The Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES 2026) was initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2023. At the Astana International Forum in May 2025, it was announced that the Summit’s agenda would be expanded from a climate-focused framework to a broader environmental scope.
Read more: https://res2026.kz/about
From April 22 to 26, the IX International Book Exhibition and Fair Astana Eurasian Book Fair 2026 will be held at the Presidential Center in the capital. It is one of the largest cultural and educational events in Central Asia, according to the official website of the city administration. The event is organized by Foliant Publishing House with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Astana. Approximately 80 companies representing the publishing, printing, bookselling, and academic sectors will take part in the fair. Around half of them are Kazakhstani organizations, while some 40 companies are expected from Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Spain, China, Iran, Belarus, Portugal, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. The five-day program will feature a wide range of cultural and business events, including book presentations, meetings with authors, autograph sessions, and special masterclasses at the children’s activity zone. Among the highlights are presentations of the following publications: «Turkish Cuisine» (published with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey), Bekarys Shoibekov’s collection of aitys «Bekarys — The Golden Voice of Aitys», Marzhan Yershu’s poem «A Solitary Hand», «Yeldos Smetov. Endurance. Faith. Victory» from the «Contemporaries» series, Yerlan Kozhabayev’s photo album «Kazakh Ornaments», Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novel «The Witcher», Ularbek Daley’s historical novel «Batu Khan», «The Ownerless Shadow» by Alisher Rakhat, «The Journey of Hope» by Spanish writer Javier Moro, «For Whom the Bell Tolls» by Ernest Hemingway, «A Poem-Woman» by Azerbaijani poet Rasmia Sabir, Baiyt Kabanuly’s «Mongol Poetry», «The Tears of the White Zhaiyk» by Nursultan Myktybay, as well as the album books «Turkestan — Eternal and Ever New» and «Dimash Qudaibergen. Infinite Music». On April 23, in celebration of the National Book Day, an official award ceremony will be held for the winners of the national competition Ulttyq Kitap, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan. The official opening ceremony of the exhibition will take place on April 22 at 11:00, with the participation of government and public figures, prominent writers, and foreign ambassadors.
On April 23-24, 2026, the International Craft Festival «Taraz — City of Craftsmen» will be held at the historical and ethnocultural complex «Kone Taraz» in the city of Taraz. This is not just a festival, but a major cultural platform that combines traditions and modernity, contributing to the revival of national heritage and the development of craft art. The festival will gather over 100 craftsmen from foreign countries (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan), as well as from neighboring regions of Kazakhstan (Almaty and Turkestan). Local artisans will also present their work. To create a special atmosphere and inspire the guests, a rich program is planned: a scientific and practical conference on the topic «Taraz — City of Craftsmen. Traditional and Modern Crafts», an exhibition of handcrafted items, workshops, and an exhibition of young artisans and artists titled «My World: Fantasy and Reality». Additionally, the International Fashion Week «ASPARA FASHION WEEK» will take place as part of the festival, where national styles and modern trends will blend harmoniously. The musical program «Dombyra Party», which will be held next to the felt item included in the Guinness World Records, will give the guests an atmosphere of live traditional music. Festival guests will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of craft art, see a showcase of national clothing, and enjoy a gala concert featuring pop stars. Moreover, participants will be able to purchase the items they like and take part in tours of the historical and cultural landmarks of the city.
