From 17 to 19 June 2026, Ms. BI Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, and Mr. XU Mingshun, Chief of the Administrative Affairs Office of UNESCO‑ICHEI, visited Kazakhstan. During their participation in the Central Asia Regional Policy Dialogue jointly organized by UNESCO and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, the delegation conducted a series of bilateral meetings aimed at expanding and deepening strategic cooperation with higher education institutions and government education authorities in Central Asia in areas such as faculty capacity building, AI industry talent development, and regional policy dialogue.
Meeting with the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan on IIOE Partnerships and Joint Projects
The delegation met with Dr. Ahmadjon Rahmonzoda, Head of the Department of Science and Innovation of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan. The two sides exchanged views on promoting formal partnerships between Tajik higher education institutions and the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) and exploring joint project opportunities, under the coordination of the Ministry. The discussion laid a solid foundation for substantive cooperation moving forward.
Dr. Ahmadjon Rahmonzoda, Head of the Department of Science and Innovation of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan (1st from the right)
Advancing Faculty Training Cooperation with Kazakhstan’s National Center for Professional Development “Orleu”
The delegation met with Dr. Aida Meirkulova, Deputy Chairperson of the Board for Strategic Development at “Orleu,” to discuss deepening collaboration on faculty development. Building on the successful nationwide rollout of the joint AI application training and certification programme, both sides reached broad consensus on further leveraging IIOE course and training resources to support continuous professional development across the “Orleu” network. They also agreed to enhance the exchange of localized implementation practices related to the IIOE Micro‑certification Programme, strengthening its relevance and impact for educators in Kazakhstan.
Dr. Aida Meirkulova, Deputy Chairperson of the Board for Strategic Development of “Orleu” (3rd from the left)
Discussions with Qazaq AI Research University on AI Talent Development and Industry–Academia Collaboration
During the Central Asia Regional Policy Dialogue, the UNESCO‑ICHEI delegation held a meeting with Dr. Madina Tynybayeva, Vice President for International Cooperation of Qazaq AI Research University. The two sides conducted in‑depth discussions on leveraging IIOE 'AI + Industry' Micro‑certification courses to support local AI talent development and exchanged views on future directions for industry–academia collaboration.
Dr. Madina Tynybayeva, Vice President for International Cooperation, Qazaq AI Research University (1-st from the left)
Strengthening Tripartite Cooperation with Nazarbayev University
Nazarbayev University, a leading institution in Kazakhstan’s higher education reform and internationalization, signed a tripartite MoU with UNESCO‑ICHEI and Southern University of Science and Technology in 2023. During the visit, the delegation met with Prof. Samantha Smidt, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Aida Sagintayeva, Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Budget & Dean of the Graduate School of Education; Prof. Atakan Varol, Dean of the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence & Director of the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence; and Assoc. Prof. Daniel Hernández‑Torrano, Vice Dean for Research of the Graduate School of Education. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation in faculty capacity building, faculty and student exchanges, and joint research.
Prof. Samantha Smidt, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Nazarbayev University (2nd from the left)
These productive and pragmatic meetings further strengthened UNESCO‑ICHEI’s partnerships with higher education institutions and relevant agencies in Central Asia, injecting new momentum into advancing digital transformation in higher education, enhancing faculty competencies, and fostering AI talent development across the region.
About the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan
Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan is the core government body responsible for the formulation and implementation of national education policies in Tajikistan. It exercises overall coordination and management over the entire education system, encompassing pre-primary education, primary and secondary education, vocational and technical education, and higher education. In parallel, it oversees the planning and coordination of national science, technology, and innovation policies and research activities. In recent years, the Ministry has been actively advancing the digital transformation of higher education and international cooperation, striving to enhance the teaching quality and research capacity of domestic universities by introducing quality online educational resources and building transnational academic networks. It serves as a key driving force in the modernization of Tajikistan's education sector.
About the National Center for Professional Development “Orleu”
National Center for Professional Development “Orleu” is a national teacher professional development institution that provides continuous professional development, adult training, applied research, and dissemination of best teaching practices for teachers, school leaders, and education professionals across the country. Through face-to-face training, online courses, blended learning, post-course support, digital platforms, and regional branches, Orleu supports teachers’ lifelong learning and professional growth.
About the Qazaq AI Research University
Qazaq AI Research University is located in Astana, the nation’s capital. The university advocates the deep integration of artificial intelligence into teaching, scientific research, student learning support, industrial collaboration, and university governance. It aims to cultivate high-caliber professionals capable of developing AI systems and advancing the real-world implementation of AI technologies. The university is scheduled to launch its academic operations on September 1, 2026. It plans to enroll approximately 500 students for its inaugural academic year, including around 400 undergraduates and 100 postgraduate master’s students.
About the Nazarbayev University
Nazarbayev University (NU), founded in 2010, is located in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. It is Kazakhstan’s first global-level autonomous research university and one of the most representative research universities in Central Asia. Initiated by the First President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, NU features merit-based admissions, English-medium instruction, and an international faculty system. The university aims to become a world-class research university with strong international influence. NU integrates teaching and research in its talent development model and encourages students to participate in research from the undergraduate level. Its academic structure is closely aligned with Kazakhstan’s national development priorities, especially in artificial intelligence, digital sciences, education research, public policy, healthcare, and engineering technology.
