A delegation of the National Center for Higher Education Development of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in a series of UNESCO international events, including the 19th session of the Bangkok Convention Committee, the 6th session of the Tokyo Convention Committee, and the 5th Plenary Meeting of APNNIC.
Kazakhstan’s participation in regional mechanisms for the recognition of qualifications has strengthened its position as an active and reliable partner in international educational integration.
Kazakhstan’s participation in the 19th session of the Bangkok Convention Committee
The Committee reviewed progress on previous decisions, reports of the UNESCO Bangkok Secretariat, and the plans of member states regarding the ratification and implementation of the Tokyo Convention.
In her speech, A.M.Kulumzhanova, Head of the Office for Higher Education Internationalization, emphasized:
✔ the strategic importance of Kazakhstan’s participation in global and regional mechanisms for qualification recognition;
✔ the advancement of digitalization of recognition procedures and the strengthening of the national information center;
✔ the relevance of adopting UNESCO’s updated international guidelines, including documents related to the Global Convention;
✔ the need to build trust among countries in the region through enhanced information exchange, unified standards, and increased transparency of qualifications.
Special attention was paid to the implementation of Kazakhstan’s national action plan within the KFIT III project (2025–2028), aimed at fostering mobility, improving recognition procedures, and introducing innovative digital solutions.
Following the session, A.M.Kulumzhanova was elected Rapporteur of the Bureau of the Bangkok Convention. This significantly strengthened Kazakhstan’s role in the organizational and expert work of regional qualification recognition mechanisms and reflected the high level of trust from the member states.
Kazakhstan at the 5th APNNIC Plenary Session
Y.T.Irgebayev’s presentation at the panel «Plans to ratify the Tokyo Convention»
Deputy Director of the National Center Y.T.Irgebayev presented Kazakhstan’s position at the panel dedicated to the ratification of the Tokyo Convention. In his remarks, he highlighted:
✔ Kazakhstan’s consistent steps toward implementing international mechanisms for qualification recognition;
✔ improvements to the regulatory framework and the strengthened role of the National Information Center;
✔ measures to digitalize recognition processes and combat educational fraud;
✔ Kazakhstan’s contribution to regional cooperation in the Asia–Pacific region.
His presentation was highly appreciated by participants and confirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to deepen cooperation within APNNIC.
A.M.Kulumzhanova’s presentation at the Country Spotlight session
During the Country Spotlight session, A.M.Kulumzhanova delivered a presentation titled «Recognition of qualifications in higher education: A key factor in the development of international educational cooperation».
She outlined:
✔ the historical stages of developing the qualification recognition system in Kazakhstan;
✔ the evolution of the legal framework regulating the recognition of foreign diplomas and qualifications;
✔ the modern recognition model, including digitalization, automation of document verification procedures, and the integration of international standards;
✔ the role of qualification recognition as a key instrument for developing international educational cooperation and enhancing academic mobility.
Her presentation generated strong interest among participating countries and laid the groundwork for expanding partnerships in digitalization and harmonization of recognition processes.
Key outcomes of Kazakhstan’s participation
As a result of the events, Kazakhstan:
✔ obtained the mandate of Rapporteur of the Bureau of the Bangkok Convention;
✔ demonstrated consistent progress in digitalizing recognition procedures and combating educational fraud;
✔ presented national achievements within APNNIC and the Tokyo Convention;
✔ strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties with Central, East, and Southeast Asian countries;
✔ reaffirmed its commitment to implementing international instruments for qualification recognition.
Today in Aktobe, Federico Pugliese, General Director of Plenitude Kazakhstan, delivered a guest lecture at the Heriot-Watt University Aktobe Campus of K.Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University. The lecture, titled «Plenitude Kazakhstan’s Experience in Renewable Energy Development», provided students of the Electrical Power Engineering program with a detailed overview of the full operational cycle and technical processes of a wind power plant.
