Advisory Council in Kazakhstan
UNICEF partnership with private sector
About the Council
The UNICEF Advisory Council in Kazakhstan was established in 2025 to strengthen cooperation between UNICEF and the private sector, expert community, and civil society. The Council serves as a platform for strategic dialogue and for promoting the child rights agenda within the business sector, while supporting the implementation of UNICEF’s priority programmes.
Purpose and functions
The Council is designed to:
- Support the implementation of UNICEF’s programmes in Kazakhstan;
- Strengthen partnerships with the private sector and other key stakeholders;
- Engage business leaders in advancing child rights and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Provide strategic advice and expert input on issues related to child well-being.
Priority areas
The Council contributes to UNICEF’s work in the following areas:
- Mental health and psychosocial support for children and adolescents
- Inclusive and quality education
- Protection of children from all forms of violence, including in digital spaces
- Gender equality and empowerment of girls
- Environmental sustainability and climate action
- Digital inclusion and access to technology for all children
Council activities
Council members participate in regular meetings held at least twice a year. These meetings focus on key UNICEF priorities, sharing expertise, identifying partnership opportunities, and scaling up effective solutions. The Council supports programme implementation through strategic engagement and by promoting the child rights agenda in professional and public spheres.
Council composition
The Council includes representatives from the private sector, philanthropy, sustainable development, culture, and other fields aligned with UNICEF’s values. Members bring proven experience in corporate responsibility, strategic leadership, and child rights advocacy.
Members of the UNICEF Advisory Council in Kazakhstan
Anar Rakhimbaeva
Anar Rakhimbaeva is Co-Chair of the UNICEF Advisory Council, a mother of seven, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder and director of the public foundation Ana Üyi (Mother’s Home). She also serves as CEO of the international Mother’s Home foundation and as a trustee of the Iqanat foundation. By training, she is a medical doctor and holds an MBA. She began her career in a maternity hospital, where witnessing the birth of a child for the first time deeply impressed upon her the power of the bond between mother and infant—and made her realize how crucial it is to preserve this connection for the well-being of the child.
Her work is dedicated to ensuring that every child in Kazakhstan has the opportunity to grow up in a caring family environment, whether biological or foster. Through the efforts of Ana Üyi, more than 10,000 children have either remained in families or found adoptive parents. Over the past 11 years, the number of children in institutional care has more than halved.
Anar is inspired by the stories of women who, supported by Ana Üyi, choose the path of motherhood and give children the chance to grow up in a family. In her role on the UNICEF Advisory Council, she seeks to share practical experience and promote sustainable systemic solutions in the best interests of every child.
Samat Daumov
Partner at GRATA International, entrepreneur and investor. He leads and supports projects in media (MYD Production), healthcare (OpenLab, Uzbekistan), mining (Phoenix Metals, Turan Metals), and real estate development (The Village by Wyndham Residences Aqkol). Chair of IQ Club Astana, member of YPO Kazakhstan, and graduate of Maqsut Narikbayev University (LL.M. in Law). Serves on the boards of charitable organizations, including “Ana Üyi” (Mother’s Home), “IQanat,” and “World of Equal Opportunities.” Recipient of the national award “Zhomart Zhan,” presented on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for contributions to philanthropy and public solidarity.
He believes that equal access to education, child protection, and inclusion are the foundation for a sustainable future. Joining UNICEF’s Advisory Board is a meaningful opportunity to apply his knowledge and experience to support those who need it most. He is inspired by the power of kindness and the social responsibility of business.
Zhanna Kan
Zhanna Kan is a Kazakhstani entrepreneur, philanthropist, and public figure. She is the founder of Zhanna Kan Group, the brands Constella, Zardozi, Zardozi Home, and the BeWoman Central Asia forum, and a partner of the Damiani jewelry house in Kazakhstan. She graduated with honors from the Almaty Institute of National Economy, earned an MBA from KIMEP (top 10 students), and completed programs at Stanford University and the Singularity Group. For over 20 years, she has developed premium brands and led cultural and social initiatives.
Zhanna founded the Alto Networking Club, an international private club for business leaders, and the Senior Club, a unique space for active living for people aged 60+, reflecting her belief in generational strength and the importance of cultural and social unity.
As a mother and grandmother, she believes a nation’s future begins with women’s well-being and children’s opportunities. As a trustee of UNICEF, iQanat, Dara, Sabi, and the Mother’s Home project, she advocates for equal access to education, compassionate upbringing, respect for elders, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Baizhan Kanafin
Baizhan Kanafin is CEO of Documentolog, an innovative digital platform providing electronic document management and promoting anti-corruption transparency. His professional experience includes creating and managing a technology product recognized as Best Digital Service in EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year competition, and in 2021, he earned the title of Ironman XC World Champion.
Today, Baizhan actively develops digital business processes, integrates AI solutions, and enhances trust in public procurement.
Motivated by both personal and professional experience, he explains: “As a father and entrepreneur, I want to contribute to ensuring a safe childhood for children in Kazakhstan. This is part of my social responsibility.” Guided by the values of honesty, responsibility, and discipline, and driven by the goal of building technologies that improve lives, he seeks through the UNICEF Advisory Council to contribute to strategies that protect children and strengthen a cohesive society.
