Kazakhstan Presents Its Experience in the Digital Transformation of Archives at the 36th International Archival Days Conference in Ljubljana

9. November 9, 2026, Ljubljana – A delegation of Kazakhstan, comprising Aliya Mustafina, Director of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Altay Abibullayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Slovenia, took part in the International Archival Days forum.
The event was organized by the International Institute for Archival Science of Trieste–Maribor (IIAS), in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, Alma Mater Europaea University, the Historical Archives of the European Union, the Directorate-General for Archives of Italy, and the Archival Society of Slovenia.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ignacija Fridl Jarc, Minister of Culture of Slovenia; Peter Pavel Klasinc, Director of IIAS; Dieter Schlenker, Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union; Anja Prša, President of the Archival Society of Slovenia; and other representatives of the international archival community. The forum brought together heads of archival institutions, academics, and experts from Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, the United States, and other countries.
Addressing the participants of the international forum, Ambassador Altay Abibullayev briefed the international audience on the key provisions of the October 2026 Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the People of Kazakhstan. He highlighted the country's strategic development priorities, modernization, digital transformation, and the advancement of artificial intelligence. In his remarks, he emphasized that Kazakhstan views the development of digital technologies and AI not merely as tools for improving the efficiency of government and public processes, but also as important resources for strengthening the country's scientific, intellectual, and cultural potential. Particular attention was given to the role of modern technologies in preserving the national documentary heritage, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of historical sources, and expanding access to knowledge.
As part of the conference, Aliya Mustafina presented Kazakhstan's experience in developing a digital ecosystem for archives, demonstrating the practical applications of AI in archival work. Her presentation provided an opportunity to exchange expertise with international colleagues and discuss prospects for international scientific and technological cooperation. It was emphasized that digital technologies are intended not only to improve the efficiency of archival operations, but also to safeguard historical memory, ensure the reliability of archival sources, and make them accessible to future generations.
Professor Ludvik Toplak, Rector of Alma Mater Europaea University, played a particularly important role in organizing the forum and strengthening professional dialogue between Kazakhstan and Slovenia. The importance of the Kazakh delegation's participation was highlighted, along with the need to further develop academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
It is worth noting that Alma Mater Europaea University is a partner of Sherkhan Murtaza International Taraz University and has also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue.