Publilc lecture: Comparative Standing of Kazakhstan’s Pension System Performance: Learning Policy Lessons from the Canadian Experience

The Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA), Graduate School of Development (GSD) of the University of Central Asia, in partnership with the Narxoz University School of Economics and Management, is pleased to invite you to a public lecture by Dr Almaz Tolymbek, held within the framework of the Leadership Development Programme.

Kazakhstan’s public pension system faces pressing challenges, including a low real rate of return and structural inefficiencies that may limit its ability to meet the future retirement needs of its citizens amid rising inflation. This lecture will present findings from a comparative study assessing the performance and asset structure of Kazakhstan’s pension system against OECD benchmarks.

Drawing on the Canadian experience, Dr Tolymbek will explore how a three-layer pension structure—combining public, group (employer-based), and private (individual) registered programmes—can help diversify income sources for retirees, improve sustainability, and increase future payouts. The discussion will also highlight the importance of supportive legal and tax frameworks in enabling such reforms.

About the Speaker
Dr Almaz Tolymbek holds a PhD in Public Policy and Management from Kent State University, USA; an MPA in Public Management from Southern Illinois University; an MBA from the Kazakh Institute of Management, Economics, and Politics; and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Kazakh National University. He also holds an LLQP Licence in Financial and Insurance Services in Ontario, Canada.

Dr Tolymbek has extensive teaching and research experience in strategic management, leadership, investments, financial markets, and research methodology. His career spans academia and applied policy work, including positions with the Canadian Embassy in Kazakhstan, the Eurasia Foundation, and the International City Management Association. His research covers pension system performance, retail investing, higher education policy, and public management in Kazakhstan and beyond.

Date and Time: 19 September, 9:45 – 10:45
Venue: Room 109, Narxoz University, Almaty

Registration: Please register here