Gauhar Kapparova
Gauhar Kapparova is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, cultural figure, and mother of two. She is the founder and president of G&G Glamour, a shareholder in the international holding Lancaster Group Kazakhstan, and other business ventures. She studied at Narxoz University, the Graduate School of Public Administration, and Harvard Business School. Her work integrates business, culture, and philanthropy.
Gauhar actively supports access to quality education: through her initiatives, Kazakhstani students study at leading universities worldwide and receive scholarships at national institutions. She chairs the Board of Trustees of the Abai State Opera and Ballet Theater, serves on the boards of several charitable organizations, and promotes cultural projects both in Kazakhstan and internationally.
By joining the UNICEF Advisory Council, she seeks to help unlock the potential of every child through education, inspiration, and belief in the possibilities of the future.
Bakhytzhan Kudusheva
Bakhytzhan Kudusheva is a mother of three, an entrepreneur, and philanthropist, whose name is listed in the Book of Golden Philanthropists of East Kazakhstan. She forges her own path by combining business, creativity, and charity, with a particular focus on children in need of care and support.
Through her initiatives, unique projects have been developed in Kazakhstan, including the inclusive center Wonderland for children with autism, the rehabilitation center Demeu for children with cerebral palsy, and the Blue Fox center. These centers provide hundreds of children each year with assistance, education, and opportunities to realize their potential.
Bakhytzhan is skilled at rallying people around important causes, organizing charity evenings and auctions that engage entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
By joining the UNICEF Advisory Council, she aims to expand support for children, contribute to the development of systemic solutions, and ensure every child has access to quality education, rehabilitation, and nurturing care.
Dinara Satzhan
Dinara Satzhan is a Kazakhstani journalist, TV presenter, entrepreneur, fashion producer, and blogger. She is the founder of the Dinara Satzhan brand and a network of multi-brand stores. A graduate of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, she launched her first music television program in her freshman year and later rose to prominence as a presenter on Khabar and Astana channels.
She is the author of several notable projects, including Status QUO, Sky-Studio, the rebranding of the Qazaqstan channel, as well as LATE NIGHT SHOW and The DS’ Show. For over 15 years, she has been developing businesses in the fashion industry (showrooms, Beauty Room, her own clothing line) and in art production (art gallery, boutique hotel).
In 2024, she was named a UNICEF Friend. She has also been awarded the national medal “For Distinguished Labour” (Yeren Enbegi Ushin). Dinara is a mother of two children.
Dulat Tastakey
Dulat Tastakey is the founder and CEO of the TasGroup financial group and serves as a deputy of the Almaty City Maslikhat (VIII convocation). He holds extensive higher education credentials, including a diploma from Harvard Business School, a Doctor of Business Administration from Narxoz University, and studies at the Moscow School of Management Skolkovo and other institutions.
Dulat is actively engaged in philanthropy and public service. He supports his native region by developing infrastructure, assisting low-income families, and sponsoring community events. Through his public foundation ASSYLTAS, he promotes national culture and sports (including aitys and Kazakh wrestling), organizes festivals, and provides financial support to young entrepreneurs.
His achievements have been recognized with numerous state awards, including the Enbek Uzdirgi and Kultegin medals, the title of Honorary Citizen of the Tarbagatai District, as well as being named Entrepreneur of the Year by Forbes Kazakhstan in 2018 and a winner of the 100 New Faces of Kazakhstan project.
By joining the UNICEF Advisory Council, Dulat aims to focus on education and the development of children’s creative and intellectual potential.
Assel Tsenova
Assel Tsenova is currently CEO and partner of Jimmy Choo Kazakhstan. She has successfully led the company to sustainable profitability and opened a second store, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility. She also oversees charitable projects supporting children and women in challenging circumstances.
As a mother of four, she understands firsthand the importance of ensuring that every child feels safe, heard, and has access to opportunities. Familiar with societal challenges through personal experience, she sees it as her responsibility as an engaged citizen to contribute to their resolution.
By joining the UNICEF Advisory Council, Assel seeks to combine her personal experience, professional resources, and genuine commitment to help create a future where every child has access to care, protection, and a dignified life.
Malika Tulegenova
Malika Tulegenova is Deputy Director for International Relations, Marketing, and Communications at the Astana Opera Theater. A trained art historian and scenographer, she studied in Kazakhstan, Dubai, and Milan, and has always believed in the power of art to unite people, cultures, and generations.
Her career began with cultural projects, and since 2020, she has been with Astana Opera, progressing from scenographer to a leadership position. Today, she focuses on developing the theater’s international collaborations and promoting Kazakhstani art on the global stage.
Deeply engaged in cultural diplomacy, Malika believes that art shapes societal values and opens new horizons for children. By joining the UNICEF Advisory Council, she aims to leverage her experience to support the harmonious development of the next generation through culture and education.
Contact us
For more information please contact the Council coordinator:
Alybekova Meiramgul
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +77770027075