Creating Opportunities through Market Development in Sports and Digital Skills

All proposed programs must include a U.S. element, either through a connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s, usage of U.S. educational/informational resources, or any other activities which promote or contribute to increased commercial ties and/or mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of Kazakhstan. Competitive proposals will promote continued and sustainable cooperation between the people of the United States and Kazakhstan, even after the project concludes.  

1.  Project Background, Goals, and Objectives

The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals for programs that support one of the following U.S. Mission priority program areas listed below, with a key focus on audiences and participants outside of Kazakhstan's largest cities.

Applicants may submit a proposal to address one of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority objectives, but applicants may also recommend their own objectives. 

Goal 1.   Deepening Kazakh-American Ties Through Sports

Sports diplomacy is a key component of U.S. foreign policy that leverages the universal appeal of sports to connect nations across the globe. Sports diplomacy projects empower communities, identify and engage emerging leaders, and foster a deeper understanding of the United States. As the United States prepares to host several global sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los-Angeles, the U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan seeks to:

Strengthen people-to-people ties and mutual understanding between Kazakhstan and the United States by supporting projects that highlight American sports values and excellence as a key area of cultural understanding and commercial growth. 

Project Audience(s):

-         Youth aged 18-25;

-         Sports professionals and amateur sports communities;

-         Female athletes and coaches;

-         Local- and national-level sports managers;

-         Government bodies; and/or

-         Educational institutions.

Priority Objectives(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas.

1. Increase awareness and knowledge of American values such as teamwork and community-level sports among Kazakh youth, ages 18-25, through participation in sports programs inspired by U.S. models

2. Strengthen athletic collaboration between the U.S. and Kazakhstan, exchange expertise by establishing at least one institutional partnership between a Kazakh sports organization or university program and a U.S. counterpart.

3. Increase U.S. sports management knowledge and best practices like community outreach and involvement, youth sports league management, personnel and budget management in athletic organizations, among at least 3 Kazakh organizations and athletic clubs, resulting in greater appreciation for American leadership in sports innovation.

Goal 2.    Equipping Young Professionals with In-Demand Technical Skills  

Digital, artificial intelligence (AI), and communication skills are slated to be the fastest-growing skills in 2025 and beyond.  As a global leader in emerging technologies, the United States has in the past supported comprehensive STEM education initiatives across Kazakhstan, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for U.S. and Kazakh businesses in key sectors. We seek to build on these efforts and further strengthen our partnership with Kazakhstan by sharing advanced U.S. technology and expertise to mutual benefit, driving economic growth and enhancing the capabilities of both nations in the global market.

Programs under this theme will equip Kazakhs with skills to work in high-growth sectors, partner with U.S. businesses, and advance mutual U.S. and Kazakh economic interests. Successful proposals will leverage American know-how in AI, digital infrastructure, and communication systems through joint mentorship programs and collaborative projects. Examples of fields that could benefit from advanced digital and AI skills and solutions include commerce, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, creative industries, cultural preservation, and publishing.

Proposals submitted under this goal must include a significant U.S. component, such as employing U.S. best practices, products (i.e. software) or working with U.S. experts.

Project Audience(s):

-         Emerging and mid-career professionals across high-growth sectors;

-         Tech entrepreneurs;

-         Researchers or government officials involved in policy-making;

-         Youth aged 18-25;

Priority Objective(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas.

1.     Increase employability of emerging professionals and young people in the tech and STEM sector by connecting workforce development experts and business leaders from the United States with Kazakh counterparts, resulting in greater understanding of U.S. business culture and favorability towards U.S. technology and knowledge.

2.     Strengthen the technical and entrepreneurial skills of aspiring Kazakh IT professionals by facilitating mentorship and exchanges with leading U.S. mentors and startup incubators, resulting in at least two formal U.S.-Kazakhstan business partnerships.