News

On 24-25 November 2025, representatives of Astana International University took part in the international scientific conference “Women’s Perspectives on the SCO: A New Vision of Global Governance”, alongside sixty women experts and scholars from Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and China. The event was included in the official list of outcomes of China’s chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for 2024–2025 and was also incorporated into the program of the 19th Academic Month of Shanghai Scientific Societies.

Within the framework of the conference, women scholars, women politicians, and women civil servants from SCO member states engaged in Eurasian studies discussed a wide range of issues, including:

• new opportunities and challenges of global governance within the SCO framework;
• dialogue of civilizations and humanitarian exchanges;
• international communication and regional identity;
• the business environment and trade and economic cooperation within the SCO.

In addition, from 28 to 30 November, major international conferences were held at the Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), bringing together two significant symposia: the 5th Forum on Interdisciplinary Studies of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, and the 11th Symposium on the Diversity of Values along the Great Silk Road in the fields of language, culture, and education.

The conferences were attended by representatives of Astana International University, as well as more than 200 scholars, lecturers, researchers, and experts from various countries, including China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Serbia, and others. Among the participants were representatives of leading universities, research institutes, and diplomatic institution

On December 9, 2025, the Astana International University (AIU) hosted the grand opening of the International School of Student Tourism (ISST)  a joint educational initiative organized by the North-Caucasus Federal University (NCFU) with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, «Россотрудничество», the Program for Youth and Student Tourism (StudTurizm), and Astana International University.

The opening ceremony took place in the university’s assembly hall and brought together representatives of universities from Russia and Kazakhstan, heads of educational institutions, as well as representatives of the StudTurizm program and «Россотрудничество». Among the speakers addressing the participants were Serik Aztaevich Irsaliyev, President of Astana International University; Konstantin Dmitrievich Malyshev, Head of the Department for International Youth Cooperation and Tourism of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia; Anna Gennadievna Etko, Head of the Center for International Cooperation Development at NCFU; and representatives of the university administration and the StudTurizm program.

President Irsaliyev emphasized that one of the key goals of the project is to strengthen partnership and friendly relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. Cooperation between the two countries is developing primarily among young people, and such initiatives make a significant contribution to the growth of international academic exchange and the tourism industry.

The main goal of the International School is to develop youth competencies in the fields of tourism and hospitality, as well as to promote the exchange of best practices between student communities of Russia and Kazakhstan. The focus of the school is project-based learning and tourism management. Throughout the week, students will work in mixed teams, developing joint projects aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting ethno-tourism, and creating educational and cultural routes.

The International School of Student Tourism serves not only as an educational platform but also as a space for friendship, cultural exchange, and professional growth. During the program, participants expanded their understanding of opportunities in the modern tourism industry, strengthened teamwork skills, and gained inspiration to develop their own projects. The organizers are confident that the knowledge and connections acquired during the event will become a solid foundation for new collaborative initiatives and professional achievements in the future.

The International School is held in Astana from December 8 to 14, 2025. The ISST program includes a rich combination of educational, cultural, and project-based activities. Among the key events are lectures, master classes, project sessions, excursions, and creative workshops. The School will conclude on December 13 with the presentation of team projects and a ceremonial awarding of certificates to all participants.

Astana International University (AIU), together with the OSCE Programme Office, organized a photo exhibition as part of the annual international campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence." The exhibition aims to foster zero tolerance for violence and strengthen legal and humanitarian mechanisms for the protection of women and children.

The exhibition focuses on documentary photographs of emergency services and government agencies in Kazakhstan: the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Almaty Department of Emergency Situations, the Disaster Medicine Center, the Kazaviaspas unit, and the Zhan-Saya Crisis Center.

The photographs convey the daily work of the first responders in emergency situations. Moments of rescue, support, and rehabilitation, as well as the work of psychologists, paramedics, firefighters, and volunteers, allow viewers to see the problem of gender-based violence through the lens of real human experience.

The photo exhibition was opened by Kairat Amangeldievich Abdrakhmanov, Vice President of Astana International University. He emphasized the university's commitment to gender equality and its participation in such projects as a key contribution to fostering a safe educational and social environment.

Aleksey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, expressed gratitude to the university for organizing the exhibition and noted the importance of regular interaction between government agencies, civil society, and educational institutions on strengthening gender security.

The OSCE Office in Kazakhstan expresses its readiness to continue its cooperation with the AIU and support initiatives aimed at raising youth awareness of human rights, preventing violence, and developing effective social protection institutions.

On November 28, Astana International University President S.A. Irsaliev participated in a presentation of the Social Hub to the Minister of Science and Higher Education.

Astana International University is the first and only university in the CIS and Central Asia to offer master's degrees in social entrepreneurship. We are proud to be developing one of the most significant areas of our time, where business meets social responsibility. Today, social entrepreneurs play a vital role in the development of society – they create innovative solutions to social problems, making a real contribution to the economy. According to international studies, approximately 2% of global GDP is generated by the activities of social entrepreneurs, and their social impact cannot be overstated.

Our university is fostering an entire ecosystem of social innovation. Over the past four years, the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan has successfully implemented the "Oreli Urpaq" Social Entrepreneurship School project, training over 800 social entrepreneurs and NGO representatives.

One grant-funded research project on social entrepreneurship has been implemented, and work is ongoing on a second one. It focuses on the scientific foundations of employment for individuals with disabilities.

An exclusive zone has been created at the Social Innovation Hub for Astana International University as a strategic partner in education.

Emin Askerov, our Master's degree graduate, is successfully implementing social initiatives, inspiring a new generation of leaders.

The meeting between the President of Astana International University, S.A. Irsaliev, founder of the Social Innovation Hub, and Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, once again confirmed the importance and potential of this area.

We are confident that training specialists in social entrepreneurship is an investment in a sustainable future. The Master's program in Social Entrepreneurship develops a new type of leader who is able to create social value, benefiting society and the development of the country.

As part of the “Mental Health Week” organized by the University Psychological Service, a masterclass titled “First Steps in the Profession: Confidence, Responsibility, and Resources” was held on November 18. The masterclass was conducted by L.P. Vasilyeva, a gestalt therapist, senior trainer, and supervisor at the Moscow Institute of Gestalt and Psychodrama.

During the event, the specialist explained methods for building confidence in psychological practice, the importance of personal responsibility when working with clients, and ways to effectively use both internal and external resources necessary for professional growth.

Students took part in interactive exercises and completed practical tasks aimed at developing self-awareness, regulating emotional states, maintaining professional boundaries, and strengthening effective communication skills. The masterclass took place in a warm and supportive atmosphere, serving as a valuable platform for experience exchange. Participants received insightful recommendations that will help them plan their professional paths more consciously.

BEIJING, November 11, 2025 – A delegation from Astana International University (AIU), led by Vice President Kairat Abdrakhmanov, met with the leadership of Tsinghua University in Beijing. The Chinese university was represented by Yang Bin, Vice-Rector and Provost of Tsinghua University, and Dr. Shi Zhiqin, Director of the Institute of Strategic Studies.

The meeting was constructive and focused on discussing the rich past cooperation between the two universities. The parties noted with satisfaction a number of successful joint projects, including the establishment of the Research Institute for the New Eurasian Land-Sea Intermodal Transport Corridor (RILMTC), the established practice of mutual visits, and cultural events such as the screening of the film "Composer." 

During the negotiations, the parties agreed to explore the creation of a joint Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratory at Astana International University (AIU), as well as to organize a return visit by Tsinghua University to Kazakhstan in 2026.

JINAN, November 10, 2025. An AIU delegation held a working meeting with Inspur Corporation management in Jinan, Shandong Province. The highlight of the meeting was discussions with Mr. Yan Liang, General Manager of Inspur Cloud Information Technology Co., Ltd.

The visit began with a tour of a unique production complex – Inspur Corporation's only artificial intelligence factory in China. The Chinese side shared its experience in developing AI solutions and cloud services and demonstrated the company's technological capabilities.

During the talks, the parties exchanged strategic visions for future cooperation.

Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence was signed, solidifying the parties' intentions to develop joint initiatives.

A delegation from Astana International University (AIU) participated in the 8th Symposium on Economic and Social Development in Central Asia, held at Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics (ZUFE). The event focused on exploring new avenues of cooperation and promoting high-quality research on China and Central Asia.

The symposium was attended by over 60 experts from government, business, and academic circles in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and leading research institutions in China.

During the keynote speech session, Astana International University Vice President Kairat Abdrakhmanov delivered a keynote speech on "Prospects for the Development of the New Eurasian Land Corridor."

The AIU representative's presentation was part of a broad discussion that also included experts from the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KISS), the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

The participants agreed that cooperation between China and Central Asia holds broad prospects, and that regional studies should continue to unite the efforts of government, universities, and businesses.

   On November 6, 2025, a delegation from Astana International University (AIU), led by Vice President Kairat Abdrakhmanov, met with the leadership of leading Shenzhen research institutes, the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research at Shenzhen University (CCSEZR) and the Belt and Road Research Institute for International Cooperation and Development (BRRI), represented by Professor Tao Yitao.

   The meeting began with an exchange of key expertise. The Chinese side shared in detail its unique experience in studying and developing special economic zones (SEZs) and described successful mechanisms for interaction between the scientific and business communities in China.

   In response, the Kazakh delegation presented Kazakhstan's advantages, emphasizing its high potential in education, logistics, artificial intelligence (AI) development, and business.

On November 6, 2025, a delegation from Astana International University (AIU) met with the leadership of Shenzhen University (SZU) in Shenzhen, China. AIU Vice President Kairat Abdrakhmanov and Nurali Irsaliev, Director of the Research Institute of the New Asia-Europe Land-Sea Transport Corridor, held talks with SZU Vice President and Professor Naipeng Qiang.

The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, recognizing it as a strategic priority for both universities. Naipeng Qiang expressed SZU's full commitment to advancing joint projects and proposed three formats: establishing a joint laboratory, launching research, and developing training programs.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to develop a concept for establishing a joint AI laboratory based at AIU. AIU will also explore the possibility of sending students to short-term (summer camps) and long-term (semester-long) exchange programs at SZU.

Furthermore, the two universities' relevant institutes will exchange proposals for joint research projects and the development of master's and PhD programs.