Askar Akayev gave a lecture on the development of mankind in the era of AI at KazNU
A leadership lecture on "The world stands on the threshold of three unique stages: technological (artificial intelligence), demographic and evolutionary. How will this affect the further development of mankind?" read the first President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading researcher at the Institute for Mathematical Research of Complex Systems of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Professor Askar Akayev at al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
The event was attended by renowned scientists, researchers, experts, faculty and students of KazNU.
Chairman of the Management Board – Rector of the University Zhanseit Tuimebayev introduced the guest of honor, emphasizing the importance of the event. "The first president of Kyrgyzstan, Askar Akayev, came to politics from science. He was educated at St. Petersburg University and the Leningrad Institute of Precision Mechanics and Optics, qualified as a mathematical engineer, defended his PhD and then his doctoral thesis at the Moscow Engineering Physics University. Subsequently, he held positions in the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences and was President of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences. "Askar Akaevich's contribution to the development of science and education, stimulating scientific research and training personnel for the Kyrgyz Republic is invaluable," said the head of the university. "Under his leadership, the role of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences in regional scientific exchange has been strengthened, projects in the field of engineering and technology have been implemented, and educational initiatives have been supported to expand youth access to knowledge".
Academician Askar Akayev in his speech highly appreciated the program of digital development of Kazakhstan, which was presented by the President of Kazakhstan K.K.Tokayev in his message dated September 8, 2025 "Kazakhstan in the era of artificial intelligence: current challenges and their solutions through digital transformation". "This is the most ambitious program, as your President aims to transform Kazakhstan into a full-fledged digital state in three years. In this case, your country will be among the leaders in the field of digital transformation worldwide. And al-Farabi Kazakh National University can become a leader in implementing digitalization policies, artificial intelligence technologies, economic transformation, and public administration in Kazakhstan", - the scientist emphasized.
The lecturer further noted that in the coming years, humanity will have to go through three singularities – demographic, technological and evolutionary. "A singularity is when some magnitude goes to infinity, but the world, nature, and the Almighty always avoid infinity. One of the singularities is created by man himself, and this is artificial intelligence. It will be very difficult to control and regulate it. History moves through settlement, urban and industrial revolution as phase transitions, and now we are on the threshold of the digital revolution",- said Askar Akayev.
According to the scientist, the probability of creating an AI of the "human intelligence level" by 2027-29 is close to unity. But the active formation of the symbiosis of "man + AI" as the leading force of development in all spheres of activity will allow humanity to move along a progressive branch of evolution.
After the lecture, a discussion took place in the format of an open dialogue – everyone could ask questions and get meaningful answers to them.
Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
