SöZ Astana Public Talk
SöZ Astana Public Talk is an open discussion platform launched by Sana Holding to address key challenges in the economy, politics, and public life. The project brings together experts, opinion leaders, business representatives, public sector professionals, and the younger generation for honest and forward-looking dialogue.
Each session focuses on a specific topic - from urban development and education to creative industries, digitalization, and international cooperation.
Since 2023, events have been held at Orta Community in Astana, cultivating the atmosphere of a modern intellectual club where live conversations and audience engagement spark new ideas and civic initiatives.
Speakers of SöZ Astana Public Talk (2022–2025) have included:
- Natalia Zubarevich – economic geographer, Doctor of Geographical Sciences
- Kuanysh Zhaikov – economist, Head of DESHT Analytical Center
- Kairat Kelimbetov – former Chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan (2013–2015)
- Sailau Batyrshauly – veteran diplomat, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor
- Aizatulla Hussein – founder of Õzen media company
- Yerbolat Bedelkhan – musician, lead singer of Orda band, former producer of Ninety One
- Mikhail Zygar – journalist, former Editor-in-Chief of Dozhd TV
- Sultan Akimbekov – historian, political scientist, orientalist
- Arman Davletyarov – media executive, former CEO of MUZ-TV and the MUZ-TV Music Awards
- Alexey Pivovarov – journalist, founder of the YouTube channel Redaktsiya
- Ekaterina Shulman – political scientist and public intellectual
Each event is structured to foster open dialogue - combining keynote talks with live audience Q&A and moderated discussion - making SöZ Astana Public Talk both dynamic and deeply engaging.
The project’s mission is to create a modern civic platform in the heart of Kazakhstan’s capital - a place where bold ideas are shared, public thinking is shaped, and the future of the country is debated in real time.