Astana Media Week 2026 kicks off in Astana

Astana Media Week 2026 is taking place at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana from October, 14 to 16. Representatives of Kazakhstani and international media outlets, government authorities and technology companies will discuss how AI is transforming newsroom operations, content production and audience engagement, El.kz reports.

The main event on the opening day will be the plenary session entitled “MEDIA. HUMAN. AI: 10 Years of Transformation. A New Architecture of Trust.” Participants will examine the role of journalism in today’s information environment, approaches to AI adoption and ways to maintain public trust.

The discussion will gather representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, international technology companies and UNICEF. The session will be moderated by a representative of Euronews in Azerbaijan.

The issue of accountability in the use of technology will be further explored during the discussion entitled “AI, IT & MEDIA: Where Does Accountability Begin and End?” A separate workshop will focus on creating a digital environment that is appropriate for adolescents’ age and developmental needs.

Another key focus of Media Week will be engagement with international audiences. At the editorial lab entitled “Central Asia in English: Why Translation Alone Does Not Make Us Global,” media representatives will discuss the development of content about Kazakhstan and Central Asia for international audiences. The session will focus on advancing English-language journalism and strengthening cooperation between newsrooms.

On the second day, participants will examine Kazakhstan’s information policy, the development of domestic content and the economics of the advertising market. The programme will include an expert meeting entitled “New Rules in Kazakhstan’s Information Policy,” a discussion entitled “Qazaq Creative Power: Who Shapes the Kazakhstani Vibe?” and a session on the emerging economics of the advertising media market.

The practical programme will cover information verification and critical media literacy, AI-assisted multilingual broadcasting and the use of business analytics in management. A dedicated lab will introduce participants to vibe coding - the creation of digital solutions with the assistance of AI. Another workshop will focus on developing and growing independent media channels through TikTok LIVE.

On October, 15 awards will also be presented to the best press secretaries and press services. Media Week will conclude on 16 October with the QAZAQSTAN MEDIA AWARDS ceremony, recognising professional achievements across the media industry.