The Badamsha-1 and Badamsha-2 wind power plants, located in the Kargaly and Khromtau districts of Aktobe region, have become one of the main sources of electricity in the region. With a total capacity of 96 megawatts, these facilities are among the first privately financed wind farms in Kazakhstan. Equipped with modern General Electric turbines, the stations produce hundreds of millions of kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy each year. Plenitude Kazakhstan, the company implementing these successful projects, has also in operation the 50 MW Shaulder Solar Power Plant in Turkestan region, and has recently inaugurated together with KazMunayGas the 50 MW Solar Power Plant, as the first phase of the Hybrid Power Plant Project in Zhanaozen, Mangystau region.
Students asked questions about the engineering aspects of wind and solar power generation, the company’s approach to local workforce training, and career opportunities in the green economy.
The speaker emphasized the importance of «Electrical and Electronic Engineering» programs offered at the Heriot-Watt University Campus in Kazakhstan, noting that studying in English allows future engineers to become competitive at the international level.
Plenitude Kazakhstan is a subsidiary of Eni, focused on renewable energy and decarbonization. The company launched the first privately financed wind power plants in Kazakhstan and is currently implementing solar and wind projects with a total capacity exceeding 200 MW.
A Q-Group delegation visited Arizona State University (ASU) for a series of strategic meetings and events, culminating in the announcement of the launch of the «University of Innovation and Technology powered by ASU».
The new university will serve as a platform for the implementation of advanced educational technologies, the expansion of academic mobility, and the development of joint research and entrepreneurial initiatives.
During the visit, the Q-Group delegation held discussions with key ASU divisions. At EdPlus, the parties explored cutting-edge solutions in digital learning and new models of online education. At Global Launch, attention was given to academic adaptation, international student support, and expanded opportunities for global integration. The meeting with the School of Engineering focused on sharing experience in engineering education, including interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approaches.
The launch of «University of Innovation and Technology powered by ASU» marks a new stage in the development of Kazakhstan’s educational ecosystem, providing Q-Group students, faculty, and partners with access to world-class standards and innovations.
The Liaoning Sub-Forum of the Pujiang Innovation Forum 2025 – devoted to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and intelligent manufacturing – brought together a Kazakhstan delegation representing the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NEA RK), leading universities, and research institutes.
Established by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Municipal Government, the Pujiang Innovation Forum is a premier international platform for discussing priorities in science, technology, and high-tech cooperation. The Liaoning Sub-Forum focused on practical solutions for industrial modernization - from pilot deployments to technology localization.
At an official reception, Governor Wang Xinwei warmly welcomed the Kazakhstan delegation led by Academician Amandyk K.Tuleshov, Vice President of NEA RK. In his remarks, Academician Tuleshov underscored the good-neighborly and friendly relations between Kazakhstan and China, which enable dynamic, consistent cooperation among universities and research organizations in both applied research and education. He cited joint projects between the Shenyang Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIA, CAS) and the Joldasbekov Institute of Mechanics and Engineering in robotics and AI methods. The reception reaffirmed the high level of trust and the importance of expanding cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
Academician Tuleshov also addressed the plenary session, noting that – against the backdrop of the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 8 September 2025 - the participation of the Kazakhstan delegation was especially timely, highlighting the nation’s strategic course toward accelerated digital transformation, development of the AI ecosystem, and strengthened international S&T cooperation. The Shenyang platform both confirmed these top-level priorities and served as a tool for their practical implementation through joint projects, technology transfer, and the training of scientific and engineering talent.
Also in the delegation were Nurbek P.Saparkhojayev, Rector of Rudny Industrial University; A.Altynbek, Senior Manager, Department of Development and Business Administration, Semizbay-U LLP (NAC Kazatomprom); Zair G.Ualiyev, Director of the Joldasbekov Institute of Mechanics and Engineering; and Moldir Zh.Kuatova, Director of the Department for Scientific and Innovation Activities of the International Engineering and Technological University, as well as representatives of universities and research institutes.
