President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: The “Washington Model” for AI Could Form the Basis of an International Treaty Under UN Auspices Kazakhstan is holding AI
Written by: Dr. Abdulrahim Abdulwahid
Astana – MONTH from September 23 to October 23 as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. The month-long program features a wide range of events dedicated to artificial intelligence and digital technologies, bringing together the tech community, businesses, educational institutions, startups, international experts and regional initiatives from across the country.
The centerpiece of AI MONTH is the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international technology forum, taking place in Astana from October 1 to 3.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who attended the opening of the forum, emphasized that artificial intelligence should not be viewed as a replacement for human intelligence, but rather as a tool that complements it. According to the President, as technology advances at an ever-faster pace, critical thinking, the pursuit of knowledge and individual responsibility are becoming increasingly important. Regulatory requirements, he noted, should be stringent only where security and the vital interests of citizens are at stake, so as to ensure that promising talent and investment remain in the country.
President Tokayev stressed that the ultimate objective is to translate technological progress into tangible benefits for every citizen of Kazakhstan. He proposed identifying real-world demand for AI solutions across the economy and launching an AI Challenge initiative, with the most promising solutions subsequently deployed in industry.
At the same time, President Tokayev underscored the need for the highest degree of responsibility and integrity in the development of artificial intelligence. In this context, he welcomed President Donald Trump’s initiative under which leading U.S. technology companies signed an accord setting out safety principles for the development of advanced AI systems.
“There is no doubt that alongside huge opportunities, we will have to face many shakeups and even upheavals. Therefore, we must develop AI with full responsibility and integrity. In this regard, I would like to commend the recent signing of the Superintelligence Accord by leading American tech companies under the leadership of President Trump. From my perspective, this approach could be regarded by all countries involved as a model to be adopted globally after serious considerations,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.
Later, speaking at the third meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence, President Tokayev said the Accord could also serve as a reference point in shaping approaches to AI governance.
“ The accord signed in Washington DC could be regarded by all countries involved as a model to be introduced worldwide in AI sector to be eventually passed after serious considerations by experts, and this “Washington Model” may become a core of an International Treaty under the auspices of the UN. Kazakhstan likewise supports the safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence. To this end, we are ready to serve as a platform for substantive international dialogue on these issues. Our Council has already proven its practical value. I therefore ask its members to promptly submit concrete proposals on Kazakhstan’s international initiative in this area. Our common vision will be presented at the G20 Summit in Miami this December ” stressed Tokayev.
The plenary session of the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international technology forum also featured prominent figures from the global technology and investment sectors, including William E. Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic; Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of Physical AI Simulation at NVIDIA; Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School; and Greg Wyler, founder of OneWeb and Founder, CEO and Chief Architect of E-Space.
The third meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence likewise brought together a distinguished group of participants. Alongside senior Kazakh government officials, speakers included Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman and CEO of Sinovation Ventures and CEO of 01.AI; H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and CEO of G42 International; Alexander Khanin, Founder and Director of Polynome Group; and Ya-Qin Zhang, Founding Dean of the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) at Tsinghua University.
