GOVHR Forum in Astana: How civil service Is evolving in the age of AI
On June 19, the international GOVHR Forum dedicated to the development of modern human resource management systems in the public sector was held in Astana. The event was organized by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs jointly with the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Astana Civil Service Hub, and the Association of HR Managers of Kazakhstan.
The Forum served as a platform for professional dialogue among representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and experts from 20 countries, united by the common goal of exploring new approaches to the transformation of civil service amid digitalization and global change.
In his welcoming remarks during the plenary session, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Astana Civil Service Hub Alikhan Baimenov emphasized that humanity has entered an era of coexistence with artificial intelligence, which simultaneously creates new opportunities and poses new challenges for states and governance systems.
"Despite the diversity of innovations, the fundamental mission of governance remains unchanged: to use public resources effectively and responsibly for the benefit of the nation, ensure sustainable development, and create conditions for citizens to live long, safe, prosperous, free, and fulfilling lives," - noted Mr. Baimenov.
The plenary session also featured remarks by Chairman of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs Darkhan Zhazykbay, President of GRECO at the Council of Europe David Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia, Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro Marash Dukaj, Director General for International Affairs and Training of Japan’s National Personnel Authority Mio Maeda, Director General for Personnel and Principles of the Secretariat General of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Bilal Şentürk, Director of the Civil Service Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Refik Begić, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Portugal’s National Anti-Corruption Mechanism (MENAC) José António Mouraz Lopes, Deputy Chairperson of the State Examination Center of the Republic of Azerbaijan Bahram Khalilov, as well as other senior representatives of government bodies and international organizations.
During the session, a welcoming address from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Forum's participants was also read out. The message highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to promoting meritocracy principles, ensuring transparency in HR processes, upholding high standards of professional ethics and anti-corruption culture, as well as strengthening the values of integrity and accountability in the public sector.
The discussions focused on key areas of civil service transformation, including the development of strategic HR systems, digitalization of HR processes, integration of artificial intelligence, and new approaches to leadership development and the attraction of young professionals.
On the sidelines of the Forum, Chairman of the Astana Civil Service Hub Mr. Baimenov held a series of bilateral meetings with heads of government agencies, anti-corruption bodies, public administration academies, and international expert organizations from Montenegro, Portugal, Jordan, Türkiye, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. The meetings focused on prospects for further cooperation, implementation of joint initiatives and research projects, as well as the exchange of experience in civil service development and HR transformation.