At the roundtable, Rudny Industrial University Rector Nurbek Saparkhojayev emphasized the role of government programs of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan - in particular the AI Sana initiative – in shaping an «AI generation» capable of delivering industrial solutions:
«We are building a talent lift: from student AI labs to prototypes and serial production. Kazakhstan enters the architecture of the global knowledge economy not as an observer but as a co-author».
The Joldasbekov Institute of Mechanics and Engineering and SIA CAS have cooperated for three years in robotics and intelligent manufacturing systems, including joint research, academic exchanges, and workforce development. A key outcome is the Kazakhstan–China Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems in Almaty, a platform for advanced technology development, testing, and industrial scaling.
The delegation visited Siasun Robot & Automation Co., Ltd., China’s largest industrial-robot manufacturer. The parties confirmed readiness to localize assembly, service, and an engineering center at the Joldasbekov Institute in Almaty for the Kazakhstan and Central Asian markets. The agreements include a roadmap for collaborative and intralogistics robot lines, personnel training, and a demo-production site to rapidly adapt solutions to the needs of domestic enterprises.
During the visit, Rudny Industrial University and the International Engineering and Technological University signed Memoranda of Understanding with SIA CAS. The documents provide for joint educational tracks in AI and robotics, applied R&D with industry partners from China and Kazakhstan, short academic exchanges and internships, and the creation of consortia to compete for international grant programs.
The visit was practical and results-oriented, built around the triad «science – education – industry». It aligns fully with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s agenda for accelerated digital transformation and the development of the national AI ecosystem. The parties agreed to launch new joint projects in robotics and intelligent manufacturing, expand AI and digital-technology education programs, and prepare pilot deployments and technology transfer for Kazakhstan’s enterprises.
The event marked a significant step toward strengthening Kazakhstan–China ties, opening new opportunities for technology transfer, and integrating Kazakhstan’s research outputs into the international innovation ecosystem.
On September 4, the International Engineering and Technological University hosted the International Workshop «Development of Academic and Research Cooperation», which brought together leading scholars, representatives of the academic community, and engineering schools of Kazakhstan and Italy.
The seminar was attended by the President of the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Bakhytzhan Zhumagulov. Also taking part were representatives of the International Federation for the Theory of Machines and Mechanisms (IFToMM), including the Honorary President of the Federation, Professor of the University of Rome Tor Vergata Marco Ceccarelli, and the Chairman of IFToMM in Kazakhstan, Vice-President of the National Engineering Academy, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Amandyk Tuleshov. Their participation gave the event a special status and highlighted the importance of integrating Kazakhstani engineering science into the international professional community.
The meeting was held in an atmosphere of open dialogue and became a fruitful platform for strengthening international cooperation and training a new generation of engineering specialists.
During the seminar, concrete agreements were reached: on the development of academic mobility - exchange of students and faculty; on the launch of two joint double-degree programs; and on strengthening cooperation between universities and research institutes in the fields of engineering, robotics, and applied research.
President of the National Engineering Academy of Kazakhstan, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan Bakhytzhan Zhumagulov, emphasized in his address:
«In the era of digitalization, when the President of the country and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education pay special attention to the training of engineering personnel, holding such a seminar at one of the few engineering universities in Kazakhstan – METU – is of particular importance. It not only expands the horizons of scientific cooperation but also lays a solid foundation for the development of the national engineering school».
Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, congratulated the Nazarbayev University (NU) community on its 15th anniversary during a town hall held on campus.
The event brought together university leadership, faculty, and staff to reflect on NU’s journey and future direction. In a video address, Minister Nurbek emphasized NU’s transformative impact on the country’s higher education landscape. According to the minister, the university built «from the ground up» has fundamentally transformed Kazakhstan’s education system, setting a benchmark for quality through cutting-edge research, faculty ranked among the world’s top 2%, and a strong record of high-impact scientific publications:
«NU has become a powerful catalyst for quality assurance and curriculum innovation across Kazakhstan. By building partnerships with leading higher education institutions worldwide, it has set a strong example for our vision of advancing higher education and research. Crucially, NU has established itself at the very heart of Kazakhstan’s transition to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. Today, with large language models, supercomputing, and generative AI, Nazarbayev University is once again at the forefront – leading the nation’s leap into an AI-powered economy and an AI-driven future».
The minister expressed hope that NU would serve as a key source of highly qualified faculty and researchers for the growing network of international branch campuses opening in Kazakhstan.
NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad highlighted major achievements, including the launch of new academic programs, accreditation by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), affirming NU’s commitment to the highest global standards, and rising performance in the Times Higher Education rankings, alongside success in research and student-led initiatives:
«Our achievements in research, teaching, student experience, and societal impact provide a strong foundation for the future. We now have a launchpad from which to achieve milestones that will make both the University and the country proud. To guide this next phase, we are finalizing our new institutional strategy».
During the celebration, faculty and staff who made significant contributions to education were honored with awards from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Instructor Katherine Erdman, and Associate Professors Paula Dupuy and Nikolay Tsyrempilov from the School of Sciences and Humanities received the «Akhmet Baitursynuly» badge. Professor of Philology Aigul Ismakova was awarded for her contribution to the development of the Kazakh language. Professors Ferhat Karaca, Zhumabay Bakenov, Assistant Professor Aibek Niyetkaliyev from School of Engineering and Digital Sciences and Associate Professor Jonas Crus from School of Medicine received the badge «For Contribution to the Development of Science».
Over 20 faculty and staff were also recognized with ministerial certificates, letters of appreciation, higher education distinction badges, and honorary diplomas. The event concluded with a tribute to employees who have served NU for more than a decade.
The QS World University Rankings 2026 have been published, with 20 Kazakhstani universities featured – a testament to the rising quality of higher education in the country. New entrants include Shakhmardan Yessenov Caspian University of Technology and Engineering, M.Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, and Shakarim University of Semey.
For the first time, L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University entered the global top 100 for Employer Reputation. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and five others ranked in the top 100 for Faculty-to-Student Ratio, highlighting strong academic support and a personalized learning environment.
In the latest edition of the ranking, Abai University is placed 628th, climbing 43 positions compared to last year (671–680 range). This result places the university among the TOP 650 universities globally, and further strengthens its standing among the TOP five universities in Kazakhstan.
QS experts highlight the importance of advancing scientific research, participating in international academic projects, and creating long-term career opportunities for graduates. According to QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter, Kazakhstani universities are showing positive momentum across key metrics, underscoring their commitment to reaching international standards.
QS Regional Director Sergey Khristolyubov notes a growing divide between two groups of universities: one-third are successfully implementing strategies to become world-class institutions, while others are struggling to maintain their positions amid rising competition. In this context, academic staff capacity, research engagement, and international collaboration play a critical role.
Kazakhstan now ranks 10th in Asia by number of universities included, following China (72), India (54), and Japan (47).
The Technical Assistance Mission (TAM) Seminar titled «Development of Inclusive Higher Education» took place on June 12-13, 2025, at Astana IT University. The event brought together over 50 participants, including vice-rectors, deans, faculty members, representatives of inclusion centers and PhD students from around 30 universities across Kazakhstan. The seminar was organized by the National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan in collaboration with the Higher Education Reform Experts of Kazakhstan (HERE) and the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency.
The event opened with welcoming speeches from Serik Omirbayev, First Vice-Rector of Astana IT University and Chairman of the national HERE team, Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation Section of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Rysgul Kudretullayeva, Head of Unit of the Content of Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Leading experts from Croatia – Ninoslav Šćukanec Schmidt and Ana Skledar Matijević from the Institute for the Development of Education – provided deep insight into the EHEA policy frameworks, inclusive education practices, and institutional strategies. Their contributions served as a catalyst for reflection and action among Kazakh higher education institutions. Over two days, participants engaged in interactive discussions with practical group work and working sessions focused on understanding key terms and concepts related to equity, inclusion, and diversity in higher education, identifying challenges and policy gaps in Kazakh and European contexts and exploring successful practices and support mechanisms. The seminar concluded with a forward-looking session summarizing key takeaways and drafting initial action points for institutions and policymakers. Participants also provided feedback and contributed to the development of a national roadmap to strengthen inclusion and equity in higher education. This seminar reflects the continued commitment of Kazakhstan to align with the EHEA priorities and ensure inclusive, accessible, and equitable higher education for all.
