Article was originally published on UNDP Kazakhstan’s website.
Our current educational model is struggling to keep up with the rapidly evolving demands of the labour market, as highlighted in a recent article by the World Economic Forum. Many graduates find themselves ill-equipped to enter the workforce, lacking the necessary skills to thrive in a constantly changing environment.
In response to the need for economic growth through knowledge-based activities, UNDP Kazakhstan organized the National Knowledge Week, an event consisting of numerous regional and local activities designed to mobilize hundreds of young people across the country to learn new skills, explore innovative ideas, and foster creativity.
The traditional model of memorization and standardized testing is becoming irrelevant, as employers are placing a greater emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. According to the 2020 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, these are the top three skills required for the future workforce, which is being increasingly influenced by the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology.
The rise of AI and other new technologies is disrupting job markets around the world, including the labour market in Kazakhstan. Based on OECD estimates, more than half of the jobs in Kazakhstan (52%) are at high or significant risk of being automated. These jobs are typically associated with tasks that do not require complex problem-solving or social interactions. Therefore, it is crucial for the education system in Kazakhstan to adapt and incorporate digital and interpersonal competency skills into the curriculum to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the changing job market. Thus, the goal of UNDP Kazakhstan’s National Knowledge Week was to empower youth with the knowledge and resources they need to take the lead in the country’s economic growth. The event served as a platform for young people to engage in discussions, share their experiences, and network with like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating an impact.
As part of UNDP’s Digital Advocate Network, it was important for me to make sure that a digital agenda was included in the National Knowledge Week as a cross-cutting topic as it is at the core of the much-needed change. As the world becomes more digital, countries need to keep up with the latest technological advancements to stay competitive. Youth are essential to this process, as they are often the most tech-savvy and adaptable to new technologies.
However, to participate in and contribute to the digital economy, young people need the necessary skills and knowledge that are often not readily available or accessible to them via the outdated educational system. Many young people may not know where to find or obtain the required skills, which can hinder their ability to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market that demands digital literacy and technological proficiency. The National Knowledge Week was created just for that – to support the country’s digital transformation agenda by introducing young people to 21st century skills, promoting digital solutions and investing in education and youth training programmes for the skills needed for the labour market.
Although Kazakhstan possesses abundant natural resources, the genuine wealth of a nation lies with its people, i.e., human capital. The acceleration of technological advancements and the recent breakthroughs in AI have made it imperative for modern education to concentrate on human skills that cannot be automated, such as creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. In addition, interpersonal competencies like kindness, empathy, and socio-emotional intelligence play an increasingly significant role in the labour market, contributing depth and meaning to all interactions and forming the foundation of any industry.
To promote economic diversification, UNDP Kazakhstan’s Accelerator Lab team posed a challenging question regarding how to harness current trends and resources like globalization and digital transformation to ensure equitable growth. Knowledge-based economic growth emerged as the answer to this query, which gave rise to further questions like the definition of knowledge, how to measure it, and how to connect it to economic growth.
To begin, the Global Knowledge Index was examined, which is the tool used to measure a country’s knowledge and identify growth opportunities. Kazakhstan ranks 78th out of 154 countries, with the index revealing the country’s strong and weak areas, such as education spending, research, development, and innovation.
After exploring the concept of knowledge and its measurement through the Global Knowledge Index, the Accelerator Lab team brainstormed ways to approach the topic in an engaging, participatory, and impactful manner. Although the implementation strategy was complicated due to Kazakhstan’s vast geographical expanse, the team developed various formats and ultimately settled on the following approach.
To promote regional development and provide opportunities for young people in areas outside major cities, the Accelerator Lab decided to bring the National Knowledge Week locally. As a part of the local youth engagement, the team organized a two-day skills learning festival in Zhezkazgan, the center of the Ulytau region. This city was chosen as the launch location due to its status as a single industry town or “monotown” that relies heavily on one extractive industry plant. Many young people are attracted to the job opportunities and decent salaries the plant provides, but UNDP wanted to broaden their career horizons by showcasing other professions and opportunities in different sectors, particularly those focused on green jobs.
