Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and UN Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies Discuss the Development of Higher Education and Artificial Intelligence Technologies

On May 29, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies.

The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and human capital development. Particular emphasis was placed on the integration of advanced digital technologies into the higher education system, the support of young researchers, and the creation of an inclusive digital ecosystem.

Minister Nurbek emphasized that Kazakhstan is consistently pursuing a strategy of digital transformation in the fields of education and science. In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, the innovative AI-Sana program has been launched, aimed at training highly qualified specialists in the field of artificial intelligence. The program is designed to build an ecosystem that equips students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills necessary for developing their own DeepTech startups. It covers a wide range of sectors – from agriculture to energy – and has already reached tens of thousands of students nationwide.

«Our objective is to transform Kazakhstani universities into centers of innovation and talent attraction at both the regional and global levels», the Minister stated.

He also noted that, with the support of leading international partners such as Huawei, Coursera, and Astana Hub, Kazakhstani students now have access to world-class educational resources and cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the Ministry has introduced amendments to the national educational standard, making the inclusion of artificial intelligence courses mandatory across all academic programs. To date, this initiative has been implemented in more than 90 higher education institutions throughout the country.

In conclusion, the parties discussed opportunities for further strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of higher education, science, and advanced technologies.