On October 28–29, 2025, Dr. Huseyin Atakan Varol, Founding Director of the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University, participated in the 1st International Conference of the Turkic World on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, jointly organized by Baku State University, the Turkic Academy, and the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA).
Dr. Varol delivered a presentation titled “Language, Culture, and Ethics: Localizing Generative AI for Digital Independence and Technological Development.” His talk highlighted the importance of developing localized AI ecosystems that reflect the cultural, linguistic, and ethical diversity of the Turkic world. He showcased ISSAI’s contributions to sovereign AI development, including KazLLM, Oylan, MangiSoz, and Beynele, as well as ISSAI’s open-source initiatives supporting responsible and inclusive AI innovation in Kazakhstan.
The conference brought together distinguished researchers, policymakers, and AI ethics experts. Notable speakers included Dr. Mehmet Yıldız (Sabancı University, Türkiye), Dr. Yusuf Sinan Akgül (Gebze Technical University, Türkiye), and Dr. İbrar Hussain (University of Lahore, Pakistan / Shinawatra University, Thailand).
The event was opened by Rector Elchin Babayev of Baku State University, Shahin Mustafayev, President of the Turkic Academy, and Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, President of the Turkish Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Varol also chaired one of the key sessions, which featured discussions on AI-enabled education transformation, algorithmic fairness, and AI ethics in law and policy.ISSAI expresses its sincere gratitude to Rector Elchin Babayev, Shahin Mustafayev, Askhat Kessikbayev, and Dr. Muzaffer Şeker for their leadership and contribution to organizing this significant event, and for fostering timely discussions on the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence.