Astana, 2–3 October 2026 – The Headquarters of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Astana hosted the International Congress of Orthopaedics and Traumatology "Modern Advances in Applied Science in Orthopaedics and Traumatology: From Biomechanical Research to Clinical Trials" (MAASOT-2026). The first day of the programme opened with a special CICA plenary session.
Organized by the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the International Scientific Centre of Traumatology and Orthopaedics (ISCTO), Trauma Kazakhstan JSC and Başkent University with the support of the CICA Secretariat, the Congress brought together representatives of government agencies, leading physicians, scientists, lecturers, engineers and medical device manufacturers from CICA Member States and an Observer State, the Republic of Belarus.
The forum's dynamic agenda underscores CICA's focus on practical results, showing how high-level dialogue translates into tangible projects and into stronger security through human capital development.
Opening the Congress, CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay built on this idea, noting that confidence building is not limited to security in its traditional sense – defence and geopolitical balance – but extends to areas that directly shape people's quality of life: the environment, science and education, and healthcare. He added that cooperation among countries in these areas gains real substance through the efforts of professionals who come together to share experience, compare approaches and engage in professional dialogue.
This is the first time the MAASOT International Congress of Orthopaedics and Traumatology has been hosted by CICA. It is held at the initiative of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Coordinating Country for the CICA priority area "Epidemiological Safety, Public Health and Pharmaceuticals" within the CICA New Challenges and Threats Dimension.
The practical part of the discussions at the Congress focuses on addressing pressing healthcare challenges by bringing together science, education, engineering and industry. This approach makes it possible to quickly introduce innovative solutions directly into the work of medical institutions.
These priorities enjoy the support of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlybek Nalibayev sent a message of greeting to the forum participants. The address, read out by First Vice Minister of Healthcare Timur Sultangaziyev, noted that developing domestic production of medical equipment and accelerating the transfer of advanced technologies are of strategic importance for Kazakhstan's entire healthcare system.
A landmark step in delivering on these priorities was the launch of the first plant in Kazakhstan and Central Asia to manufacture medical equipment for traumatology and orthopaedics, timed to coincide with the opening of the Congress. At an exhibition held as part of the Congress, participants were shown samples of the new Kazakh plant's products for the first time.
Speaking via video link from Ankara, President of Başkent University Professor Mehmet Haberal called for stepping up joint research, the exchange of experience and the training of young professionals. For his part, Director General of the ISCTO Professor Yersin Zhunussov presented the "physician – engineer – manufacturer" model, which covers the entire cycle from biomechanical modelling to serial production of medical devices.
The two-day programme of the Congress had a strong practical focus. Alongside the plenary session, discussions covered a wide range of applied topics, from arthroscopy, sports injuries and spinal orthopaedics to training the next generation of specialists. The dialogue continued on 3 October with sessions on the prevention of complications, as well as specialized Trauma JSC seminars on modern treatment methods for fractures in adults and children.
At the close of the Congress, a draft final Resolution was presented, setting out the professional community's intention to develop international cooperation in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The draft provides for joint research, the establishment of an expert working group on innovation and a systematic exchange of experience among specialized organizations.
