HUMANRISE 2026: how Central Asia and the Caucasus are redefining human capital management
On June 4, Almaty hosted the HUMANRISE 2026 case conference and awards ceremony. The inaugural season brought together over 200 executives and HR leaders from Central Asia and the Caucasus. 25 nominee companies presented cases across 6 thematic categories and 2 personal nominations — competing on the strength of measurable business impact.
HUMANRISE an independent award organised by Eclectic Talents Group in Central Asia and the Caucasus for the most successful projects in human capital management, employer reputation and branding. A platform where the region’s HR community gains space for professional development, knowledge exchange and shaping shared market standards.
The defining theme of the year
The forum opened with a panel discussion: «Corporate culture as strategy: how companies build environments where people stay». C-level and People directors from Philip Morris International, BAT, Sandoz, Gorenje, Avon and Glenmark took part in the discussion.
Participants spoke candidly: the labour market has changed structurally. Companies that have not embedded culture into their operating model are losing ground systematically.
Key topics of the conference
Wellbeing and cultural identity. Tele2 Kazakhstan, CCI Kazakhstan, Adidas, EFES — each demonstrated how a systemic approach to the work environment drives retention and productivity. A business tool with measurable effect.
Digital and AI in HR. Beeline Business presented cases on automating routine tasks and returning HR teams to strategic work. Fintech company Bukhta completed a full HR function transformation in 6 months — from manual processes to a digital ecosystem.
Learning and development. Kazakhphosphate presented a vertically integrated talent development model from school to production floor. Lactalis, Kulikov Group, Bank CenterCredit — corporate academies as platforms for building institutional knowledge inside the company.
Employer reputation. OLX Work Kazakhstan raised a critical question for the market: have employers kept pace with how candidates have changed? The data showed that most are still responding to market expectations from 3–5 years ago.
The awards ceremony closed the day. An independent jury of 10+ experts applied a transparent evaluation methodology. Recognition went to those whose projects are backed by results.
The role of the award for the market
Strong professional communities do not emerge on their own — they are built through deliberate investment in platforms where expertise becomes shared capital, not a competitive advantage held by a few. HUMANRISE is precisely that investment. An annual study of how business across Central Asia and the Caucasus manages its most important asset: where genuine progress exists, where legacy approaches persist, and which solutions are becoming the new standard.
In its inaugural season, the award has already produced a body of 25 cases that HR teams across the region will continue to reference. Each project on record is a ready-made solution — one that can be studied, adapted and applied in any organisational context.
Ready to present your case in the next season? Learn more at humanrise.kz
