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Date: February 17, 2026
Address: InterContinental Almaty Hotel,
Almaty, st. Zheltoksan 181

About Forum

"Women in Business" is a new format of dialogue platform that unites the women's entrepreneurial community and was created to address pressing issues related to the development of the business environment, economic policy, SMEs, and industry specialization.

The forum was initiated by women entrepreneurs from various economic sectors, experts and practitioners who are passionate about today's economic and social challenges and are ready to address them. At the forum, women leaders from various industries will share their entrepreneurial experiences, insights, and answers to your most pressing questions. The forum will be useful for current entrepreneurs, managers, businesswomen, and anyone interested in women's leadership.

Artificial Intelligence and Family Economics

Global Trends and Challenges: Politics, Economics, and Business

Social and civil activism

Many other topics will be covered in detail. In addition to panel discussions for large and medium-sized business owners, department heads, and entrepreneurs, there will be master classes, coaching, and practical business sessions led by speakers. Networking opportunities will also be available: meeting and connecting with successful women leaders in business and entrepreneurship. Express consultations on various issues from participants are an exclusive bonus.

Schedule

February 17, 2026
09:00 - 09:45 | Participants Registration Coffee Break and Exhibition

Forum Opening

Host & Organiser: Akerkin Eraliyeva, PhD, Chairperson of the Business Women Council “Women in Business”

09:00 - 09:45 | Participants Registration Coffee Break and Exhibition
9:45 - 10:45 | Plenary Session

Global Trends and Challenges: Politics, Economy and Business

Moderator: Meiram Begentayev, Doctor of Economics, Chairman of the Management Board, Rector of Satbayev University

Speakers:

—        Umut Shayakhmetova, Chairperson of the Management Board of Halyk Bank

—        Julie M. Stufft, U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan

—        Murat Bapayev, Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board of «Damu» Entrepreneurship Development Fund JSC

—        Ceren Güven Güres, Head of the UN Women Central Asia Liaison Office and Representative of the Kazakhstan Country Office

—        Aituar Koshmambetov, Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan 

9:45 - 10:45 | Plenary Session
10:55 - 11:55 | Panel Session

Public and Civic Leadership

Moderator: Asel Karaulova, President of the Kazakhstan Press Club

Speakers:

—        Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Woman Grandmaster 

—        Zhanna Urazbakhova, Women’s Rights Advocate    

—        Khalida Azhigulova, PhD, Lawyer, International Consultant to the UN on Gender Equality and Human Rights in Business

—        Aida Alzhanova, International Expert on Gender Equality 

—        Alexandra Akkirman, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca‑Cola Caucasus and Central Asia  

10:55 - 11:55 | Panel Session
12:00 - 12:35 | Award Ceremony

Grant awards to finalists of the “Coca-Cola Belesteri” project

12:00 - 12:35 | Award Ceremony
12:45 - 13:45 | Lunch Break
12:45 - 13:45 | Lunch Break
14:00 - 15:00 | Technowomen Panel Session

Artificial Intelligence and the Family Economy

Moderator: Aziza Shuzheeva, TECHNOWOMEN NGO Chairperson of the Management Board and Co-Founder, Head of the GovTech & AI Foundation  

Speakers:

—        Lyazzat Satiyeva, Chief Executive Officer and Management Board Member of Eurasian Bank

—        Alua Korpebayeva, Head of the Project Office for Logistics Digitalization under the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan

—        Aigerim Nurgaliyeva, Chief Executive Officer at STIKER.AI  

—        Anar Tuleubayeva, Vice Chairman of Qaz.Ai Association

—        Talgat Amanbayev, Chief Innovation Officer at AIFC Authority

—        Kseniya Toropova, CEO HRBOX Kazakhstan

14:00 - 15:00 | Technowomen Panel Session
15:05 - 15:20 | Visa Company Presentation

Speaker:

Kuanysh Tankiyev, Director of Visa Commercial Solutions — Central Asia and Azerbaijan

15:05 - 15:20 | Visa Company Presentation
15:20 - 16:05 | Halyk Talks

Q&A Session

Moderator:  Mira Khalina, Head of PR Department at Halyk Bank

Speakers:

—        Madina Barmenshinova, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Head of Metallurgy and Mineral Processing Department at Satbayev University

—        Serikzhan Mauletbay, BES.media Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief

—        Aizada Ussenova, Founder of Social Group

—        Marzhan Otegen, Entrepreneur, Halyk Bank Brand Ambassador  

15:20 - 16:05 | Halyk Talks
16:10 - 17:10 | Master Class of “She Community”

Speakers:

