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Aziz Soltobaev
Harnessing Tech for Good: AI & IoT for Climate Resilience | LoRaWAN Specialist | E-commerce Guru | Digital Skills Educator | EdTech Innovator | Entrepreneur & Project Manager | Shaping Digital Policy for Global Impact
Aziz Soltobaev is a prominent figure in Kyrgyzstan, currently serving as a Board Member of the Kyrgyz Go Federation since April 2021. He is also the Co-founder and Programs Manager of the Internet Society Kyrgyzstan Chapter, where he has been instrumental in enhancing digital literacy and connectivity in remote areas of the country.1
Background and Expertise
Soltobaev has a diverse background in technology and policy. He is deeply involved in artificial intelligence and has participated in various fellowships, including the Stimson Center and Microsoft Responsible AI Program. His expertise extends to areas such as climate change, digital transformation, and e-commerce, where he has founded several successful businesses.12
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Financial Economics from Kyrgyzstandagy Amerikalyk Universitet and has furthered his education through various programs focused on AI policy and strategy formulation.1 Soltobaev has also contributed to significant national strategies, including the "Taza Koom" National Digital Transformation Strategy and the National Sustainable Development Strategy "Vision 2040".1
Contributions to Community and Policy
As a Policy Adviser, Soltobaev has worked with multiple governmental entities, helping shape policies that impact education, digital transformation, and emergency management in Kyrgyzstan. His efforts have led to increased digital access for over 2 million people through initiatives aimed at connecting remote villages to the internet.13
Interests
In addition to his professional endeavors, Soltobaev is passionate about promoting climate resilience through technology and fostering entrepreneurship within Kyrgyzstan's digital economy. He actively engages in community-building activities, aiming to empower local populations through education and technology.13
Overall, Aziz Soltobaev is a key player in advancing digital initiatives in Kyrgyzstan while also contributing to the global discourse on responsible AI and sustainable development.
Highlights
Climate change is reshaping our once predictable environment. With rising average air temperatures, weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. This year, every spring and summer month in Kyrgyzstan, as well as globally, has set unprecedented temperature records. These shifts contribute to natural disasters, such as the accelerated melting of glaciers and the subsequent filling of high mountain glacial lakes. As these lakes overflow, they cause devastating mudflows that impact low-lying settlements, agricultural lands, and pastures (glacier lake outburst floods). Alarmingly, Kyrgyzstan has experienced a sixfold increase in mudflows in 2024 compared to 2023, with more communities facing partial inundation.
The outlook for 2025 remains uncertain, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches and technologies to mitigate the consequences of these natural disasters. The Internet Society Kyrgyz Chapter has been at the forefront of this effort, now in its second year of the research project aimed at monitoring natural disasters through Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and LoRaWAN data transmission technology. Pilot installations, including automated meteorological stations and various sensors, have enabled us to gather critical data that informs key decision makers about preventive actions and further mitigation strategies.
For instance, in the Boom Gorge, we've identified key factors that contribute to mudflows, allowing our partner the Ministry of Emergency Situaions, to take timely action and provide early warnings to the population. We've established an early warning system that promptly alerts key decision-makers through various communication channels.
Just yesterday, areas near the village of Bokonbaevo in the Issyk-Kul region were flooded due to the outburst of the high-altitude glacial lake Zyndan-Zapadny. Interestingly, during a reconnaissance mission a few weeks ago to assess potential locations for our IoT sensors, we discovered that most local residents were unaware of this lake, situated just 10 kilometers from the village of Tuura-Suu. Neither they were aware of potential danger of lake outbursts. The lake, hidden beneath glaciers, isn't visible on Google Maps, but as global temperatures rise, it becomes more defined in the summer.
In response to the recent flooding, and at the request of the Department for Forecasting Natural Disasters of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, we plan to install meteorological stations and sensors by September 2024. While we've made significant progress, it's important to acknowledge that this is a complex and evolving field. Mistakes may occur, but our commitment to learning and adapting remains steadfast as we continue to develop solutions to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change.
Relevant links:
- https://lnkd.in/d-mdpy8Q
- https://lnkd.in/dhkTvcr4
- https://lnkd.in/d-AKBxqi
#SustainableTech #ClimateInnovation #GreenTech #IoTClimate #ISOCFoundation
Brief description of the research project on digital public infrastructure, GovStack and Digital Public Goods in the Kyrgyz Republic conducted as part of the Internet Society Kyrgyz Chapter.
