Kazakhstan has proposed creating a network of AI centers and hosting the headquarters of the SCO Development Bank.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed creating a network of artificial intelligence centers under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), involving leading universities, research institutions, and technology companies of member states. He made this initiative at the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
With significant scientific and innovative potential, SCO member states could accelerate the transition from exchanging experience to jointly developing technologies and enhancing competencies, systematically building their own artificial intelligence ecosystem. Kazakhstan advocates for expanding international cooperation in this field. This year, our country became one of the founders of the World AI Cooperation Organization, established on China's initiative. Therefore, we consider it appropriate to propose creating under the SCO a network of artificial intelligence centers involving leading universities, research institutions, and technology companies of member states.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov to participate in the 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State and the SCO+ format meeting. At the meeting, he also proposed implementing a mechanism for pilot industrial consortia, which would allow SCO member states to implement projects as they become ready, without waiting for all participants to join. He supported China's initiative to establish an SCO Development Bank and proposed placing the headquarters of the new financial institution in Kazakhstan.

Additionally, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed that SCO countries adopt the Transport Connectivity Strategy up to 2035 and create a unified digital transit platform for tracking cargo from the point of origin to the final recipient.