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The annual CIS Tax Authorities International Youth Forum and a meeting of the CIS Tax Authorities Working Group on the Implementation of Client-Centric Approach in Tax Administration took place in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

“This Forum is a unique platform. The discussions these days are an investment to the future of the entire Commonwealth,” stated Yerzhan Birzhanov, Vice-Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Bakytzhan Slyamov, Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized that the topics of the Forum and the Working Group are closely linked, and that young people, with their digital mindset, openness to new technologies, and desire for convenience, are the main driving force behind client-centric transformation. Veronika Prishchepa, Head of the Directorate for Human Resources Development and Service Culture of the Federal Tax Service of Russia, noted: “The Youth Forum is being held for the third time, and for the first time outside Russia, which is a very important indicator for us. It means that the first Forums have truly become a vibrant and much-needed platform for young experts from the tax authorities of the CIS countries.”

The Forum brought together young experts from the CIS tax authorities for professional dialogue, exchange of practical experience, and joint development of initiatives in the areas of human resources potential and modern professional competencies. The central theme of the Youth Forum’s business program was the development of digital skills, with information security as a key topic. During the Forum, participants started implementing the Protocol of the XXXII meeting of the CIS Tax Commissioners Coordination Council (CIS TCCC) of October 15, 2025. As a result, the first stage of developing a “Digital Simulator” was completed. ‘Digital Simulator’ will become a convenient tool for timely self-assessment of the skills and abilities of the CIS tax authorities’ employees. Furthermore, following the working program, a list of initiatives for the development of the youth professional community was compiled. This list will be presented to the CIS Tax Commissioners at the meeting of the CIS TCCC in October 2026 in the Republic of Tajikistan.

The meeting of the Working Group on the Implementation of Client-Centric Approach focused on the development of a competency matrix. Participants presented their views on the sets of competencies that a tax officer needs to have to be client-centric. Based on the discussion, the delegates identified the most important key skills of a modern tax authority employee. The results of this work will form the basis of a two-level training program for the CIS tax authorities’ employees, aimed at developing a service approach, user-centric mindset, and modern digital skills. The meeting also discussed the client-centric state, a service model for delivering public services, the implementation of client-centric approaches in taxpayer registration, and support for tax compliance.

Delegations from the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Uzbekistan took part in the events, while representatives of the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Tajikistan joined virtually.

These events contribute to strengthening the international youth professional community of the CIS tax authorities, partnership ties, and joint approaches to digitalization and client-centric approach in tax administration.