During the Knowledge Week in Zhezkazgan, young people participated in various workshops for digital and 21st century skills, including leadership, jobs in IT and renewable industries, public speaking, and emotional intelligence. The team aimed to motivate and inspire young people, especially women, to explore new career paths and consider alternative industries beyond the traditional extractive industry. Through this initiative, UNDP hopes to share the example of how communities can promote equitable and sustainable economic growth and development in single industry towns around the country.
Furthermore, to tap into the potential of young people, the Accelerator Lab organized several SkillsUp regional youth hackathons where high school and university students work together and present their ideas for solutions to challenges identified by the Global Knowledge Index. The team purposefully targeted smaller cities, such as Aktau, Turkestan, Karaganda, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, to create a platform where young people can connect and exchange ideas.
The youth engagement journey began with a week-long online bootcamp, where local experts shared information on the current situation in Kazakhstan on the topics of the hackathon challenges. The team then identified three key topics for the challenges: promoting science in Kazakhstan, reducing disparities in the quality of STEM education, and improving education in rural schools.
Over 500 young people participated in 16 masterclasses to learn practical skills such as how to pitch an idea, choose a topic for a startup, use Arduino prototyping, develop a business model, and commercialize scientific projects. The learning bootcamp aimed to prepare high school and college students for the SkillsUp regional hackathons.
The SkillsUp hackathons attracted around 500 registered students from 11 cities and towns who competed for the grand prize of around USD $12,000. The Accelerator Lab team led each of the four regional hackathons onsite and brought the winning teams together that competed for the national prize in Almaty.
After the regional hackathons, 12 teams (3 from each of the 4 regions) were selected as finalists to present their solutions in Almaty. The teams pitched their solutions and products. The event was a celebration of collective intelligence and how young people can drive development.
To motivate the finalist teams further, the Accelerator Lab organized additional trainings and networking opportunities – they participated in skills workshops, had a field visit to the start-up incubator, and enjoyed networking and inspiring each other. The solutions presented were diverse and had a digital component. Some teams even managed to prepare prototypes of their solutions, such as a smart composter or a smart greenhouse that could be controlled through a mobile application.
UNDP recognizes the importance of involving youth in the development process, and therefore, the hackathons were designed to address the challenges of the knowledge economy from the perspective of young people. This approach allowed us to gain insight into their unique worldview and incorporate their voices into the development process.
The culmination of the National Knowledge Week, taking place across Kazakhstan, was the Digital Day conference. The purpose of this conference was to showcase various digital solutions supported by UNDP Kazakhstan and to create a platform for networking and inspiration. By bringing together students, UNDP partners, and the private sector, we aimed to break down silos and encourage dialogue exchange among stakeholders. This event was a unique opportunity for solution owners to share their experiences and foster new partnerships and ideas.
The digital solutions showcased, included the Digital Family Card project, SMART technologies to protect wildlife, a mobile application for social workers, and camera traps and satellite collars to monitor endangered species. UNDP Kazakhstan also partnered with industry experts from HP to deliver workshops on digital skills for participating audiences.
UNDP Kazakhstan is committed to promoting sustainable development through digital transformation, digital inclusion, and digital innovation. By investing in the skills of youth and showcasing digital solutions, we aim to accelerate the country’s economic growth and contribute to sustainable development.
The Digital Advocate Network is an initiative of UNDP’s Chief Digital Office, aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge and tools that leverage digitalization to reduce inequalities and foster sustainable development. Each UNDP office has a dedicated digital advocate whose mission is to integrate global thought leadership into local contexts. Through this network, digital advocates are trained and empowered to become agents of change, taking advantage of digital platforms and tools to drive meaningful impact. The UNDP Digital Advocate Network is a powerful example of the UNDP’s commitment to leveraging digitalization for social good and creating a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
Main photo: AI generated
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