The E-LIGHT 2026 International Youth Forum-Festival, dedicated to the International Day of Civilizations Dialogue, was held in Astana. The event was attended by more than 150 delegates.

The forum brought together experts in energy, technology, education, and youth policy, as well as representatives of government agencies, international organizations, business, and youth communities on a single platform.

E-LIGHT 2026 was organized by CNPC Central Asia Ltd., in collaboration with CNPC Kazakhstan. The event took place with the support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kazakhstan and the China Chamber of Commerce.

The main goal of the forum was to strengthen cooperation among youth from China and Central Asian countries and to discuss the future of the energy sector, digital technologies, workforce development, and sustainable development issues.

As part of the festival, the exhibition “Traces of the Energy Silk Road” was organized, showcasing key milestones of energy cooperation between Kazakhstan and China, infrastructure projects, and modern technological solutions. Participants took part in panel discussions, listened to presentations by international experts, and discussed youth initiatives.

Gao Bin, Deputy General Director of CNPC Central Asia, described the forum’s objective as follows:

“The main goal of the youth forum is to strengthen collaboration and interconnection among young people from different countries and regions. This platform allows youth to discuss pressing issues together and identify shared interests and needs. We aim to inspire youth and promote their comprehensive development.”

During the forum, the current state and future prospects of energy cooperation between Kazakhstan and China were comprehensively examined, including topics such as renewable energy, digitalization, innovation, and human capital development.

Birzhan Alimzhanov, Acting Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Family Affairs under the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, highlighted the symbolic significance of holding the E-LIGHT 2026 festival alongside the International Day of Civilizations Dialogue:

“The dialogue of civilizations is particularly important for Kazakhstan. For centuries, our land has been a meeting point of diverse cultures and civilizations. The Great Silk Road was not only a trade route but also a platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas. Today, that mission has acquired a new dimension. The main values of the modern Silk Road are knowledge, technology, innovation, and human capital.”

According to Alimzhanov, Kazakhstan is interested in further developing cooperation with China and other international partners in the field of youth policy. Currently, both sides plan to hold joint seminars in 2027.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants discussed issues such as expanding international youth cooperation, exchanging professional experience, and supporting a new generation of energy specialists. According to the organizers, E-LIGHT 2026 not only strengthens international partnerships in energy, technology, and culture but also becomes a new platform for sustainable dialogue between youth from China and Central Asia.