A businessman working in a variety of sectors from natural resources to banking, insurance and technology and investor in innovative startups, Shukhrat Ibragimov is also a patron of arts and philanthropist.

Born in Kyrgyzstan and raised in Kazakhstan, Shukhrat admires a diverse range of strong cultural traditions found in the region of Asia – the traditions that provide unique and compelling insights into spirituality, enlightenment, the meaning of life and personal growth. One of Shukhrat’s hobbies is the cinema and in his role as the Chairman of the Asian World Film Festival, he is deeply passionate about giving better recognition to exceptionally original, authentic films from Asia and to talented people who master these films, and with building bridges for wider cross-cultural collaboration between different continents, countries and mentalities.

Mr Ibragimov graduated from the European Business School in London and the Beijing Language and Culture University. He speaks English, French, Turkish and Russian.

Shukhrat is the Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a leading metals and mining group operating in Asia, Europe, Africa and America. Headquartered in Luxembourg, ERG has its origins in Kazakhstan. The Group is committed to responsible resource development, supporting the green energy transition and contributing to the Paris Climate Agreement. ERG is a founding member of the “Global Battery Alliance” which aims to spur inclusivity and responsibility across the wider value chain for the production of EVs, gadgets and solar panels and to leverage blockchain technologies for higher transparency.

Shukhrat also serves on the Boards of Eurasia Insurance Company and Eurasian Bank. He invested in and supported a number of start-up IT/Technology companies ranging from disruptive technologies such as Fintech and Space Mining to Music and Social Networks and founded the New Era Media Awards and Divine, a unique community project that utilizes space technologies to dispel religious stereotypes and misconceptions.

Shukhrat’s approach to sustainable development is reflected in several charitable initiatives that he has launched around the world. He supports various projects helping people in developing countries, including in the most remote locations. These projects include the construction of schools and kindergartens, orphanages and retirement homes. Mr Ibragimov is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of “I am part of”, an international charity focused on providing access to water and hunger relief to people in Africa and Asia.