On June 17, 2026, within the framework of the CESS2026 Regional Conference held at Nazarbayev University, the Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies organized a panel session titled “Multiple Identity and Social Consensus: Social Distance and Agreement in Central Eurasia.”

The session was moderated by the Institute’s Director General, Aigul Sadvokassova, while Dr. Aziz Burkhanov served as the discussant.

During the panel session, researchers from the Institute presented papers addressing current issues of identity, trust, and the digital transformation of society.

Deputy Director General Sholpan Jamanbalayeva presented her study “Multiple Identity and the Boundaries of Trust in Kazakhstan,” which examined the relationship between multiple identities and the boundaries of trust within Kazakhstani society. Chief Research Fellow Natalia Seitakhmetova delivered a presentation entitled “The Islamic Discourse of Multiple Identities in Digital Reality: Epistemological and Ethical Problems,” focusing on the epistemological and ethical dimensions of Islamic discourses of multiple identities in the digital sphere. Research Fellow Kuanysh Sailau presented “Key Dimensions of Digital Identity in Kazakhstan and Their Determinants,” analyzing the main dimensions of digital identity in Kazakhstan and the factors shaping them.

The discussion addressed the transformation of identity in the context of digitalization, mechanisms for fostering public trust and social consensus, as well as challenges associated with the development of digital environments and religious discourse.

In addition, within another parallel conference session, “POL19: Dynamics of Great Power Competition,” Research Fellow Dina Kyzyrbek presented a paper entitled “FDI in Former Soviet Republics: A Tale of Russian Ties.” The presentation focused on foreign direct investment in former Soviet republics and the impact of historical ties with Russia.