—        Inna Apenko, Mimioriki and Global Nomads Founder, Vice President of Kazakhstan Light Industry Enterprises Association 

—        Raushan Kashkombayeva, Co‑Founder of the logistics company SPDEx, EBRD Mentor

—        Nailya Cherednichenko, Founder of Mladex Group, Expert in Data Analytics and Digital Systems    

—        Balsulu Tasbulatova, PhD, HR Strategist, Founder of Pincode.kz Platform

—        Zarina Samigullina, Founder of  «Lukomorye» Garden Center and Green Eco greenhouse complex

 

16:10 - 17:10 | Master Class of “She Community”
17:15-18:15 | Networking Reception, Certificates for Participants

Prize Draw

17:15-18:15 | Networking Reception, Certificates for Participants

Moderators

Akerkin Eraliyeva
Chairperson of the Business Women Council “Women in Business”
Meiram Begentayev
Doctor of Economics, Chairman of the Management Board, Rector of Satbayev University
Asel Karaulova
President of the Kazakhstan Press Club
Aziza Shuzheeva
TECHNOWOMEN NGO Chairperson of the Management Board and Co-Founder, Head of the GovTech & AI Foundation
Mira Khalina
Head of PR Department at Halyk Bank

Speakers

Umut Shayakhmetova
Chairperson of the Management Board of Halyk Bank
Julie M. Stufft
U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan
Murat Bapayev
Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board of «Damu» Entrepreneurship Development Fund JSC
Ceren Güven Güres
Head of the UN Women Central Asia Liaison Office and Representative of the Kazakhstan Country Office
Aituar Koshmambetov
Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Gulmira Dauletova
Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Woman Grandmaster
Zhanna Urazbakhova
Women’s Rights Advocate
Khalida Azhigulova, PhD
Lawyer, International Consultant to the UN on Gender Equality and Human Rights in Business
Aida Alzhanova
International Expert on Gender Equality
Alexandra Akkirman
Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca Cola Caucasus and Central Asia
Lyazzat Satiyeva
Chief Executive Officer and Management Board Member of Eurasian Bank
Alua Korpebayeva
Head of the Project Office for Logistics Digitalization under the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Aigerim Nurgaliyeva
Chief Executive Officer at STIKER.AI
Anar Tuleubayeva
Vice Chairman of Qaz.Ai Association
Talgat Amanbayev
Chief Innovation Officer at AIFC Authority
Kseniya Toropova
CEO HRBOX Kazakhstan
Kuanysh Tankiyev
Director of Visa Commercial Solutions — Central Asia and Azerbaijan
Madina Barmenshinova
Candidate of Technical Sciences, Head of Metallurgy and Mineral Processing Department at Satbayev University
Serikzhan Mauletbay
BES.media Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief
Aizada Ussenova
Founder of Social Group
Marzhan Otegen
Entrepreneur, Halyk Bank Brand Ambassador
Inna Apenko
Mimioriki and Global Nomads Founder, Vice President of Kazakhstan Light Industry Enterprises Association
Raushan Kashkombayeva
Co-Founder of the logistics company SPDEx, EBRD Mentor
Nailya Cherednichenko
of Mladex Group, Expert in Data Analytics and Digital Systems
Balsulu Tasbulatova, PhD
HR Strategist, Founder of Pincode.kz Platform
Zarina Samigullina
Founder of «Lukomorye» Garden Center and Green Eco greenhouse complex

