At Almaty Management University (AlmaU), an intensive training and retraining program for civil servants from all regions of Kazakhstan has been launched. The program brings together professionals working in architecture, urban planning, construction, and land relations.

The program is being implemented under the instructions of First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar and is aimed at developing modern professional competencies in the field of urban studies and urban planning. The program is being implemented under the instructions of First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar and is aimed at developing modern professional competencies in the field of urban studies and urban planning.

The program “Urban Development Management: Evidence-Based Approach and Project Methods in Urbanism” focuses on building skills in data-driven decision-making and the use of modern analytical tools.

From April 6 to 10, 2026, the first cohort is being held at the university. The course covers key areas of urban development, including modern approaches to spatial planning, urban environment analysis, public space development, sustainable mobility, infrastructure financing mechanisms, and the application of digital technologies in urban planning. Participants study both international and local case studies and take part in practical sessions aimed at integrating acquired knowledge into management practice.

A distinctive feature of the program is its practice-oriented and interdisciplinary nature. It combines tools from urbanism, strategic and spatial planning, and project management. Special emphasis is placed on the evidence-based approach — the use of data and comprehensive research in decision-making related to urban development. In addition to lectures, the program includes field sessions at urban facilities, including the Almaty City Center for Labor Mobility and the Almaty Transport Holding ONAY!. Here, participants analyze real-life cases of transport planning and participatory design.

The program is organized and hosted by the AlmaU Institute of Urban Studies, a research and educational center specializing in training professionals in urban planning and urban environment management. The university provides the academic and methodological foundation of the program and engages expert practitioners with international experience.

“The quality of the urban environment is primarily determined by the quality of management decisions. Our goal is to equip civil servants with modern tools and an understanding of international standards so they can apply best practices in their daily work,” noted program coordinators Zarina Dauletkan and Ainur Zhubanova.

The second cohort is scheduled for April 20–24, 2026. Upon completion, participants will receive certificates of professional retraining.

Founded in 2020, the AlmaU Institute of Urban Studies is one of Kazakhstan’s leading educational centers in urbanism and city management. Its programs have received international recognition, including the Smart City Award (Shanghai). Since 2024, the institute has been a member of AESOP (Association of European Schools of Planning).