Irina Kharitonova
Expert in Creative Industries, Sustainable Development, and ESG Projects
- Project Manager at Creative & Innovation Institute
- Graduate of the Senate Analytical School of the Republic of Kazakhstan and participant in programs by UNESCO, GIZ, and the British Council
- Member of the Kazakhstan National Committee for the UNESCO "Man and the Biosphere" Program.
- Author of the educational platform PLATON 5D, aimed at fostering creative and ecological thinking in schoolchildren
- Resident of the Creative Central Asia Network
- Graduate of the Fit for Partnership with Germany program (a management training program by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany).
- Participant of the "100 New Faces of Kazakhstan" project.
- Recognized for contributions to the development, preservation, and promotion of Kazakhstan’s national identity by organizations such as OSCE, UNESCO Federation of Clubs, Eurasian Union of Designers, UNDP, the Government of Moscow, and the Pierre Cardin Festival.
Key Competencies:
- Project Development and Management: Creating concepts, roadmaps, and implementing initiatives at both national and international levels.
- Financial Management: Attracting investments, developing budgets, and optimizing resources.
- Communications and PR: Collaborating with partners and media, organizing forums and events.
- Innovation and Development: Implementing ESG principles and developing sustainable solutions and products.
My services
All services can be customized or combined according to your preferences.
Project Development and Management
- Creating concepts, roadmaps, and strategies for project implementation.
- Introducing innovative solutions in the fields of creative industries and sustainable development.
Educational and Consulting Services
- Conducting training sessions, masterclasses, and lectures on creative thinking, ESG principles, and sustainable development.
- Developing educational programs and methodological guides.
Creative Promotion and PR
- Developing and implementing strategies to promote brands, projects, and events.
- Organizing forums, exhibitions, and public events with international participation.
Work in the Public Sector and Legislative Initiatives
Co-author of the concept and roadmap for the development of creative industries in the Republic of Kazakhstan (2023–2025).
Participated in the development of the legislative framework defining creative industries in the Law on Culture of Kazakhstan (2022-2023).
Worked on approving classification codes (OKEDs) and criteria for identifying creative industries in Kazakhstan.
Graduate of the Senate Analytical School of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2024).
Head of the SDG 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities" group at the Senate Project Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2024).
Ideologist of the project "Platon 5D", aimed at fostering creative and ecological thinking among schoolchildren.(2022-2024).
Co-author of the first methodological guide on creative industries and creative hubs in Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the British Council.(2022).
Participation in the development of the legislative framework defining creative industries in the Republic of Uzbekistan (2024).
Participated in the development of the legislative framework defining creative industries in the Law on Culture of Kazakhstan (2022-2023).
Worked on approving classification codes (OKEDs) and criteria for identifying creative industries in Kazakhstan.
Graduate of the Senate Analytical School of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2024).
Head of the SDG 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities" group at the Senate Project Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2024).
Ideologist of the project "Platon 5D", aimed at fostering creative and ecological thinking among schoolchildren.(2022-2024).
Co-author of the first methodological guide on creative industries and creative hubs in Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the British Council.(2022).
Participation in the development of the legislative framework defining creative industries in the Republic of Uzbekistan (2024).
Creative Industries
Author and Ideologist of Projects:
- DNA of the Steppe – a cultural initiative in partnership with UNESCO promoting the heritage of Kazakhstan.
- Global Nomads Fashion Awards and the international forum "Code of the Nomad" – advancing Kazakhstan’s creative fashion on the global stage.
- Annual International "Best Designer" Competition – included in Kazakhstan’s top 100 practices under the "Rukhani Zhangyru" program.
- Virtual Clothing Collection – curator of the first virtual clothing collection by Kazakhstan’s Global Nomads in collaboration with Digit IN.
- OLIMP URBAN CULTURE (2023) – a competition for designing uniforms for Olympic breakdancing athletes.
- Creative Project Pitching (2022–2023) – raised over $65,000 in investments for creative entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan.
- Transforming the Creative Landscape through Modern Street Art (2022–2023) – a project enhancing Kazakhstan’s urban spaces.
- Creative Tabys Tarikhi – an initiative showcasing talented and young creators in Kazakhstan.
- Creative Ambassadors of Kazakhstan (2023) – a project promoting Kazakhstan’s creative talents.
- "QAZAQ OLYMP STYLE – From Past to Future" – an exhibition dedicated to Kazakhstan’s heritage through sports style.
- International Exhibition "Spirit of Nomads: Boundless Horizons" – reflecting nomadic culture through art.
- Mass Sporting Event "World in Motion" – celebrating the unity of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the World Nomad Games (2024).
- Exhibition and Business Brunch "Strength in Age" – inspiring stories of women 35+ in Kazakhstan’s business landscape.
- Business Brunch "Green Horizons: Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development in Kazakhstan" – discussing eco-friendly solutions and innovations.
- Architect of the Almaty Creative Week program (2022).
- Co-author of the first methodological guide on creative industries in Kazakhstan, developed in collaboration with the British Council.
- Organizer and moderator of the "ART, DIGITAL and NFT" session at the Digital Bridge-2022 international forum.
- Organizer of forums, educational programs, and competitions promoting sustainable fashion and eco-friendly design solutions.
International collaboration
Participant of the UNESCO Learning Cities Conference (2024).
Representative of Kazakhstan and Coordinator of the national pavilion at international exhibitions, including Berlin BAZAAR, Expo Riva Schuh, Asia Now Paris, Istanbul Contemporary, Poland Expo, and other major platforms.
Partner and representative of Caravan Cultura CreAcademy/Agency (Netherlands) in Central Asia, promoting international creative projects.
Organizer and moderator of sessions at international forums, including Digital Bridge and Eurasian Economic Week.
Organizer of educational programs and events for youth focused on fostering international cooperation in sustainable development and creative industries.
Representative of Kazakhstan and Coordinator of the national pavilion at international exhibitions, including Berlin BAZAAR, Expo Riva Schuh, Asia Now Paris, Istanbul Contemporary, Poland Expo, and other major platforms.
Partner and representative of Caravan Cultura CreAcademy/Agency (Netherlands) in Central Asia, promoting international creative projects.
Organizer and moderator of sessions at international forums, including Digital Bridge and Eurasian Economic Week.
Organizer of educational programs and events for youth focused on fostering international cooperation in sustainable development and creative industries.
Social Initiatives
"Run with Purpose" and "The World Through Children’s Eyes": Projects for children with special needs aimed at fostering their creativity and social integration.
Curator of the "DNA of the Steppe" project in collaboration with UNESCO, promoting Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.
Initiator of the "Creative Ambassadors of Kazakhstan" project (2023), focused on supporting and promoting national talents in creative industries.
Platon 5D: An educational platform that develops creative and ecological thinking among schoolchildren with an emphasis on ESG principles.
Organizer of initiatives promoting sustainable fashion and eco-friendly practices in collaboration with international organizations.
Volunteer support for children from low-income families to ensure equal opportunities for development and education.
Participation in programs integrating youth into creative industries, fostering their personal potential and community engagement.
Support programs for women aged 35+: Assistance in professional growth, unlocking creative potential, and adapting to modern labor market demands through training, educational programs, and personalized mentoring.
Curator of the "DNA of the Steppe" project in collaboration with UNESCO, promoting Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.
Initiator of the "Creative Ambassadors of Kazakhstan" project (2023), focused on supporting and promoting national talents in creative industries.
Platon 5D: An educational platform that develops creative and ecological thinking among schoolchildren with an emphasis on ESG principles.
Organizer of initiatives promoting sustainable fashion and eco-friendly practices in collaboration with international organizations.
Volunteer support for children from low-income families to ensure equal opportunities for development and education.
Participation in programs integrating youth into creative industries, fostering their personal potential and community engagement.
Support programs for women aged 35+: Assistance in professional growth, unlocking creative potential, and adapting to modern labor market demands through training, educational programs, and personalized mentoring.
