On October 31, 2025, an international forum of strategic partners in the field of education and science was held in Astana. The event was attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, ministers of science and higher education, rectors of leading foreign universities, and representatives of international organizations.

The forum was organized with the aim of strengthening cooperation in education and science, discussing new initiatives, and defining future strategic directions.

New initiatives in the education system

At the forum, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek presented a number of important initiatives, including:

  • A network of 40 branches of foreign universities is being established in Kazakhstan;

  • 85% of these branches will specialize in artificial intelligence, computer engineering, cybersecurity, natural and technical sciences, and nuclear physics;

  • Currently, 31,500 foreign students are studying in Kazakhstan, with the goal of reaching 100,000 international students by 2029;

  • A Strategic Partners Council has been established to promote systematic cooperation in education and science.

Opinions of international partners

Within the forum, representatives of leading international universities shared their views:

  • Nunzio Quacquarelli (QS Quacquarelli Symonds, UK) highly appreciated Kazakhstan’s progress in global university rankings and emphasized the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market.

  • Professor Wendy Larner (Cardiff University, UK) announced the initiative to open a Cardiff University branch in Kazakhstan — Cardiff University Kazakhstan, which will train specialists in AI, biotechnology, and medicine.

  • Professor Pen Duyan (Beijing Language and Culture University, China) announced the opening of Central Asia’s first Chinese Language Teaching Center at Astana International University.

  • Anatoly Torkunov (MGIMO, Russia) described Kazakhstan as a reliable education partner for Russia and noted that the opening of MGIMO’s Astana branch would contribute to the expansion of the regional educational space.

Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Special attention was paid to educational and scientific cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The two countries are:

  • implementing joint scientific research programs;

  • developing dual-degree education projects;

  • enhancing regional competitiveness through the establishment of innovation centers and university alliances.

These initiatives aim to turn Central Asia into a hub of education and scientific innovation.

From President Tokayev’s closing speech

In his closing remarks, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of developing international cooperation in education and science:

“Strong universities are the factories of the future. It is here that ideas are born, problems are solved, and trust between nations is strengthened. Science and education are boundless wealth — the more we share, the stronger we become,” said the President.

He also highly praised the role of talented youth, educational reforms, and strategic partners in the development of human capital.

Participants

The forum was attended by heads of the following leading organizations and universities:

  • Kim Song Kyong, Woosong Educational Foundation (Korea)

  • Vladimir Shevchenko, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Russia)

  • Ben Nelson, Minerva University (USA)

  • Elchin Babaev, Baku State University (Azerbaijan)

Conclusion

International cooperation in education and science contributes to sustainable regional development, the formation of an innovative economy, and the enhancement of youth competitiveness in the global arena.
Uzbekistan, as an active participant in this process, continues to consistently work on increasing scientific potential, expanding academic exchange, and further developing the network of partner universities.