On October 6 of this year, the people of Kazakhstan participated in a referendum to decide whether nuclear power should become a part of their daily lives, or whether the haunting legacy of atomic testing would continue to limit the country’s progress in this area. The official preliminary results, released on October 7, showed that 71.12% of participants agreed to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan with a voter turnout of 63.66%. President Tokayev’s goal in holding a referendum was to ensure that arguments in favor of nuclear energy were compelling and that citizens, scientists, and government officials were involved in the decision-making process. Tokayev has since suggested that an “international consortium made up of global companies equipped with cutting-edge technologies” should be involved in the project. In partnership with the American Foreign Policy Council, on October 30, 2024, TCA convened a virtual event to discuss what the referendum result means for energy security, geopolitics, and new business opportunities for both regional and global actors.
In this Fall 2024 presentation, the Rumsfeld CAMCA Fellows bring forward new insights, strategies, and innovations aimed at advancing digital infrastructure, bridging connectivity gaps, and fostering economic growth and regional cooperation. The discussion highlights key challenges and opportunities in building digital resilience, promoting cybersecurity, and leveraging technology to empower communities across the region. This session is essential for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic intersection of digital transformation and regional development.
