The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 International Forum was held in Astana on 1–3 October 2026, bringing together representatives of government agencies, the expert community and the technology industry of over 100 countries. The event was opened by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who emphasised the need for the responsible and safe development of new technologies, international knowledge sharing, joint research, investment promotion and technological cooperation.
As part of AI & Digital Bridge 2026, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Expert Forum on Artificial Intelligence was held under the theme “National Priorities and Strategies for Artificial Intelligence Development: Prospects for Cooperation within the SCO.” Representatives of relevant government agencies and the expert community from the SCO Member States discussed national approaches to AI development, the regulation and safe application of new technologies, as well as prospects for expanding practical cooperation in this field.
Kazbek Kochkonov, Adviser at the SCO Secretariat, took part in the expert forum. In his remarks, he outlined the key areas of cooperation among the SCO Member States in the field of artificial intelligence, noting the steady strengthening of ties in science, technology and innovation. He also emphasised the importance of sharing experience and developing coordinated approaches to the development and application of AI technologies.
At the SCO Tianjin Summit in September 2025, the President of Kazakhstan proposed holding the first SCO Expert Forum on Artificial Intelligence in Astana and, in 2027, a high-level international conference entitled “Artificial Intelligence at the Service of the SCO Economy.”
