# Digitalization and AI should be put to work for citizens — President > Source: > Published: 2026-08-23 10:14:00+00:00 # Digitalization and AI should be put to work for citizens — President President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stated that in the next phase of Kazakhstan's digital transformation, artificial intelligence and modern technologies should be used primarily for the benefit of citizens, [Qazinform](https://qazinform.com/) News Agency reports. Answering reporters' questions after voting in the Qurultay elections, the Head of State said Kazakhstan has already completed the first phase of building a digital state and developing digital services. ``` "This year has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. I will also address this in my State-of-the-Nation Address. We have passed the first phase of building a digital state – a state of digital services. As you can see, life has become significantly easier compared to other countries. Without leaving your home, you can accomplish a huge number of tasks that previously required a lot of time and running around to various institutions and so on. That is why this is a digital service state – a necessary stage," the President said. ``` He said the country is now moving to the second phase of digitalization. ``` "We are now at the second stage, and I have instructed the Government not to linger on the so-called presentation stage – the stage of holding international talks. We must now put digitalization and artificial intelligence to work for people, for all citizens of our country," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored. ``` The President also highlighted the potential of modern technologies for business, including in rural areas. ``` "To put it simply, a smartphone is not just a toy. A smartphone is not just a tool for endlessly watching TikTok. A smartphone is a tool for earning money. That's how we need to frame the question. This is especially true for agricultural producers, who can and should use modern technology to run their businesses without leaving their regions, while living in rural areas. This is the task our Government will pursue in the next phase," the President said. ``` As it was reported, Kazakhstan's first-ever elections for deputies of the country's new unicameral Qurultay [began ](https://qazinform.com/news/kazakhstans-first-qurultay-elections-begin-d498ff)on August 23. Polling stations opened across the country, with voting set to continue until 8:00 p.m. Kazakhstanis are voting for one of seven political parties participating in the elections. Following the vote, seats in the Qurultay will be distributed among the parties that surpass the legally established threshold.