Kazakhstan strengthens international cooperation in the field of qualification recognition at key UNESCO sessions in Bangkok

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.