16.10.2025

The country’s main public dialogue event of the year — the 12^th Civil Forum of Kazakhstan — took place in Astana. The forum focused on the most important challenges for the development of civil society: from the digital transformation of philanthropy to issues of sustainable development and inclusion. Special attention was focused on the work of public councils and strengthening dialogue between the state and the civil society. The forum brought together more than 700 government officials, NGOs, business entities, and international organizations. AYALA Charitable Foundation was among the participants.

In his welcoming address to the forum delegates, President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev emphasized that the 18,000 NGOs in the country are a golden bridge between the state and society, the voice of the people, and a driving force behind many social initiatives — “These organizations are considered reliable partners of the state, successfully implementing projects in a wide range of areas. You actively contribute to strengthening unity and harmony in the country and to implementing the principles of ‘Adal Azamat’ (Honest Citizen), ‘Law and Order,’ and ‘Taza Kazakhstan’ (Clean Kazakhstan). I express my sincere gratitude to you. Effective partnership in the spirit of shared interests will continue to develop further,” the President highlighted.

Majilis deputy Yelnur Beisenbayev, speaking at the plenary session, announced unprecedented investment volumes — 76 trillion tenge — allocated in 2025 for regional development: infrastructure, housing, roads, and social projects. Despite global turbulence, Kazakhstan’s socio-economic policy remains stable: about 60% of the national budget goes toward pensions and benefits, which are indexed annually.

The AYALA Charitable Foundation took part in the panel discussion “SMART QAIYRYMDYLYQ” (“Smart Philanthropy”). The discussion focused on the digital transformation of philanthropy, as well as trends and challenges facing the sector.

According to Natalia Yeskova, Vice President for Communications at the AYALA Foundation, philanthropy in Kazakhstan has evolved alongside the IT sector, which has provided the industry with convenient online crowdfunding tools: “We are developing and growing together with the entire digital ecosystem of the country. Major charity foundations are present in the mobile applications of Kazakhstan’s largest banks. Online donations can be made in just 4–5 taps, and this has increased both the speed and the scale of fundraising hundreds of times,” she noted.

However, the development of digital technologies is leading to new public expectations regarding transparency, the speed of assistance, and trust-building.

“Donors want to see the financial statements of charitable organizations openly available online. Philanthropy is adapting to business transformation: compliance standards, clear KPIs, ESG approaches, and business-wise reporting,” said Ms. Yeskova. She added that the biggest challenge for all charitable organizations in Kazakhstan today is fraud.

“Huge amounts of donations can now be raised in just one week or even one day. This requires strong self-discipline from charities and a revision of ethical norms and standards. The actions of online fraudsters undermine public trust in honest charities, and this issue requires special attention from law enforcement,” she concluded.

Online donations and crowdfunding are key growth drivers not only in Kazakhstan but also globally. The speaker noted that, according to the CAF World Giving Index 2024, more than 35% of respondents worldwide make online donations at least once a year, and this share continues to grow. The development of online platforms and mobile apps has shaped new donor expectations such as the ability to make one-click donations and real-time transparency: reports, dashboards, and stories of aid recipients.

Some facts from AYALA Charitable Foundation’s experience in digital philanthropy:

• Crowdfunding: sixfold growth — from 6 million KZT in 2019 to 36 million KZT in 2024
• Online donations: 2.5x growth (2024 vs. 2025)
• Transfers via BENEVITY platform: over 9.5 million KZT in 2024
• Pilot projects with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health: AI tools through charitable initiatives, including the FETOLLY app by the French company DIAGNOLLY for prenatal CNS and cardiac pathology ultrasound diagnostics.

AYALA believes that successful implementation of charitable projects in the digital age depends on several factors:

• Systematic and sustainable projects: not just “donations,” but long-term systemic changes — equipment → doctor training → saving over 1,000 children’s lives each year.
• Results-oriented approach: every project is based on real, verified needs of aid recipients, not on the preferences of the foundation or its partners.
• Transparency and media outreach: annual media and social media reach of over 3.5 million people; annual and financial reports for 18 years are publicly available on the foundation’s website.

In conclusion, the speaker emphasized that philanthropy has already become part of the country’s digital ecosystem: “Mobile donations today are synonymous with trust, speed, and efficiency. The CAF World Giving Index 2024 shows that people in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, are highly willing to help informally — through personal transfers, support of neighbors and acquaintances. At the same time, formal fundraising through charitable foundations remains relatively low. This means that charities must work hard to strengthen their reputation and trust. Digital and mobile philanthropy demand a high level of responsibility from foundations.”

Based on the session’s outcomes, AYALA Charitable Foundation’s proposal to develop unified Ethical Standards for all charitable organizations in Kazakhstan was included in the recommendations to be compiled into a special document and submitted to government authorities.