General partner

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Official partner

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Organizers

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Sponsors

We were supported

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Information partners

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History of the Forum

20.02.2019 | Ritz-Carlton Almaty
20.02.2020 | DoubleTree by Hilton
22.02.2022 | Rahat Palace
23.02.2023 | Rixos Almaty
20.02.2024 | Rixos Almaty
20.02.2025 | InterContinental Almaty
The first Women in Business forum opened with a panel discussion, «Global Economic Challenges. The Role of Women in Management,» moderated by Asel Karaulova (President of the Kazakhstan Press Club/PG Communications).
Participating in the discussion were Umut Shayakhmetova (Chairwoman of the Board of People’s Bank of Kazakhstan), Li Qingping (Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of China CITIC Bank), Claire Lo (Head of the Hong Kong Women’s Council), and Lyazzat Ibragimova (Chairwoman of the Board of Housing Construction Savings Bank).
The second part of the program included a panel discussion, «Life in a Megacity: Infrastructure, Ecology, and Entrepreneurship,» moderated by Tatyana Bendz (Communications Director of Raimbek). The discussion featured Elena Erzakovich (UN program), Anastasia Tarasova (Artishok Theater), Asel Yeszhanova (Urban Forum Almaty), Almagul Kanagatova (AlmaU), Gulnara Momynalieva (AZA TOO), and Azhar Dzhandosova (Protect Kok-Zhailau movement).
In the section «My Story: Steps to Success, Ups and Downs,» Chinara Bugumbaeva (Kaganate), Aizada Usenova (Social Group), Aruzhan Sain (Give Children Life Foundation), Asel Atabekova (Selya, Kyrgyzstan), Gaukhar Assion (restaurateur and Michelin-starred French), and Svetlana Kan (world champion in taekwondo) shared their experiences.
The practical part of the forum continued with parallel workshops. In Hall 1, moderated by Akerkin Eralieva (HKTDC), the workshop «Service and Trade: Trends, Challenges, and Promotion Tools» was held. Symbat Aralbekova (Carlo Bay, Graziella), Gulzhan Kenje (Smart Satu, Sulu), and Zhemis Aidarbekova (SP Clinic) presented. In Hall 2, the Fashion Club workshop was held, moderated by Zhamilya Abilova, with Olga Kim (Brosh), Ainur Turisbek, and Zhanel Bertaeva (Lenazh).
The program concluded with two master classes. Natalia Makayeva (business consultant, Belarus) led the session «Feminine Management,» which explored the characteristics of female leadership, work-life balance, and effective time management. The «Personal and Business SMM» section featured Kristina Tips (founder of the first Instagram school), Zhanna Akhmetova (journalist, blogger), and Emelie Lo (cyberbullying, Hong Kong), presenting practical tools for digital communications and reputation management.
The Women in Business 2020 Forum opened with a welcome address by Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Akim (Mayor) of Almaty. The main panel, «Support Tools for Women’s Business,» was moderated by Asel Karaulova (President of the Kazakhstan Press Club/PG Communications, Chairperson of the Almaty Women’s Union).
The discussion included Umut Shayakhmetova (Chairperson of the Management Board of Halyk Bank), Lyazzat Ibragimova (Chairperson of the Management Board of Housing Construction Savings Bank of Kazakhstan), Gaukhar Buribayeva (Chairperson of the Management Board of Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund), Alina Anikina (Chairperson of the Management Board of Alfa-Bank), Alma Kasymova (National Manager of the EBRD SME Finance and Development Program), and Lazzat Ramazanova (Chairperson of the Business Women’s Council). The discussion focused on financial instruments, banking programs, government support for small and medium-sized businesses, and women entrepreneurs’ access to capital.
The second part of the program included a panel discussion titled «The Fashion Industry as a Driver of the Creative Economy,» moderated by Inna Apenko (Mimioriki). Olga Kim (BROSH), Zhanel Bertaeva (LENAZH), Ainur Turisbek, Kuralai Nurkadilova (Kuralai Fashion House), and Asel Adil (ADILI) participated in the discussion. The speakers discussed the development of local brands, scaling the fashion business, and the export potential of Kazakhstan’s fashion industry.
The practical part of the forum focused on improving business efficiency. Nikita Matveyev (harakter.bz) conducted a master class titled «The Agile Approach and Why Women’s Business Needs It,» which explored modern management techniques and flexible business development models. Irina Zolotarevich presented the topic «How Personal Transformations Impact Business Profits,» focusing on the entrepreneur’s personal strategy. Elvira Ramazanova (uchet.kz) presented the section «Key Provisions and Changes in Tax Legislation,» detailing the current tax changes for businesses. The forum concluded with the presentation of certificates and a photo shoot.
The Women in Business 2022 Forum focused on the topic «Prospects for Economic Recovery and Life in a Megacity.» The main panel session was moderated by Asel Karaulova (President of the Kazakhstan Press Club / PG Communications).
Participating in the discussion were Lazzat Ramazanova (Member of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Chairperson of the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy), Saltanat Abdikarimova (Managing Director for the Organization of National Competitions), Elena Bakhmutova (Chairperson of the Council of the Joint Stock Financial Corporation of the Republic of Kazakhstan), Umut Shayakhmetova (Chairperson of the Management Board of Halyk Bank), Caroline Savage (US Consul General in Almaty), and Maria Dotsenko (Head of the UN Women Country Office in Kazakhstan). The speakers discussed macroeconomic trends, business recovery after the crisis, international support, and the role of financial institutions in stabilizing the economy. The second part of the program included a session titled «Effective Cases for Entrepreneurship Development and Crisis Recovery,» moderated by Akerkin Eralieva (PhD, Deputy Director of the Almaty Chamber of Entrepreneurs). Participants in the discussion included Olga Pak (NGS New Generation School), Aizada Usenova (Social Group coffee shop chain), Elena Li (Dolce Pharm pharmaceutical company), Molder Rysalieva (Ozon), and Cholpon Kokumova (USAID’s Future Growth Initiative). The speakers presented practical case studies on scaling, entering marketplaces, and adapting businesses to new economic conditions.
Master classes for entrepreneurs were moderated by Akerkin Eralieva. Anna Osipova (co-founder of the accounting outsourcing network UCHET.KZ) presented the topic «Franchising as a Growth Point for Your Business,» Svetlana Romanovskaya (Chair of the Board of the International Union of Parliamentarians) spoke on the topic «Lobbying: Promoting Interests in Legislative and Governance Structures,» and Asel Durbaeva (psychologist and Gestalt therapist) led the session «How to Build Your Own Support: Internal and External,» dedicated to entrepreneurial resilience during times of crisis. The forum concluded with the presentation of certificates, a networking session, and a reception.
The Women in Business 2023 Forum was held at the Rixos Almaty Hotel and focused on the topic of «Macroeconomic Trends and Challenges for the National Economy.» The main panel session was moderated by Akerkin Eraliyeva (PhD, Chair of the Almaty Business Women’s Council).
The discussion featured Umut Shayakhmetova (Chairwoman of the Board, Halyk Bank), Caroline Savage (US Consul General in Almaty), Ilona Bordyan (Club of Successful Women of Ukraine), and Alima Isymbayeva (Central Asia Public Affairs and Communication Director, Coca-Cola). The discussion focused on the macroeconomic situation, the impact of global processes on the national market, and the role of the financial sector and international cooperation in entrepreneurship development.
The second part of the program included a panel discussion on «Measures and Tools for Supporting Entrepreneurship Development,» moderated by Asel Karaulova (President of the Kazakhstan Press Club/PG Communications). The discussion featured Alina Aldambergen (Chairperson of the Board of KASE), Gaukhar Buribayeva (Chairperson of the Board of the Damu Fund), Asem Nurgaliyeva (founder of Technowomen), Asem Makashova (Deputy Director of the Qolday Entrepreneurship Center), and Saltanat Abdikarimova (Managing Director). The speakers discussed financing instruments, stock market development, support for technology entrepreneurship, and regional business development programs.
The practical business session «Stories of Mistakes and Failures in Business» was moderated by Anna Osipova (mentor, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship Development). Elena Li (CEO Dolce Farm), Alua Korpebaeva (CEO Clever Market), Zhanna Kan (Damiani, La Perla, Zardozi, Constella), Ainur Abdina (CEO Spaarmann Logistics), and Asem Dyusembinova (store director on satu.kz) shared their experiences. The speakers discussed strategic mistakes, scaling, risk management, and business transformation in a changing economy.
The program concluded with a master class and coaching session for entrepreneurs led by Alexey Rozinkin, author of «The Million-Dollar Accountant.» The forum concluded with the presentation of certificates for the mentoring program for women entrepreneurs and a photo shoot.
The Women in Business 2024 Forum brought together over 300 participants. The plenary session «Women in International Politics» was moderated by Akerkin Eraliyeva (PhD, Chair of the Almaty Business Women’s Council).
The discussion included Mikaela Friberg-Story (UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan), Michelle Yerkin (US Consul General), Jiang Wei (Consul General of China), Jaana Rekolainen (CEO, EastCham Finland), and Yasmin Bedir (President, Eastern Europe, MasterCard). The speakers discussed the international agenda, women’s participation in global diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cross-border initiatives.
The panel session «Economics and Finance: New Challenges and Prospects» was moderated by Darmen Sadvakasov (Managing Partner, Dasco Consulting Group). The discussion featured Umut Shayakhmetova (Chairman of the Management Board, Halyk Bank), Ekaterina Benjamin (Head of IFC Kazakhstan), Lan Weijie (Chairman of the Management Board, ICBC), Gaukhar Buribayeva (Chairman of the Management Board, DAMU Entrepreneurship Development Fund), and Natalia Lim (Partner Strategy, PwC Advisory Practice Leader in Eurasia). The discussion focused on the sustainability of the financial sector, investment instruments, and economic development prospects.
The session «Social Responsibility and Philanthropy» was moderated by Asel Karaulova (President of the Kazakhstan Press Club). Participants included Aidan Suleimenova (President of the Ayala Foundation), Gulnar Dosayeva (Founder of the Dara Charitable Foundation), Asel Tasmagambetova (President of the Saby Foundation), Aruzhan Sain (Director of the Miloserdie Voluntary Society), and Asel Tatisheva (Founder of Aurora Space).
As part of the KazPost Case Study, Darmen Sadvakasov (Dasco Consulting Group) and Asel Zhanasova (Chairman of the Management Board of Kazpost) presented a practical case study of the transformation of a national company.
The final panel, «Business and Digitalization,» was moderated by Alua Korpebaeva (Director of Clever Market). Participants included Asel Moldabekova (Assistant to the Minister of Information Technologies, Information and Aid for the Protection of the Environment, the Republic of Kazakhstan), Alma Kasymova (Head of the Small Business Advisory Program in Kazakhstan, EBRD), Aizhan Beiseyeva (Head of the USAID Transport and Logistics Component), Olga Kim (Director of Brosh Agency), and Elena Sedykh (CEO of Dogovor 24). The forum concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants.
The Women in Business 2025 forum brought together over 300 participants. The central theme of the plenary session was «Trends in Women’s Empowerment.»
The plenary session featured Zhanna Asanova (Member of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan), Tatyana Proskuryakova (World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia), Umut Shayakhmetova (Chairman of the Management Board of Halyk Bank), Kristina Dorosh (Visa Regional Manager), Jiang Wei (Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty), and Michelle Yerkin (U.S. Consul General in Almaty, Kazakhstan). The discussion focused on institutional support for women’s entrepreneurship, international cooperation, and financial instruments for women’s economic empowerment.
The panel session «Professions of the Future» was moderated by Darmen Sadvakasov (Managing Partner, Dasco Consulting Group). The discussion featured Meiram Begentayev (Chairman of the Board and Rector of Satbayev University), Kunsulu Zakarya (Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Science and Innovation), Yulia Kusidi (CEO of EUROBAK), and Aliya Karymsakova (General HR Manager of Chevron’s Eurasian Division). The speakers discussed labor market transformation, talent development, the development of STEM fields, and the role of business in developing new competencies.
The panel session «Economic and Information Security» was moderated by Alua Korpebaeva (Board Member of TechnoWomen, Director of the AI ​​TRANSFORMATION Public Foundation). The discussion was attended by Aziza Shuzhieva (Chair of the Board of the NGO TechnoWomen, founder of the Digital Transformation Public Foundation), Kuralai Kankina (Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Justice Advisor), Alina Anikina (Deputy Chair of the Board of Bereke Bank JSC), and representatives of the State Revenue Department. The session covered digital security, financial risks, and business resilience in the face of technological change.
The program included a masterclass from PwC, as well as an interactive session titled «AI in Media: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Creative Industry,» led by Damelya Kuandyk, serial entrepreneur, CEO of Conexi.group, and creator of the Femperia.me franchise.
The forum concluded with a reception, a prize drawing, and the presentation of certificates to participants.

