November 20, 2026 • Astana, Sheraton
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FORUM 2026
Corporate Governance:
from Reform to Results – Insights for the Future
from Reform to Results – Insights for the Future
Days
Hours
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ABOUT THE FORUM
"Corporate Governance: From Reform to Results — Insights for the Future"
The Corporate Governance Forum 2026 serves as an international platform where the future of corporate governance in Kazakhstan and Central Asia is being shaped.
The Forum is held under the National Council for Corporate Governance, operating within the Presidium of the "Atameken" National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the support of the "Atameken" National Chamber itself.
In Astana, the event will bring together representatives from government bodies, national companies, private sector leaders, independent directors, and recognized international experts from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The professional dialogue will also feature representatives from leading international institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The discussions will focus on real-world challenges and solutions: how to enhance the effectiveness of boards of directors, strengthen the role of independent directors, increase the accountability of the state as an owner, implement international governance standards, and transform corporate governance into a driver for business growth.
Special attention will be given to artificial intelligence and AI governance, digital transformation, risk management, business ethics, and compliance, as well as the development of corporate governance across the regions of Kazakhstan and the strengthening of cooperation throughout Central Asia.
The Corporate Governance Forum 2026 is more than just an exchange of experience; it is a space for new ideas, strategic solutions, international partnerships, and practical changes that will define the future of corporate governance.
The Corporate Governance Forum 2026 serves as an international platform where the future of corporate governance in Kazakhstan and Central Asia is being shaped.
The Forum is held under the National Council for Corporate Governance, operating within the Presidium of the "Atameken" National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the support of the "Atameken" National Chamber itself.
In Astana, the event will bring together representatives from government bodies, national companies, private sector leaders, independent directors, and recognized international experts from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The professional dialogue will also feature representatives from leading international institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The discussions will focus on real-world challenges and solutions: how to enhance the effectiveness of boards of directors, strengthen the role of independent directors, increase the accountability of the state as an owner, implement international governance standards, and transform corporate governance into a driver for business growth.
Special attention will be given to artificial intelligence and AI governance, digital transformation, risk management, business ethics, and compliance, as well as the development of corporate governance across the regions of Kazakhstan and the strengthening of cooperation throughout Central Asia.
The Corporate Governance Forum 2026 is more than just an exchange of experience; it is a space for new ideas, strategic solutions, international partnerships, and practical changes that will define the future of corporate governance.
The organizers of the forum
Forum program
November 20, 2026 • Sheraton Astana
08:30–09:30
08:30–09:30
REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE
Ballroom
Registration of participants · International guests · Networking of chairmen and members of the board of directors · General Partner Area
09:30–09:50
09:30–09:50
OFFICIAL OPENING
Ballroom
Moderators: Madiyar Orynbayev and Dina Urastaeva
Moderators: Madiyar Orynbayev and Dina Urastaeva
- Kanat Sharlapaev – Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken”
- Madina Abylkassymova - Chairperson of the Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan
09:50–10:10
09:50–10:10
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS
Ballroom
Global Trends in Corporate Governance
Overview of Corporate Governance Practices – Preliminary Results and Further Research (NCCG Atameken and KPMG)
- Dr. Roger Barker – Head of Research and Analytics, Center for Governance under the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Saudi Arabia
Overview of Corporate Governance Practices – Preliminary Results and Further Research (NCCG Atameken and KPMG)
- Gabit Musrepov – Partner, KPMG Caucasus and Central Asia, Head of ESG and Corporate Governance Practice, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
10:10–11:25
10:10–11:25
PLENARY SESSION 1
Ballroom
"Corporate Governance and Economic Development: Global Context and Realities of Kazakhstan".
Moderator: Janat Berdalina – Independent Director of Solidcore Resources plc., Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
"Corporate Governance and Economic Development: Global Context and Realities of Kazakhstan".
