On September 13, 2025, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) hosted the Urban Night Almaty event, bringing together active citizens, entrepreneurs, students, representatives of creative industries, and graduates of international programs
The event’s goal was to create a vibrant communications platform where businesses, innovative projects, and urban communities intersect. Participants discussed ways to improve Almaty’s urban environment, exchanged international urban planning and entrepreneurial experience, and explored the adaptation of best international practices to Kazakhstan’s realities. Particular attention was paid to partnerships between Central Asian cities—Bishkek, Dushanbe, Ashgabat, Tashkent, and others.
AlmaU Vice-Rector for Global Development Sholpan Tazabek delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the university’s high attention to urbanism and sustainable development
The evening’s program included several formats:
- Innovation Talks – a dialogue about solutions at the intersection of technology and business that impact the quality of life in the city. The main session was titled “City in Action: Technologies that Work.”
- Alumni Talks – alumni of American programs (FLEX, Fulbright, IVLP, and others) shared their experiences implementing international practices.
• Business Talks – Kazakhstani entrepreneurs discussed innovation and the future of Kazakhstan
Renowned political scientist and publisher Dosym Satpayev delivered a lecture entitled “Certain Uncertainty and Windows of Opportunity,” dedicated to the prospects for urban and social development
The parallel program included a fair of local initiatives, including handmade products, recycling, green startups, and sustainable solutions. Guests also watched the film “Is Almaty OK to Live with Smog?” and discussed it with experts.
The forum demonstrated how collaborative discussion and exchange of experiences can generate new solutions for the city. AlmaU acted not just as a platform but as an active participant in shaping the future of the urban environment