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Astana Times (24 April 2019)

More than 3,000 domestic and international economists, political leaders and civil society representatives are expected to gather May 16-17 in the Kazakh capital for the annual Astana Economic Forum (AEF). Approximately half the participants will be foreign delegates from more than 100 countries.

The forum will address changes in global economies, the social sector, digital technologies, multiple industries and the unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The AEF was convened for the first time in 2008 in the midst of a global financial crisis and has grown into an international platform that helps shape the global economic agenda.

The forum kicks off every year with a focus on a specific topic. Last year, it was about global trends and challenges and this year it will explore “inspiring growth” driven by people, cities and economies.

“The forum participants will discuss new ways for sustainable growth, the development of human capital and how to strengthen the potential of cities as international centres of knowledge and innovations,” said forum organisers.

The programme will feature approximately 50 panel sessions, roundtables, conferences and business meetings.

Among key events are the annual Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR), an international conference marking the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation, an interim meeting on the preparation to the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation in 2020 and the first forum in Kazakhstan on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, 2018 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics and World Bank Chief Economist Paul Romer, former United States Federal Reserve Deputy Chair Stanley Fischer, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Armida Alisjahbana and Boston Consulting Group Chair Hans-Paul Bürkner are among the speakers who have confirmed their participation at the forum.

Lagarde will take part in the plenary session about the new economy and Kazakhstan’s growing investment potential that will be chaired by Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin.

“The participation of such distinguished politicians and experts in AEF 2019 proves not only the growing interest in the forum itself but is also a sign of a willingness to conduct open dialogue and enter into mutual cooperation,” said forum organisers.

https://astanatimes.com/2019/04/global-leaders-to-focus-on-inspiring-growth-at-astana-economic-forum/