Abdul Hamid Hamid Al-Kba

the vast winds of the Kazakh steppes, once carrying Silk Road caravans across continents, now bearing a global message: "Born Bold" – we were born courageous. In the heart of Eurasia, where towering mountains meet golden deserts, turquoise lakes blend with verdant valleys, Kazakhstan launched the "Born Bold" campaign in September 2024 as an ambitious national strategy to redefine its position as a rising star on the global stage. This is not merely a promotional campaign but a vibrant call for partnership in building a sustainable future, blending the bold nomadic heritage with contemporary aspirations. Under Astana’s clear skies, during the opening of the World Nomad Games, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared, “The nomads were born bold,” igniting a campaign that has transformed into a global movement, inviting investors, innovators, and adventurers to join Kazakhstan’s journey—from the steppes to the summit.The "Born Bold" Campaign: A Vision for a Sustainable FutureKazakhstan launched the "Born Bold" campaign to highlight its potential as a promising investment destination, focusing on four key sectors: logistics and transportation, youth and education, energy and environment, and tourism and culture. The campaign embodies the country’s commitment to transforming its bold nomadic spirit into a driver of sustainable growth, supported by projections of a 5.5% GDP growth rate in 2025, a testament to its accelerating economic momentum.Logistics and Transportation: A Bridge Between ContinentsStrategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan serves as a vital hub for global trade. The country is revitalizing the historic Silk Road legacy through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, which connects East and West with unprecedented efficiency. In 2024, the corridor saw a 65% increase in cargo volume compared to the previous year, reducing transit times between China and Europe to just 12–15 days, compared to 30–45 days via traditional maritime routes. Kazakhstan invested $2.5 billion in modernizing its logistics infrastructure, including Caspian Sea ports like Aktau and Kuryk, and advanced logistics centers in Almaty and Astana.Furthermore, partnerships with global companies such as DP World and Maersk have enhanced Kazakhstan’s logistics capabilities, positioning it as a hub for cross-border e-commerce. In 2025, the government anticipates a 15% increase in non-oil exports, supported by improvements in railways and highways, such as the Karaganda-Almaty road project connecting key industrial regions. These developments make Kazakhstan an indispensable player in global supply chains, inviting investors to seize this promising opportunity.Youth and Education: Building the Future GenerationKazakhstan boasts a young, skilled workforce, ranking ninth globally in the United Nations Education Index, with a 100% literacy rate. The country hosts 15 international universities, including branches of prestigious institutions like De Montfort University in the UK and Heriot-Watt University, making it a regional hub for international students. Under the "Born Bold" campaign, Kazakhstan launched ambitious training programs in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization and tech giants like Microsoft and Google, training 50,000 young people in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital technologies by mid-2025.The campaign also aims to empower youth through initiatives like Bolashak, which provides scholarships for studying abroad, focusing on technical disciplines. In 2024, investments in digital education increased by 25%, leading to the establishment of 10 digital innovation centers in cities like Nur-Sultan and Shymkent. These centers offer advanced courses in programming and app development, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as a hub for digital innovation in Central Asia. Additionally, the government launched an online educational platform for remote training, making education accessible to all, including rural areas.Energy and Environment: A Leader in the Green TransitionKazakhstan possesses vast natural resources, including 18 of the 34 critical raw materials essential for the green transition, as identified by the European Union, making it a key player in the sustainable energy market. Within the "Born Bold" framework, the country is reducing its reliance on oil by investing in renewable energy. In 2024, wind energy production exceeded domestic needs by tenfold, with $3.2 billion invested in wind and solar farms, including a 500-megawatt solar power plant in the Zhambyl region.Kazakhstan has partnered with global companies like TotalEnergies and Siemens Energy to develop green energy projects, including green hydrogen production, expected to attract an additional $1.5 billion in investments by 2026. The government also launched the Kazakhstan Green Future initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030, focusing on waste recycling and improving energy efficiency in industries. These efforts have solidified Kazakhstan’s position as a safe and sustainable investment destination, supported by radical economic reforms and independent courts that ensure investor rights protection.Tourism and Culture: A Global Destination Blending Heritage and ModernityKazakhstan’s tourism sector witnessed remarkable growth in 2024 and 2025, driven by the "Born Bold" campaign. In 2024, the country welcomed 15.3 million foreign visitors, a 60% increase from 2023, with spending exceeding 1.2 trillion tenge ($2.7 billion) and accommodation revenues of 299.8 billion tenge (a 30.8% growth). In the first half of 2025, visitor numbers surpassed 7 million, with fixed asset investments reaching 592 billion tenge. The campaign improved Kazakhstan’s ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index to 52nd in 2024, up from 66th previously.The government introduced the Neo Nomad visa in 2024 to attract remote workers, boosting visitor numbers from Gulf countries by 62%. The opening of the Hadrat Sultan International Airport in Turkistan, with a $1.1 billion investment, has enhanced the city’s status as a Silk Road jewel, offering direct flights to Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and Mecca. Upgrades to Astana International Airport, increasing its capacity to 9 million passengers annually, have positioned the capital as a regional hub connecting Asia and Europe. This advanced infrastructure facilitates access to landmarks like the historic city of Turkistan, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Alakol Lake, and the Altyn-Emel Nature Reserve, making Kazakhstan a diverse tourism destination that blends heritage and modernity.Campaign Achievements: Numbers That SpeakIn 2024, the "Born Bold" campaign attracted $15.7 billion in foreign direct investment, an 88% increase from the previous year, with 40 new projects worth $10 billion, including 31 agreements valued at $7 billion signed at the KGIR-2024 forum. In tourism, 119 new projects created 1,319 jobs, with investments reaching 947.5 billion tenge. In the energy sector, renewable energy projects boosted green investments, while the National Digital Investment Platform attracted 63% of total investments in Northern and Central Asia.International partnership revenues reached $15 billion in the first half of 2025, with digital campaigns garnering 150 million views. Promotional videos, such as Dimash Qudaibergen’s "Киелі мекенім", achieved millions of views, while the World Nomad Games drew hundreds of athletes and business leaders. Diplomatic workshops organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs increased investment interest by 18%, reflecting the campaign’s success in transforming Kazakhstan into a global investment and cultural destination.My Personal Visit: The Enchanting September in the Golden Capital of BoldnessIn mid-September 2025, I landed in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, on a journalistic journey, feeling like a wanderer returning to a homeland I had never seen. I was captivated by the progress, prosperity, refinement, and well-being that enveloped the city like a golden breeze, especially with the lingering memories of the World Nomad Games that sparked "Born Bold." The sun shimmered on the Ishim River, transforming Astana into a vibrant canvas reflecting Kazakhstan’s bold modern spirit.The first sight to capture my attention was the Baiterek Tower, a symbol of the mythical Tree of Life, rising 97 meters in homage to 1997 when Astana became the capital. From its summit, I gazed at a panoramic view stretching to the horizon, where modern glass buildings intertwined with the natural skyline. Placing my hand on the imprint of the First President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, I felt a surge of Kazakh pride, surrounded by 101 metallic symbols representing the country’s ethnic diversity. At the tower’s base, a green park with dancing fountains and tree-lined paths embodied the blend of heritage and modernity, supported by smart apps offering virtual tours and tourist information.Next, I visited Asia Park, an urban paradise where greenery merges with modern design. At night, fountains danced with LED lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. I savored green tea with traditional zhingali sweets amidst the sounds of birds and gentle breezes. The park is not just a garden but a cultural hub hosting daily events promoting Kazakh heritage, such as dombra performances and traditional poetry contests. It is connected to a smart system allowing visitors to interact with virtual gardens via mobile apps.Wandering through Astana’s neighborhoods, I was awestruck by glass structures like Khan Shatyr—the world’s largest tent—housing shopping centers and international restaurants. I visited the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, embodying Kazakhstan’s cultural diversity, and the Hadrat Sultan Mosque, one of Central Asia’s largest, where traditional architectural designs meet modern details. Efficient public transportation, including electric buses and smart taxis, made exploration seamless. I savored Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak and baursak at local restaurants, where traditional flavors blended with global touches.I left Astana enchanted, promising to return to uncover more of its golden secrets. The daily cultural events and authentic hospitality made the city an irresistible destination in the "Born Bold" era. This visit transformed me; I felt pride in Kazakhstan’s progress, where refinement and heritage harmonize, making every moment an enduring memory.Boldness as a Driver of ChangeFrom the World Nomad Games in 2024 to the pinnacles of innovation in 2025, "Born Bold" has proven that boldness is the true engine of change. Attracting 15.3 million visitors and $15.7 billion in investments in 2024, with a 2025 vision targeting 20 million visitors by 2030, Kazakhstan has become a bridge between Europe and Asia. Under President Tokayev’s leadership and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts, Kazakhstan invites you to join its journey: invest in its future and contribute to building an empire of boldness. Visit www.bornbold.kz, for the steppes are calling, and the future awaits.