Reports

BI Introduction In today’s world, higher education is not only a tool for individual advancement but also a central pillar of sustainable development and the strengthening of human capital in every society. Countries such as Kazakhstan, through extensive investment in science, innovation, and higher education, have demonstrated that a bright future for nations is shaped through universities and scientific cooperation. The present report, authored by one of Kazakhstan’s distinguished professors, reflects this very approach. Kazakhstan has taken significant steps toward becoming a regional scientific hub by creating an open environment for international collaboration and establishing branches of globally recognized universities. Bakhtar Institute, firmly believing in the foundational role of knowledge in transforming societies, consistently strives to benefit from the successful experiences of neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan and to expand academic and educational cooperation between academic institutions in Afghanistan. Speakers’ Remarks at the Strategic Partners Forum Kazakhstan – a territory of academic knowledge. Kazakhstan places a strategic priority on the development of human capital and integration into the global educational space. The country is building a knowledge and innovation ecosystem in which universities play a key role in ensuring sustainable development. Kazakhstan remains open to international cooperation and partnership in the fields of science and education. The Strategic Partners Forum has become a platform for discussing current issues in the development of education, science, and technology. The Strategic Partners Forum is a timely and relevant initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation in education and science. Partnerships between universities and research centers open broad opportunities for the exchange of experience, the implementation of joint programs, and the introduction of innovative approaches to learning. Situated in the heart of a rapidly growing region — Central Asia and Eurasia — Kazakhstan holds unique potential to become an academic hub. The country aspires to become a destination of choice for students seeking high-quality alternatives to overseas education. The expansion of international academic ties strengthens Kazakhstan’s position on the global education map and creates new opportunities for scientific and cultural exchange. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan The profound transformation of the global educational ecosystem requires the development of sustainable and strategic solutions. In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan is implementing a set of concrete measures aimed at developing the national higher education system and enhancing its global competitiveness. Thanks to the strategic vision of the President, branches of 40 leading foreign universities have already opened in Kazakhstan. Among them are 9 Russian, 6 Chinese (including 3 Luban Workshops), 7 American, and 8 British universities — including 3 institutions from the Russell Group and universities from all four nations of the United Kingdom — as well as French, Italian, German, Polish, Turkish, and Korean universities. Today, we welcomed representatives of universities that, for the first time in their 150-year history, have opened campuses beyond their home countries — and they chose Kazakhstan for this step. The meeting also gathered representatives of more than 60 international partner institutions, including leading universities, educational, and research organizations. Last year, the Council of Strategic Partners was established to institutionalize cooperation and address shared goals. To date, three meetings of the Council have been held. This Forum is a continuation of that systematic work and represents an expansion of the format of our collaboration. Nunzio Quacquarelli, President of QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) There has been a steady increase in the number of Kazakhstani universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings. President of the international ranking agency QS, Nunzio Quacquarelli, highlighted Kazakhstan’s consistent progress in the internationalization of education and the enhancement of scientific competitiveness. QS is planning to cooperate with Kazakhstan in developing a forecasting model for future professions and advancing a knowledge- and innovation-based economy. It is particularly important to note that Kazakhstan is confidently moving along the path of internationalization, openness, and social responsibility. The country’s universities are actively expanding global partnerships, which positively impacts their positions in international rankings. Kazakhstani universities continue to climb higher: for instance, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has entered the top 200 best universities in the world. This marks a significant step forward, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s status as a leading scientific and educational center of Central Asia. Our forecasts show that artificial intelligence (AI) will dramatically reshape Kazakhstan’s labor market. By 2035, up to 50% of professions may become partially automated — especially in areas with repetitive tasks such as accounting, finance, logistics, and administrative services. However, there is another important dimension: up to 75% of jobs could become more efficient thanks to AI — particularly in technology, energy, medicine, data science, and creative industries. Located at the crossroads of Central Asia and Eurasia, Kazakhstan has a unique potential to evolve into a regional academic hub and a driver of innovation. Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of Moscow State Institute of International Relations  The establishment of the MSIIR branch in Astana marks a new stage in the development of higher education in Kazakhstan. Rector of MSIIR Anatoly Torkunov noted Kazakhstan’s steady progress in building a modern higher education system and expanding international partnerships. Today, nine branches of Russian universities operate successfully in Kazakhstan, enrolling around 4,000 students, of whom more than 1,000 study on state grants. Kazakhstan has also become the first country to open its own university branch in Russia — the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University campus in Omsk, inaugurated with the personal participation of President Tokayev. Currently, 60,000 Kazakhstani students are studying in Russia. The opening of the MSIIR branch at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University represents a strategic step, reflecting the shared commitment of Kazakhstan and Russia to the development of human capital and integration into the global educational space. The new educational programs at the branch are designed to train specialists capable of working at the intersection of diplomacy, economics, and technology, including through the application of artificial intelligence. President of Beijing Language and Culture University, Peng Duan The opening of the branch … Read more