On June 18, 2026, the International Conference on Strengthening Cultural Ties and Developing Creative and Cultural Industries was held at the Konstantinovsky Palace (State Complex “Congress Palace”) in Saint Petersburg. The conference brought together representatives of government authorities, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and the expert community from CIS countries. The event was attended by Bibigul Nurgaliyevna Nussipzhanova, Rector of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography.

The event was attended by Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, as well as Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Jumamyrat Gurbangulyyev.

During the plenary session, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov noted that Kazakhstan’s new Constitution guarantees the protection of intellectual and creative activity, providing a solid foundation for the further development of the creative industries. According to him, new markets are being actively developed, new jobs are being created, and opportunities for promoting Kazakhstan’s creative products in the international arena are expanding.

The conference featured plenary sessions and panel discussions focused on strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation among CIS countries, developing creative and cultural industries, supporting cultural initiatives, exchanging best practices in the fields of arts and education, and implementing joint international projects.

Participants discussed modern mechanisms for supporting creative projects, the development of cultural entrepreneurship, the digital transformation of the cultural sector, workforce training for the creative economy, and prospects for expanding international cooperation. Particular attention was paid to collaboration between educational and cultural institutions, the preservation of national cultural traditions, and the creation of new opportunities for creative exchange among countries.

As part of the conference’s cultural program, participants visited the Mikhailovsky Theatre and the State Museum-Reserve “Peterhof,” gaining insight into Saint Petersburg’s rich historical and cultural heritage as well as outstanding examples of Russian theatrical and museum art.

Participation in the conference provided an opportunity to strengthen professional ties with international partners, gain insight into current trends in the cultural sector and creative industries, and discuss prospects for implementing joint educational and cultural initiatives.

For the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, the development of international cooperation remains one of the key priorities, contributing to the enhancement of educational quality, the expansion of academic and creative partnerships, and the promotion of Kazakhstan’s choreographic art on the international stage.