Askar Zhumagaliyev discussed urbanization issues in Kazakhstan with the Netherlands experts

Rotterdam, June 27, 2022 – Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Zhumagaliyev met with the leadership of the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Research at the University of Rotterdam (IHS) Kees van Rooijen and Paul Rabe.

"Kazakhstan is growing and developing. Today we have three megacities: Nur-Sultan, Almaty and Shymkent. Cultural, business and political life of the country is concentrated in these cities. Such dynamic development sets the tasks of proper urban planning. Looking at the way the infrastructure and housing construction is developed in Rotterdam, I think we could study your experience and apply it in Kazakhstan," Askar Zhumagaliyev said during the meeting with the IHS leadership.

He also noted that in addition to these points, Kazakhstan is interested in the experience of the Netherlands in the field of water management, given the frequent spring floods and dry summers in some areas of our country.

Noting the need to strengthen cooperation in education, the Ambassador listed a number of major universities in the Kingdom, with which there is already active cooperation. Each of these universities is a leader in its field. In addition, Erasmus University Medical Center (EMC) provides Kazakhstani students with a scholarship with full coverage of accommodation and meals.

"I hope to fully cooperate with your institute as well," he added.

IHS management shared Askar Zhumagaliyev's interest in establishing contacts with Kazakhstan. A more detailed discussion of the cooperation is expected in the near future.

Let's notice, according to Times Higher Education Ranking, the Institute of research of housing construction and city development of University of Rotterdam (IHS) is included into a rating of the best universities of Europe and the world. (21 place in the European ranking and 72 in the world). Students from 45 countries study at the university. The peculiarity of the IHS educational system is that the students parallel to acquiring theoretical knowledge use it in practice, conducting research projects in large companies.

IHS offers both a master's degree in urban planning and short-term courses.

By studying at this university, Kazakhstani students will gain quality knowledge and experience that will help them competently design cities, taking into account current problems and challenges of the future.