On March 2, 2024, the Data Lab research group hosted a discussion as part of the School of Experts events. The discussion focused on the effectiveness of methods of classifying and assessing poverty in Kazakhstan. The aim was to explore various methods of poverty classification and assessment within the Kazakhstani context and to formulate recommendations for improving the country's poverty assessment system. The panel of speakers included Batzhan Akmoldina, an expert in social economics; Dana Burkhanova, a professor at the School of Sciences and Humanities at Nazarbayev University; and Data Lab researchers Nurgul Mamzhanova and Anel Balagozinova. Anna Alshanskaya, an economist and Head of the Department of Economic Policy Analysis at the KISI, effectively moderated the discussion.
The researchers and other experts in social statistics and poverty assessment were involved in the discussion, notable attendees included Gulzhan Daurenbekova, Deputy Director of the Department of Labor Statistics and Living Standards at BNS ASPR; Askar Kysykov; Dmitry Kim; and Evgeny Khan, analysts from the Talap Analytical Center; and specialists in CCS information strategy.
Key topics addressed included defining the categories of "poor" and "at-risk groups" in Kazakhstan, comparing these categories with international practices, and assessing the effectiveness of government programs in combating poverty.
Panel discussion experts
Gulzhan Daurenbekova - Deputy Director of the Department of Labor Statistics and Living Standards at the National Statistical Committee
Askar Kysykov – Head of the Talap Analytical Center
Aizhan, the head of Data Lab
Data Lab research group training