Contact me
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Blog
I write about creative industries, sustainable development, and ESG principles, sharing my experience in international collaboration, social initiatives, and inspiring projects. I also explore topics on personal and professional growth, with a special focus on sustainable fashion, culture, art, and fostering creative thinking in children.
There are three postulates for creative industries development – a high level of education, state support, and freedom of speech, said Irina Kharitonova, the research expert on cultural and creative industries in Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Europe. In an interview with The Astana Times, she explained why Kazakhstan is becoming an attraction point for creators, addressed nomadism in modern interpretation, and reviewed international practice in strengthening the creative economy.
The pilot region for the initial implementation phase of the initiatives is Akmola Region. After analyzing the results of the pilot stage, successful projects are planned to be scaled up across the entire Republic of Kazakhstan.
SDG 11 Leader: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Irina Kharitonova.
SDG 11 Leader: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Irina Kharitonova.
One of the first meetings dedicated to the development of creative industries in Kazakhstan was held in the capital as part of the pilot project "Creative Tabys Tarikhi." The project's goal is to share success stories of local talents with Kazakhstanis. The event was organized by Kazakh Tourism, whose representatives promised that such networking events, aimed at inspiring youth towards creativity and its commercialization, would now become regular and held monthly.
According to Irina Kharitonova, Head of the Creative Tourism Department, the unique approach of Kazakhstan's youth to creativity makes the country recognizable on the global stage. Prominent figures in the industry should serve as role models for the younger generation.
According to Irina Kharitonova, Head of the Creative Tourism Department, the unique approach of Kazakhstan's youth to creativity makes the country recognizable on the global stage. Prominent figures in the industry should serve as role models for the younger generation.
How to Solve the Problems of Kazakhstan's Fashion Industry? Who is to Blame and What Should Be Done?
Irina Kharitonova, Head of the Creative & Innovation Institute, provides the answers.
Irina Kharitonova, Head of the Creative & Innovation Institute, provides the answers.
Who Took the Million: Results of the Global Nomads Fashion Awards Designer Competition
The main goal of the event is to draw the attention of international photographers, artists, designers, and street artists to the region's ecology. Additionally, the festival aims to preserve and restore the Caspian Sea's biological ecosystem and ensure the sustainable use of biological resources. As part of the art forum, educational projects were implemented to increase public interest and awareness.
We discussed with Irina Kharitonova, Director of the Creative Tourism Department at JSC "NC Kazakh Tourism," the future of street art in Kazakhstan, its positive impact on socio-economic indicators, and how it enhances the creative landscape.
Ahead of the World Nomad Games, the photo exhibition "Spirit of Nomads: Boundless Horizons" opened in Astana.
Kazinform agency reports this, citing the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Kazinform agency reports this, citing the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Irina Kharitonova, Director of the Public Fund for Sustainable Development of Central Asia "Creative & Innovation Institute":
"Today, we are hosting an event dedicated to the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and the World Nomad Games. We aim to demonstrate how important it is to collaborate, to foster friendship and unity. We want people to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a healthy lifestyle, sports, and team spirit."
"Today, we are hosting an event dedicated to the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and the World Nomad Games. We aim to demonstrate how important it is to collaborate, to foster friendship and unity. We want people to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a healthy lifestyle, sports, and team spirit."
Irina Kharitonova is the Director of the Creative Tourism Department at "NC Kazakh Tourism" JSC in Astana. She actively contributes to the development of creative industries in Kazakhstan, including street art projects and international initiatives.
Irina also maintains an Instagram page under the handle @irina_kharitonova_official.
Irina also maintains an Instagram page under the handle @irina_kharitonova_official.
Kazakhstan’s creative economy is gradually emerging as a key driver of growth. Current data and trends raise a crucial question: can Kazakhstan become the creative hub of Central Asia?
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Contacts
Phone: +7 701 214 10 77
E-mail: irinakharitonova0201@gmail.com
E-mail: irinakharitonova0201@gmail.com
