Astana - 10–13 August 2026
Venue:
Nazarbayev University, Block C3, 3rd Floor, Room 3030, Astana
Participants:
35
Date:
13.08.2026
About the Event:
Astana: The First Fully Kazakh-Language Cohort in the Capital - Entrepreneurship, National Values, and Modern Leadership through the Lens of Abai’s Philosophy
The Kazakh-language format of the program was first introduced in Almaty, where the training was also conducted entirely in Kazakh. Bringing the second Kazakh-language cohort to the capital was the next step in the program’s development and demonstrated the growing demand for this format among entrepreneurs.
The composition of the Astana cohort gave the training particular significance: the majority of the 35 participants were entrepreneurs with Qandas status. Participants represented a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, construction, trade, services, and others. This diversity of professional and life experiences created a space for open dialogue, exchange of entrepreneurial practices, and discussion of shared values.
Conducting the training in Kazakh allowed participants to engage more deeply with Abai’s philosophical heritage through its original concepts and meanings. Categories such as ақыл (reason), қайрат (will), жүрек (heart), ар (honor/conscience), еңбек (work), and жауапкершілік (responsibility) were explored not only as philosophical ideas, but also as practical guidelines for modern entrepreneurs - in leadership, decision-making, relationships with employees and partners, and corporate social responsibility.
The participation of a large number of entrepreneurs with Qandas status added another meaningful dimension to the training. Their stories and entrepreneurial experiences became part of a broader dialogue about national identity, cultural heritage, and the possibility of building modern businesses while maintaining a connection with one’s values and roots.
The diversity of participants’ professional backgrounds also demonstrated that Abai’s ideas are relevant regardless of the business sector. In education, healthcare, construction, trade, and other fields, honesty, responsibility, quality of work, respect for people, and contribution to society remain equally important.
The Kazakh-language format of the program was first introduced in Almaty, where the training was also conducted entirely in Kazakh. Bringing the second Kazakh-language cohort to the capital was the next step in the program’s development and demonstrated the growing demand for this format among entrepreneurs.
The composition of the Astana cohort gave the training particular significance: the majority of the 35 participants were entrepreneurs with Qandas status. Participants represented a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, construction, trade, services, and others. This diversity of professional and life experiences created a space for open dialogue, exchange of entrepreneurial practices, and discussion of shared values.
Conducting the training in Kazakh allowed participants to engage more deeply with Abai’s philosophical heritage through its original concepts and meanings. Categories such as ақыл (reason), қайрат (will), жүрек (heart), ар (honor/conscience), еңбек (work), and жауапкершілік (responsibility) were explored not only as philosophical ideas, but also as practical guidelines for modern entrepreneurs - in leadership, decision-making, relationships with employees and partners, and corporate social responsibility.
The participation of a large number of entrepreneurs with Qandas status added another meaningful dimension to the training. Their stories and entrepreneurial experiences became part of a broader dialogue about national identity, cultural heritage, and the possibility of building modern businesses while maintaining a connection with one’s values and roots.
The diversity of participants’ professional backgrounds also demonstrated that Abai’s ideas are relevant regardless of the business sector. In education, healthcare, construction, trade, and other fields, honesty, responsibility, quality of work, respect for people, and contribution to society remain equally important.
Key Results:
• First program cohort in Astana conducted entirely in the Kazakh language;
• Participation of 35 entrepreneurs from diverse sectors;
• The majority of participants were entrepreneurs with Qandas status;
• Deeper engagement with Abai’s philosophical heritage through the Kazakh language, national cultural context, and original concepts;
• Greater attention to national identity and the preservation of values in modern entrepreneurship;
• Stronger understanding of the connection between Abai’s philosophy, ethical leadership, and responsible business;
• Creation of a space for sharing entrepreneurial and life experiences among participants with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds;
• Confirmation of the demand for the Kazakh-language format of the program.
• Participation of 35 entrepreneurs from diverse sectors;
• The majority of participants were entrepreneurs with Qandas status;
• Deeper engagement with Abai’s philosophical heritage through the Kazakh language, national cultural context, and original concepts;
• Greater attention to national identity and the preservation of values in modern entrepreneurship;
• Stronger understanding of the connection between Abai’s philosophy, ethical leadership, and responsible business;
• Creation of a space for sharing entrepreneurial and life experiences among participants with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds;
• Confirmation of the demand for the Kazakh-language format of the program.
Feedback of Participants:
Photos of the Event: