev Eurasian National University and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University on targeted grants KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The activity of the Kazakhstan Institute for strategic studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan this year was aimed at preparing and providing the country's leadership with the necessary forecast-analytical and scientific-information materials in the field of domestic policy, socio-economic processes, and foreign policy strategy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the reporting period, the staff of the Institute prepared analytical and scientific information materials, including analytical reports, notes, operational analysis and information and analytical materials.