LocationsDigital Kyzylorda: over 30 local entrepreneurs stepped forward as agents of inclusive change
May 28, 2025
Saken Kazhenov is conducting a workshop.
More than 30 local entrepreneurs who distinguished themselves during the earlier Digital Kyzylorda workshop series returned this week to take on a new role: trainers. Gathered at the Regional Youth Development Center in Kyzylorda, they participated in an intensive one-day capacity-building workshop led by Saken Kazhenov, an international innovation and business incubation expert, to strengthen their facilitation and public speaking skills.
Implemented by UNDP Kazakhstan in partnership with UNDP Seoul Policy Center and funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea, the “Digital Kyzylorda: Skills Lab for Trainers” focused on equipping these entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence to deliver inclusive, dynamic, and audience-responsive training sessions on developing digital skills. The workshop also introduced the newly developed Trainer’s Practical Guide, a comprehensive resource for grassroots facilitators. It helps participants learn how to use their knowledge and share it with others.
Workshop participants.
Throughout the day, participants explored how to use the guide independently, learned effective facilitation techniques, and practiced structuring and delivering engaging presentations. They engaged in practical exercises, including role-plays, peer-led feedback sessions, and collaborative session design. A strong emphasis was placed on fostering learning environments that are inclusive and accessible to all, particularly women, youth, and underrepresented groups.
“This is not just about improving training skills,” said Gaukhar Nursha, Gender Specialist at UNDP Kazakhstan.
“By integrating a gender-responsive perspective into their training, these new trainers are better equipped to challenge stereotypes, amplify marginalized voices, and help future entrepreneurs, especially women, overcome structural barriers to success.”
A workshop participant.
The workshop concluded with reflections and feedback. Many participants shared how the experience transformed their perspective: no longer just learners, they now see themselves as trainers, capable of helping the members of their communities develop and thrive.
“Digital skills are essential for entrepreneurs today. As part of the Skills Lab, we have enhanced the participants’ understanding of digitalization. Now, they are agents of change who will promote digital literacy in the daily lives of their colleagues and business partners, fostering collaborative development,”said Saken Kazhenov.
Saken Kazhenov is conducting a workshop.
This Skills Lab builds on the success of the Digital Kyzylorda workshop series, which has empowered over 160 local entrepreneurs, many of whom are women. It is part of a broader initiative titled “SDG Partnership on Supporting MSMEs through Inclusive Digital Transformation,” implemented in collaboration with the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre. It merges the Republic of Korea’s cutting-edge development expertise with Kazakhstan’s local context, offering a practical blueprint for scalable, inclusive digital progress.
A group photo of Saken Kazhenov and the participants.
By investing in the leadership potential of local changemakers, Digital Kyzylorda continues to drive inclusive digital transformation, strengthen community resilience, and advance gender equality across the region.
