The Game Changers Coalition is an international platform built on UNICEF’s Skills4Girls program, which operates in 22 countries and has helped nearly 6 million girls acquire digital skills. The coalition’s primary mission is to empower young people—especially girls—by developing competencies in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM), creating career opportunities that enable them to become programmers, designers, and leaders who shape a safe and inclusive digital future.

During the panel session, “Global Perspective: The Role of the State in Supporting the Scaling of the Game Changers Coalition Initiative to Reduce the Gender Gap in Digital Skills and Expand Opportunities for Girls in the 21st Century Economy,” Astana Hub Managing Director Daniya Akhmetova highlighted Astana Hub’s efforts to promote gender equality and enhance digital skills for girls in Kazakhstan. Her remarks focused on expanding access to educational programs, fostering collaboration with international organizations, and advancing Kazakhstan’s role in building an inclusive digital environment.

“Astana Hub implements programs such as Teenpreneurs, IT-Aiel, and Tech Girls to bridge the gender gap in digital skills and empower children and women in Kazakhstan with the tools they need for successful tech careers. Today, 55% of Astana Hub’s 177 employees are women, and around 300 of the 1,576 startups registered at the technopark are led by women. We are grateful to UNICEF for supporting our mission to create an inclusive tech future where everyone can realize their potential. Together, we help young people gain access to the knowledge and tools they need for success,” said Daniya Akhmetova, Managing Director of Astana Hub.

Key speakers at the event included Tim Scott, Director of Public Policy for the UK and the Middle East at Roblox; Jamie Vargas, Head of Global Social Initiatives at Electronic Arts; and Raphael Lalo, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific at Ubisoft. The panel session was moderated by Marie-Claire Aizaaman, Co-Director and CEO of Women in Games.

Astana Hub, in partnership with UNICEF and GameLab KBTU (Kazakh-British Technical University), is also implementing the Level Up program, which promotes digital skills and equal opportunities for youth, especially girls, throughout Kazakhstan. In 2023, the Level Up online course was launched to support girls pursuing careers in STEAM. Since May 2024, UNICEF, Astana Hub, and GameLab KBTU have successfully piloted an educational course on game development across 13 regional IT hubs. The first batch, conducted in Kyzylorda and Kostanay, involved 36 students who presented five projects. The second batch is currently underway, with 202 students developing 12 projects for an upcoming pitch event.

About Astana Hub
Astana Hub is the largest technology park in Central Asia, dedicated to creating and nurturing an ecosystem for tech businesses, training tech specialists, and supporting startup projects. To date, over 1,500 tech companies are registered at the technopark, including more than 400 with foreign participation. These companies benefit from comprehensive support, including business development and scaling programs, special tax and visa conditions, and access to educational resources and infrastructure.

About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries, championing children’s rights and ensuring their safety, health, and access to opportunities for development. In Kazakhstan, UNICEF actively supports educational and digital initiatives that improve young people’s lives and future career prospects by equipping them with the skills needed for the 21st-century economy.