Timur Turlov and Pavel Durov Drive Educational and Digital Initiatives Empowering Kazakhstan’s Youth

Kazakhstan continues to develop initiatives aimed at supporting education, digitalization, and talented youth from the regions. At the center of these efforts are entrepreneur and philanthropist Timur Turlov, founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed Freedom Holding Corp., and Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, who recently visited the country again.

Pavel Durov Visits IQanat School

In early October 2025, Telegram founder Pavel Durov arrived in Kazakhstan. His visit began with a trip to the IQanat High School of Burabay, where gifted students from rural areas of the country study.

Durov spent several hours on campus, chatting with students “as a friend” and learning about their living and study conditions. According to school representatives, the visit was a true celebration for the 500 students from villages.

“A year ago, Pavel joined the IQanat Board of Trustees and donated more than $350,000 to support the education of 12 IQanat students from rural Kazakhstan,” the foundation reported.

In October 2025, Durov is scheduled to speak at the Digital Bridge international forum in Astana, where he will discuss the development of digital technologies and Kazakhstan’s prospects as a regional hub for IT innovation.

Timur Turlov — Patron and Partner of Educational Initiatives

Timur Turlov, head of Freedom Holding Corp., plays a major role in the development of the IQanat project. He has become one of the foundation’s key trustees and actively supports access to quality education for children from rural areas.

In 2024, with Turlov’s funding, a new school building worth 2.7 billion tenge (USD 5.6 million) was constructed in Borovoye – the campus is called “Freedom House.” Now, up to 600 students from villages and small towns across Kazakhstan can receive a modern education each year, develop leadership skills, and prepare for admission to leading universities around the world.

“As a citizen of Kazakhstan, I want all of us to have a future and it is my hope that graduates of this school will contribute to the development of our country. I also hope that our young people will not only strive to generally live in a well-developed and rich society, but that they try to build such a society right here at home in Kazakhstan,” Turlov said. According to him, it was not only an investment in our future, but also a sincere gift to the students, to the society, and even to himself as a citizen dedicated to Kazakhstan and its place in the world.

Freedom Holding continues to actively participate in projects aimed at digitalizing rural schools, providing them with computer equipment, internet access, and teacher training. These initiatives aim to reduce the digital divide and expand opportunities for youth outside major cities.

A Wide Range of Freedom Holding Corp. Philanthropic Projects

Freedom Holding pays special attention to projects in education and digital skills, viewing them as key drivers of the country’s long-term development and human capital growth. Beyond education, Freedom Holding Corp. implements numerous social and charitable programs in Kazakhstan and abroad. The company consistently invests in the development of sports, culture, and healthcare, and supports socially vulnerable groups. Freedom Holding funds orphanages and family support centers for those in difficult life situations, assists medical institutions through the purchase of modern equipment and preventive care programs, and supports environmental initiatives and raises awareness about sustainable development.

Timur Turlov is the Chairman of the UN Global Compact Advisory Committee in Central Asia. The initiative was created to effectively address transboundary issues, such as those related to water, the environment, hunger, poverty, infrastructure, energy, and food security. The company’s strategy contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through its corporate foundation, Freedom Shapagat, the company has already supported over 60 social and environmental projects, reaching more than 10 million people.

“Through Freedom Holding and our Freedom Shapagat Foundation, we have launched and supported projects that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from education and health to climate initiatives and responsible consumption. But I believe this is just the beginning,” Turlov said.

The collaboration between leaders like Timur Turlov and Pavel Durov demonstrates the importance of synergy between technological progress and social development. Their joint support for education, digitalization, and philanthropy forms a solid foundation for Kazakhstan’s future — a future where every talented child, regardless of birthplace, can realize their potential.

About Timur Turlov

Timur Turlov is a Kazakh entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, best known as the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., a diversified financial and technology group listed on Nasdaq (FRHC). Born in Lobnya, Russia, in 1987, Turlov began his career in finance at a young age and moved to Kazakhstan in 2011, where he founded the company that later became a multinational ecosystem encompassing brokerage, banking, insurance, telecommunications, and digital services.

Under his leadership, Freedom Holding Corp. has grown into one of Central Asia’s largest financial and technology groups, serving over seven million clients worldwide. In 2022, Turlov obtained Kazakh citizenship, emphasizing his long-term commitment to the country’s economic and social development. He actively promotes initiatives in education, digitalization, environmental protection, sports, and cultural heritage, and serves as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and Chairman of the UN Global Compact Advisory Committee in Central Asia.

Turlov is widely recognized as one of the key figures shaping Kazakhstan’s digital transformation and positioning the country as a regional hub for innovation and responsible business.