The theme of the upcoming XII Astana Economic Forum (AEF) to be held May 16-17 
is "Inspiring growth: people, cities, economies." The world has entered a new 
era of the fourth industrial revolution: natural resources and geographic 
locations are no longer a priority. Instead, the 'technological efficiency' of 
the economy, the level of urban development and the quality of human capital 
now take precedence. The success of the state in the modern world is determined 
by the readiness of government institutions and citizens to meet this new 
reality.
 
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The Kazakhstan Economic Research Institute published an analytical review, 
"Kazakhstan and the Global World: Challenges and Opportunities." According to 
Yerlik Karazhan, the Chair of the Board of the Institute: "We want to 
demonstrate to the world the level of Kazakhstan's participation in solving key 
global problems, the country's focus on open development, and readiness to 
search for effective solutions in various sectors."

In the world of global digitalisation of knowledge, human economy comes first. 
At the same time, cities are changing:humanity concentrates around big cities 
and agglomerations. According to Hans-Paul Burkner, Chairman of the Board of 
Directors, BCG, "By 2030 5.1 billion people or 60% of the global population 
will be living in cities. Environmental pressures are unprecedented, today only 
10% of residents of cities have adequate conditions at par with recommendations 
of the World Health Organization."

The global economy is also undergoing changes. "The current juncture is 
delicate for the global economy," says Christine Lagarde, the Managing 
Director, International Monetary Fund. "A year ago, activity was accelerating 
in almost all regions of the world. However, we have witnessed a slowdown since 
the second half of 2018, reflecting rising trade tensions and a tightening of 
financial conditions. We are expecting a rebound in late 2019, but it seems 
precarious and vulnerable to downside risks."

All these issues are to be discussed at Astana Economic Forum – the main global 
discussion platform in Central Asia. Since the launch of the AEF eleven years 
ago, the event has become one of the most influential international platforms 
for discussing issues of the world economy and the financial system. Over 
50,000 delegates have participated in the forum, from 150 countries, including 
more than 20 Nobel laureates and 30 high-level foreign political figures.

http://astanaeconomicforum.org/en 

Source: Astana Economic Forum