AGENDA

The 2024 Annual Meeting will explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and economic development, focusing on how Central Asia can drive innovation and sustainable growth. It highlights how storytelling and cultural narratives inspire innovative thinking, it will examine the impact of financial systems on inequality, and explore the role of AI and automation in shaping the region's future. Additionally, discussions will focus on the challenges and opportunities in adopting renewable energy and integrating it into the current infrastructure. The Annual Meeting aims to foster collaboration and generate actionable ideas to promote economic growth and technological advancement in Central Asia. LANGUAGE: Russian/English

Welcome Remarks

10:45 - 11:00

Yekaterina Smolyakova, Vice-Rector for Social and Educational Affairs at KBTU Dina Iglikova, Mampassi Collective Founder

The Role of Fiction in Innovation: Creativity, Storytelling, and Innovation

11:00 - 12:00

Guzel Yakhina, Writer, Author of Zuleikha, A Volga Tale, A Train to Samarkand

How does fiction inspire creativity and innovation in modern times? Does literature have a role in shaping the future, particularly in times of technological transformation? How do historical narratives help us understand or navigate current technological and societal changes? ​​Can literature serve as a form of self-help and reflection that can inspire individuals to innovate in their personal and professional lives?

The Political Economy of Innovation: Financial Capitalism, Income Inequality, and the Future of Innovation

12:15 - 13:30

Rakhim Oshakbayev, Economist, TV Host, Sustainable Development Goals Influencer

How has financial capitalism contributed to income inequality in Central Asia, and what reforms are necessary to mitigate these imbalances in the coming decade? Will AI and automation increase or decrease economic inequality in the region? Could decentralized governance models disrupt traditional political economy structures, and if so, in what ways?

Coffee Break

13:30 - 14:00

Central Asia in the Global Marketplace: Bridging East and West Through Innovation and Investment

14:00 - 14:45

Ramon Pedrosa, Financial Communications Expert, Chairman of Central Asia-based consultancy Definition and London-based consultancy IR Pedrosa.

How can Central Asia better position itself in global markets to attract Western and Eastern investors? What innovations in investor relations and financial transparency are crucial for Central Asian companies to gain global recognition? How can the region’s role in the Modern Silk Road influence global trade and economic development, particularly in finance, energy, and logistics sectors? What challenges do Central Asian countries face in establishing their markets as competitive global players, and how can they overcome these obstacles through strategic partnerships and digital platforms? How do we craft a cohesive narrative that places region at the center of global financial and logistical routes while maintaining the integrity of its economic and geopolitical context?

AI in Focus: Navigating Ethical, Technical, and Societal Challenges in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

15:00 - 15:45

Nik McFly, AI Educator & Entrepreneur

How can AI developers address concerns around bias and fairness to ensure equitable outcomes across different demographics? What are the long-term impacts of AI on society and the economy, and how should we prepare for these changes? How should organizations balance the need for data while respecting privacy and data protection? How might AI exacerbate or reduce economic inequality, and what policies can ensure a fair distribution of benefits? What role will multimodal AI play in the future, and how can we better integrate different types of data (e.g., text, images, audio) for more comprehensive AI models? What steps should be taken to address job displacement caused by AI automation, and how can we prepare the workforce for reskilling? What regulatory frameworks should be established to guide AI governance and ensure responsible deployment?

The Future of Energy: Renewables in Central Asia: Current State and the Road Ahead

16:00 - 16:45

Assanali Sultanov, Senior Lector, Head of Alternative Energy Lab & Nanotech at KBTU

What is needed to make renewable energy more widespread? How do the decreasing prices of renewable energy impact the region, and what obstacles remain for broader adoption? What can we expect in the next decade in terms of policy, technology, and investment? What are the main challenges in integrating renewable energy into the existing power grid in Central Asia, and what technological advancements could help overcome these?