Moderator: Janat Berdalina – Independent Director of Solidcore Resources plc., Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
Speakers:
- Arman Kassenov – Vice-Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Kanat Nurov – Commissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Zafar Khashimov – IFC Country Manager for Kazakhstan
- Ulf Vokurka – Independent Director of NC JSC “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Anvar Saidenov – Independent Director of JSC “Development Bank of Kazakhstan” and JSC “Bank CenterCredit”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
11:25–11:50
11:25–11:50
AWARD CEREMONY
Ballroom
Outstanding Contributions to: Corporate Governance in State – Owned & Private Companies I Regions I Independent Directors I Corporate Secretaries I Internal Audit I Compliance I Risk Management
11:50–12:15
11:50–12:15
COFFEE BREAK
12:15–13:30
12:15–13:30
PLENARY SESSION 2
Ballroom
"The State as a Professional Owner: From Administrative Control to an Effective Board of Directors".
Moderator: Aigul Djailaubekova – Independent Director of Industrial Development Fund JSC and Agrarian Credit Corporation JSC, Chair of the QID Ten Quat Gender Equality Committee
"The State as a Professional Owner: From Administrative Control to an Effective Board of Directors".
Moderator: Aigul Djailaubekova – Independent Director of Industrial Development Fund JSC and Agrarian Credit Corporation JSC, Chair of the QID Ten Quat Gender Equality Committee
Speakers:
- Arman Kassenov – Vice-Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Nurmakhan Adilbekov – Chairman of the State Property and Privatization Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Bolat Zhamishev – Independent Director of JSC “Samruk-Kazyna”; Independent Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC “Bank RBK”
- Nina Chitaia – Policy Analyst at OECD
- Marat Elibayev - Chair of the Management Board of JSC "Development Bank of Kazakhstan", Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC "Industrial Development Fund"
13:30–14:30
13:30–14:30
LUNCH
PARALLEL BLOCK I
14:30–15:50
01 · BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
01 · BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
THE ROUND TABLE "Quality of Decisions: What makes a Strong Board?"
- Ballroom · 3rd floor · Block 2
- Moderator: Askar Yelemessov – Independent Director of KASE, JSC "DBK"
- Zhaksybek Kulekeyev – Independent Director of JSC "Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan"
- Erlan Ospanov – co-owner of Sary-Arka International Airport (Karaganda), founder of Jardin and Joy Gardens
- Madina Korganbayeva – Independent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee, JSC “Qazcontent”
- Rustam Zhursunov – Chairman of the Board of the Association of Investors of Kazakhstan, member NCCG Atameken NCE
- Bakhytzhan Abdraim– Chairman of the Board-Rector of the National Academy of Corporate Governance (NACG), member NCCG Atameken NCE
RESULT: Checklist of the quality of decisions of the Board of Directors• clarity of the issue; • completeness of information; • availability of alternatives; • risk analysis; • conflict of interest; • dissenting opinions; • deadlines; • responsible executive; • follow-up control.
02 · INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
02 · INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
"Corporate Governance in Eurasia: Different Trajectories, Practical Lessons and Space for Cooperation"
Ballroom Hall · 3rd floor · Block 1
Moderator: Gabit Musrepov – Partner, KPMG Caucasus and Central Asia, Head of ESG and Corporate Governance Practice, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
Moderator: Gabit Musrepov – Partner, KPMG Caucasus and Central Asia, Head of ESG and Corporate Governance Practice, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Seitek Dushenaliyev – President of the Chamber of Independent Directors of the Kyrgyz Republic
- Saida Djarbolova – Independent Director of AFSA, Steppe Cement Ltd, Alatau City Bank (Kazakhstan), SQB Insurance (Uzbekistan)
- Zhardem Kurmangaziyev – Executive Director, Central Asian Association of Corporate Secretaries (CAACS) Public Foundation, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Kabir Jurazoda – Executive Director, Institute of Directors and Corporate Governance, Tajikistan
- Sukhrob Kurbonov – Member of the Supervisory Boards of Alif Bank (Tajikistan) and Orient Finans Bank (Uzbekistan), and Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors of Uzbekistan
RESULT: Regional Governance Cooperation Agenda 2027. Identification of 3-4 practical areas of cooperation between professional institutions and associations of the countries of the region.
03 · CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FOR BUSINESS
03 · CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FOR BUSINESS
"From Business to Company: How to Build a Professional Board of Directors"
Yesil Hall · 3rd floor
Moderator: Diana Muzan – President, Muzan LLC
Moderator: Diana Muzan – President, Muzan LLC
- Oral Almukhambetov – Senior Manager, Department of Social Policy, Corporate Governance and Administrative Support, Samruk-Kazyna JSC
- Justin Robertson – Head of Nominee Director Board Practice at EBRD
- Raushan Raiskhanova – Independent Director of NAO Talap, author of the Good Governance certification program, founder of Academia369
- Kanat Kobessov – Chairman of Supervisory Board NurZholCompany, Chairman of the Board Directors of the National Association of Exporters “Grain Exporters Union KazGrain”
- Business Representative (TBC)
RESULT: Participants will gain a practical understanding of when a business needs a Professional Board of Directors, what competencies should be represented on the Board, and how to build an effective Board. They will see how corporate governance can reduce the company's dependence on its owner, support business scaling, strengthen resilience, and enhance investment attractiveness.
04 · MASTER CLASS
04 · MASTER CLASS
"Ethics in Corporate Governance: Responsibility, Trust and Complex Decisions"
Samruk Hall · 3rd floor
- Janat Berdalina – Independent Director of Solidcore Resources plc., Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Tania Tchedaeva – Executive Vice President for Compliance and Corporate Governance at Solidcore Resources plc.
15:50–16:20
15:50–16:20
COFFEE BREAK
PARALLEL BLOCK II
16:20–17:40
05 · INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
05 · INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
"Independent Director 2.0: Competence, Independence and Professional Courage"
Ballroom Hall · 3rd floor · Block 1
Moderator: Ulf Vokurka – Member of the Board of Directors – Independent Director of NC JSC “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
Moderator: Ulf Vokurka – Member of the Board of Directors – Independent Director of NC JSC “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Alikhan Baidussenov – Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Qazaq Independent Directors Association, Independent Director, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Nurlan Akhanzaripov – Senior Independent Director of KEGOC, Independent Director of JSC “KazTransOil” and JSC “QazaqGas”
- Azamat Dzholdasbekov – Independent Director of JSC “Central Securities Depository” and JSC “Halyk Finance”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Arman Berdalin – Senior Partner, Sayat Zholshy & Partners, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Elena Bakhmutova – Chairperson of the Council of the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan, Independent Director of JSC “Altyn Bank”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
RESULT: "Profile of an Independent Director of Kazakhstan – 2030" competencies; independence requirement; ethical standards; limits on the number of mandates; training requirements; annual evaluation criteria.
06 · REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
06 · REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
THE ROUND TABLE "Corporate Governance in the Regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Realities, Challenges, Solutions"
Ballroom Hall · 3rd floor · Block 2
Moderator: Kambar Omarov – Chairman of the National Council for Corporate Governance under the Presidium of Atameken NCE, Independent Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors of NJSC “Government for Citizens” State Corporation
Moderator: Kambar Omarov – Chairman of the National Council for Corporate Governance under the Presidium of Atameken NCE, Independent Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors of NJSC “Government for Citizens” State Corporation
- Nurmakhan Adilbekov – Chairman of the State Property and Privatization Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Aslan Kaligazin – Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken”
- Abay Sarkulov – Independent Director/Chair of JSC "Social and Entrepreneurial Corporation "Aktobe"
- Murat Jakibayev – Chairman of the Regional Council of the West Kazakhstan Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken”
RESULT: To identify the key barriers to the development of corporate governance in the regions and to develop practical solutions to strengthen the role of boards of directors, independent directors and the responsibility of the owner for the efficiency of regional companies.
07 · RISKS, AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE
07 · RISKS, AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE
"What does the Board of Directors Not Know About the Company's Risks?"
Yesil Hall · 3rd floor
Moderator: Dauren Akshalov – Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Compliance and Business Ethics, Independent Director, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
Moderator: Dauren Akshalov – Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Compliance and Business Ethics, Independent Director, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Gulzhan Bekmagambetova – Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Qazaqstan Risk Managers’ Association, Independent Director, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Alexander Hirt – Operations Strategy Manager, Mercedes-Benz United States International Inc.
- Evgeny Pitolin – Founder and CEO of Heartland, cyber risk expert
- Aray Serikzhanova – CEO, Chapter Zero Kazakhstan
- Eugene Sherbinin – Founder and CEO Prime Source
RESULT: "10 Principles for the Board of Directors to Obtain Objective Information about Risks" / Board Risk Truth Protocol • minimum rules that allow a material risk to reach the Board of Directors in a timely manner.
FORMAT: Case study
08 · MASTER CLASS
08 · MASTER CLASS
AI Governance/AI in Corporate Governance
Samruk Hall · 3rd floor
- Dulatbek Ikbayev - Managing Partner McKinsey&Company Central Asia
- Baizhan Kanafin – Founder&CEO at Documentolog
19:30–23:55
19:30–23:55
Black Tie Event
Guest of Honour: Erkesh Shakeyev, Honoured Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, accompanied by the TARSI Orchestra
As it was in previous years
Forum Speakers
- Arman KassenovVice-Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Kanat SharlapaevChairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken”
- Madina AbylkassymovaChairperson of the Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Janat BerdalinaIndependent Director of Solidcore Resources plc., Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Dr. Roger BarkerHead of Research and Analytics, Center for Governance under the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Saudi Arabia
- Elena BakhmutovaChairperson of the Council of the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan, Independent Director of JSC “Altyn Bank”, Member ofNCCG Atameken NCE
- Zhaksybek KulekeyevIndependent Director of JSC "Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan"
- Tania TchedaevaExecutive Vice President for Compliance and Corporate Governance at
Solidcore Resources plc. - Bolat ZhamishevIndependent Director of JSC “Samruk-Kazyna”; Independent Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC “Bank RBK”
- Aigul DjailaubekovaIndependent Director of Industrial Development Fund JSC and Agrarian Credit Corporation JSC, Chair of the QID Ten Quat Gender Equality Committee
- Kanat NurovCommissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Saida DjarbolovaIndependent Director of AFSA, Steppe Cement Ltd, Alatau City Bank (Kazakhstan), SQB Insurance (Uzbekistan)
- Kambar OmarovChairman of the National Council for Corporate Governance under the Presidium of Atameken NCE, Independent Director – Chairman of the Board of Directors of NJSC “Government for Citizens” State Corporation
- Dina UrastaevaChairman of the Board of Directors of JSC NARI QazInnovations, member of the Management Committee of ACF Astana Hub, member of the Committee of Independent Directors of the NSCU at the Atameken NPP, co-founder of Corporate Governance Hub LLP
- Zafar KhashimovIFC Country Manager for Kazakhstan
- Askar YelemessovIndependent Director of KASE, JSC "DBK"
- Anvar SaidenovIndependent Director of JSC “Development Bank of Kazakhstan” and JSC “Bank CenterCredit”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Rustam ZhursunovChairman of the Board of the Association of Investors of Kazakhstan, member NCCG Atameken NCE
- Azamat DzholdasbekovIndependent Director of JSC “Central Securities Depository” and JSC “Halyk Finance”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Aslan KaligazinDeputy Chairman of the Management Board of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken”
- Gabit MusrepovPartner, KPMG Caucasus and Central Asia, Head of ESG and Corporate Governance Practice, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Erlan Ospanovco-owner of Sary-Arka International Airport (Karaganda), founder of Jardin and Joy Gardens
- Ulf VokurkaMember of the Board of Directors – Independent Director of NC JSC “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Seitek DushenaliyevPresident of the Chamber of Independent Directors of the Kyrgyz Republic
- Kabir JurazodaExecutive Director, Institute of Directors and Corporate Governance, Tajikistan
- Nurlan AkhanzaripovSenior Independent Director of KEGOC, Independent Director of JSC “KazTransOil” and JSC “QazaqGas”, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Alikhan BaidussenovChairman of the Supervisory Board of the Qazaq Independent Directors Association, Independent Director, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Zhardem KurmangaziyevExecutive Director, Central Asian Association of Corporate Secretaries (CAACS) Public Foundation, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Dauren AkshalovChairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Compliance and Business Ethics, Independent Director, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Alexander HirtOperations Strategy Manager, Mercedes-Benz United States International Inc.