Photo gallery

Speakers and moderators from previous years

Umut Shayakhmetova
Chairman of the Board of Halyk Bank
Basak Karadzha
Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company in the Eurasia and Middle East region
Tatyana Proskuryakova
World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia
Jiang Wei
Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Almaty
Kristina Dorosh
Senior Vice President, Regional Visa
Michelle Erkin
U.S. Consul General in Almaty
Yulia Kusidi
General Director of EUROBAK
Lyazzat Ibragimova
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Housing Construction Savings Bank
Aruzhan Sain
The Give Children Life Foundation
Svetlana Kan
World Taekwondo Champion
Li Jinping
Chairman of the Board of Directors, China CITIC Bank
Alua Korpebaeva
Clever Market Director
Darmen Sadvakasov
Managing Partner, Dasco Consulting Group
Dosym Satpayev
Political and public figure
Olga Kim
Brosh Jewelry
Ainur Turisbek
Designer
Ekaterina Benjamin
Head of Representative Office, IFC Kazakhstan
Lan Weijie
Chairman of the Board, ICBC
Natalia Lim
Strategy Partner, Advisory Practice Leader, PwC Eurasia
Aidan Suleimenova
President, Ayala Foundation
Asel Tasmagambetova
President, Sabi Charitable Foundation
Asel Tatisheva
Founder, Aurora Space
Asel Zhanasova
Chairman of the Board, Kazpost
Alina Anikina
Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Bereke Bank JSC
Asem Bolatjan
Head of Women in Tech Kazakhstan, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, TV presenter
Zhanargul Abdrakhmanova
Independent Director of JSC GTS
Svetlana Chusovitina
«Goldberry»
Elena Li
«Dolce-Pharm»
Aliya Ibraeva
Director of the Tax Department at PwC
Aliya Karymsakova
General Manager, HR (Eurasian Division), Chevron
Kuralai Kankina
Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Justice Advisor

International Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum in Almaty

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E-mail: womeninbusiness.almaty@gmail.com