President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed that the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan jointly develop approaches to the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and hold a Youth Volunteer Forum, El.kz reports citing Akorda.
The Head of State made the proposal during the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. One of the key issues on the agenda was the security of emerging technologies.
Tokayev proposed developing a regional declaration on the responsible use of artificial intelligence. According to Kazakh leader, the countries should establish common approaches to the governance of critical technologies.
“I believe that we should begin jointly developing approaches that will ensure effective oversight of critical technologies,” the President stated.
He paid particular attention to the risks associated with the use of digital technologies for criminal purposes. Tokayev highlighted the threats posed by terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, arms and human trafficking, irregular migration, organised crime, and fraud.
According to the President, measures to counter these threats must evolve in parallel with technological developments. Of particular concern is the use of digital tools by criminal groups, including drug cartels.
Tokayev identified humanitarian cooperation as another important area of regional engagement. The President proposed expanding youth exchanges, strengthening links between universities and research institutions, and enhancing cooperation among representatives of the cultural sector.
According to the Head of State, the volunteer movement should also become an integral part of regional cooperation. He proposed holding a youth forum next year under the motto “Central Asia – a Territory of Good Deeds.”
As an example, Tokayev cited Kazakhstan’s “Taza Kazakhstan” initiative. According to him, similar initiatives could be developed at the regional level, engaging young people in socially beneficial activities.
The President also proposed establishing a unified calendar of major cultural, scientific, sporting and tourism events in Central Asia and Azerbaijan. In his view, this would help increase mutual travel and promote the development of joint tourism routes.
Tokayev also addressed the effectiveness of regional initiatives. Since 2018, more than 200 proposals have been put forward within the framework of the Consultative Meetings, yet only a small proportion of them have been implemented.
“The effectiveness of our work should be measured not by the number of proposals and initiatives, but by their practical value and tangible outcomes,” the President emphasised.
The Head of State proposed that the foreign ministries of the countries of the region conduct a comprehensive review of previously proposed initiatives and determine which of them remain relevant and have realistic prospects for implementation.