- Arman BerdalinSenior Partner, Sayat Zholshy & Partners, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Sukhrob KurbonovMember of the Supervisory Boards of Alif Bank (Tajikistan) and Orient Finans Bank (Uzbekistan), and Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors of Uzbekistan
- Evgeny PitolinFounder and CEO of Heartland, cyber risk expert
- Raushan RaiskhanovaFounder Academia 369
- Abay SarkulovIndependent Director/Chair of JSC "Social and Entrepreneurial Corporation "Aktobe"
- Gulzhan BekmagambetovaChairman of the Supervisory Board of Qazaqstan Risk Managers’ Association, Independent Director, Member of NCCG Atameken NCE
- Aray SerikzhanovaCEO, Chapter Zero Kazakhstan
- Madina KorganbayevaIndependent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee, JSC “Qazcontent”
Business Representative - Madiyar OrynbayevCorporate Secretary of the L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University
- Nurmakhan AdilbekovChairman of the State Property and Privatization Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Justin RobertsonHead of Nominee Director Board Practice at EBRD
- Baizhan KanafinFounder&CEO at Documentolog
- Kanat KobessovChairman of Supervisory BoardNurZholCompany, Chairman of the Board Directors of the National Association of Exporters “Grain Exporters Union KazGrain”
- Marat ElibayevChairman of Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, Chairman of the Board of Directors Industrial Development Fund JSC
- Nina ChitaiaPolicy Analyst at OECD
- Dulatbek IkbayevManaging Partner McKinsey&Company Central Asia
- Bakhytzhan AbdraimChairman of the Board-Rector of the National Academy of Corporate Governance (NACG), member NCCG Atameken NCE
- Oral AlmukhambetovSenior Manager, Department of Social Policy, Corporate Governance and Administrative Support, Samruk-Kazyna JSC
- Eugene SherbininFounder and CEO Prime Source
- Diana MuzanPresident, Muzan LLC
- Murat JakibayevChairman of the Regional Council of the West Kazakhstan Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken”
Our partners
Information partners
Contacts
📍 Location of the event:
Sheraton Astana · 60/1 Syganak St.
📧 Email: info@cgf.kz
📞 Phone / WhatsApp:
+77054026169 Marat
+77079204302 Yelshat
🌐 Organizers:
NSCU at the NCE "Atameken" · LLP "Center of Competencies" NPP "Atameken" · Association "Qazaq Independent Directors", Association of Compliance and Business Ethics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Central Asian Association of Corporate Secretaries, Institute of Internal Auditors of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Association of Risk Managers of the Republic of Kazakhstan · LLP "Corporate Governance Hub"
🕓 Date of the event:
November 20, 2026
Sheraton Astana · 60/1 Syganak St.
📧 Email: info@cgf.kz
📞 Phone / WhatsApp:
+77054026169 Marat
+77079204302 Yelshat
🌐 Organizers:
NSCU at the NCE "Atameken" · LLP "Center of Competencies" NPP "Atameken" · Association "Qazaq Independent Directors", Association of Compliance and Business Ethics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Central Asian Association of Corporate Secretaries, Institute of Internal Auditors of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Association of Risk Managers of the Republic of Kazakhstan · LLP "Corporate Governance Hub"
🕓 Date of the event:
November 20, 2026
