Tokayev calls for global guidelines for AI development & ethics A roundup of developments relevant for the Silk Seven-Plus initiative. Speaking at a recent global conference in Shanghai, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev touted the Central Asian nation as being perfectly positioned to become a “dynamic center” of technological connectivity and digital trade. "Energy reserves, the presence of deposits of various critical minerals, modern transport corridors and rapidly developing digital infrastructure create new opportunities for combining markets, technologies and innovation ecosystems,” Tokayev stated. “The digital transformation is one of the main directions of our national development strategy.” Tokayev asserted that Kazakhstan’s new constitution, which went into effect in July, can act as a catalyst for responsible development of artificial intelligence capabilities. He also pointed to a host of measures adopted so far this year, including a law on AI and digital development, to speed AI development. A digital platform, dubbed Smart City, is being tested in Astana, and will eventually be rolled out in other Kazakh cities, Tokayev said. He called for the formation of a permanent expert council to develop standards and ethics for AI development. “Ultimately, the future of AI will be determined by humans,” he said. “That is why competition for talent in this area will intensify. We must equip the younger generation with digital skills, as well as critical thinking, curiosity and a heightened sense of ethical responsibility.” [Editor’s Note: The New Lines Institute will soon publish a report on AI development in Central Asia]. Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership has agreed to establish a new transit corridor that connects Tajikistan and Iran, opening a route to the sea for Central Asian trade. Afghan, Iranian and Tajik officials signed the operational framework agreement in the Iranian city of Mashhad. “The first pilot shipment is expected to pass through the