Besides, during the seminar, a cooperation agreement was signed between Salymbekov University of Kyrgyzstan whose President, Amangeldi Zhumadilov was one of the participants of the event as the HERE member from Kyrgyzstan and Astana IT university represented by Andrii Biloshchytskyi, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations. Both sides agreed on a long-term sustainable partnership.
On June 4, 2025, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, held an official meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mohamed Rachid Maaninou.
The meeting focused on a broad range of issues pertaining to bilateral cooperation in the fields of higher education and scientific research. The parties underscored their shared commitment to deepening academic collaboration and fostering institutional partnerships between universities of both countries.
A key point of discussion was the mutual intention to implement a reciprocal exchange of 20 government scholarships for citizens of Kazakhstan and Morocco. This initiative is designed to enhance educational and cultural ties, as well as to promote greater international student mobility and academic exchange.
The parties also deliberated on joint outreach and awareness-raising efforts aimed at promoting Kazakhstani higher education opportunities among Moroccan youth. In this context, a series of collaborative events and campaigns are planned to strengthen Kazakhstan’s visibility as a destination for quality education. Furthermore, potential avenues for academic cooperation with the Polytechnic University of the Kingdom of Morocco were explored.
The meeting reaffirmed the mutual interest in advancing bilateral academic engagement and expanding the strategic partnership between the two nations in the realm of education and science.
Medications derived from biomass, smart polymers for flexible electronics, and fuels of the future – these were just a few of the ambitious scientific topics explored at the IV International Symposium on Emerging Materials and Devices (ISEMD 2025), held from May 28 to 30 at Nazarbayev University (NU) in Astana.
The symposium brought together more than 180 researchers from Spain, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Finland, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Local participants included scientists from KazNU, Satbayev University, Abai University, Astana IT University, and other institutions.
«As the world faces the growing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable energy solutions is critical,» said NU President Dr. Waqar Ahmad in his opening remarks. «At Nazarbayev University, research and education in renewable energy are central to our mission. We are preparing future leaders who can develop and implement innovative technologies in solar, wind, and other clean energy sectors».
The program featured more than 46 presentations, covering topics such as solar cells, biomass conversion, hydrogen production and storage, and topological materials for quantum applications.
Several Kazakhstani innovations sparked a lively discussion. NU’s Renewable Energy Laboratory showcased a porous polymer designed for flexible electronics and biosensors. Resistant to mechanical deformation, it improves the performance of wearable devices and is already being applied in other environmental and energy-related projects by the team.
Meanwhile, a biomass research group led by senior researcher Minawar Shaimardan presented a pioneering study for Kazakhstan – a hypertension medication based on Furfural, an organic compound extracted from corn husks, recognized as one of the most promising bio-based chemicals for future applications.
«Our primary goal is to bring strong scientists from around the world here to Kazakhstan», said Professor Nurxat Nuraje, head of the Renewable Energy Laboratory at NU National Laboratory Astana. «These kinds of meetings help foster collaboration, launch joint research projects, and elevate Kazakhstan’s contributions to global science».
«I am genuinely impressed by the rapid development of science in Kazakhstan and the remarkable progress in your university system. Your talented students have completed internships in my lab in Scotland and at Oxford, consistently delivering outstanding results», said Mojtaba Mirzaeian, Professor at the University of the West of Scotland.
The symposium reaffirmed NU’s growing role as a regional research hub and an active participant in the global movement toward a sustainable future.