Astana IT University Co-organised the International People&Projects Forum 2026
On 9–10 October 2026, Astana hosted the annual international People&Projects Forum: Biomimetic & Management, dedicated to advancing project management. The event brought together representatives of government bodies, international organisations, businesses, and the academic community to exchange experience and discuss modern approaches to project management.
The forum was organised by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana IT University, and the People&Projects consulting agency.
The forum’s main theme was the application of living-system principles to the management of organisations and projects. Participants examined how natural mechanisms of adaptation, interaction, resource allocation, and resilience can be used to improve management processes.
The first day focused on biomimetic approaches to management. During the thematic sessions, Kazakhstani and international experts discussed effective communication, systems thinking, and risk management. The scientific principles underlying living systems were considered in connection with practical tools for business and project activities. The first day concluded with the People&Projects Awards ceremony, which recognised project teams and leaders who had contributed to the advancement of project management.
The second day of the forum took place at the Alem.ai centre and focused on developing project management in the context of digital transformation. Key topics included the use of artificial intelligence in management practice, the digitalisation of monitoring and analytics, the development of project offices, and improving the efficiency of project implementation, coordination, and oversight.
Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University, delivered welcoming remarks to the participants.
Dilara Abzhanova, Director of the AITU Centre of Competence and Excellence and Head of IPMA Young Crew Kazakhstan, delivered a presentation entitled “Project Management in the Age of AI: Which Leadership Competencies Are Becoming Critical?” Participants also explored presentations and practical case studies on the activities of project offices, digital management systems, analytical dashboards, and the real-time monitoring of strategic documents.
A dedicated part of the programme featured an exchange of best practices among the project offices of central government bodies and regions. The session was moderated by Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University. Representatives of project offices shared their experience in organising teamwork and using digital solutions and discussed human–AI interaction in project management.
Participants paid particular attention to developing leadership competencies in the age of AI, automating data collection, and applying analytical tools to identify deviations, forecast risks, and support management decisions.
The forum concluded with an official awards ceremony. Project offices of central government bodies and local executive authorities that had achieved outstanding results and contributed to the development of project management in Kazakhstan received letters of appreciation from Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Astana IT University’s participation in organising the forum strengthens cooperation among government, business, and the academic community while supporting the advancement of modern project-management approaches and the integration of artificial intelligence into management processes.
The forum was organised by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana IT University, and the People&Projects consulting agency.
The forum’s main theme was the application of living-system principles to the management of organisations and projects. Participants examined how natural mechanisms of adaptation, interaction, resource allocation, and resilience can be used to improve management processes.
The first day focused on biomimetic approaches to management. During the thematic sessions, Kazakhstani and international experts discussed effective communication, systems thinking, and risk management. The scientific principles underlying living systems were considered in connection with practical tools for business and project activities. The first day concluded with the People&Projects Awards ceremony, which recognised project teams and leaders who had contributed to the advancement of project management.
The second day of the forum took place at the Alem.ai centre and focused on developing project management in the context of digital transformation. Key topics included the use of artificial intelligence in management practice, the digitalisation of monitoring and analytics, the development of project offices, and improving the efficiency of project implementation, coordination, and oversight.
Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University, delivered welcoming remarks to the participants.
Dilara Abzhanova, Director of the AITU Centre of Competence and Excellence and Head of IPMA Young Crew Kazakhstan, delivered a presentation entitled “Project Management in the Age of AI: Which Leadership Competencies Are Becoming Critical?” Participants also explored presentations and practical case studies on the activities of project offices, digital management systems, analytical dashboards, and the real-time monitoring of strategic documents.
A dedicated part of the programme featured an exchange of best practices among the project offices of central government bodies and regions. The session was moderated by Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University. Representatives of project offices shared their experience in organising teamwork and using digital solutions and discussed human–AI interaction in project management.
Participants paid particular attention to developing leadership competencies in the age of AI, automating data collection, and applying analytical tools to identify deviations, forecast risks, and support management decisions.
The forum concluded with an official awards ceremony. Project offices of central government bodies and local executive authorities that had achieved outstanding results and contributed to the development of project management in Kazakhstan received letters of appreciation from Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Astana IT University’s participation in organising the forum strengthens cooperation among government, business, and the academic community while supporting the advancement of modern project-management approaches and the integration of artificial intelligence into management processes.