On June 12–13, 2026, Almaty hosted the first-ever International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) regional conference in Central Asia. IAUP is one of the world's most influential associations of higher education leaders.

The IAUP Central Asia Regional Conference, held under the theme “Impact-driven Universities: Education, Leadership and Societal Change” brought together more than 100 university leaders, representatives of international organizations, government institutions, and experts from over 20 countries across Central Asia, Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The conference was organized by Almaty Management University (AlmaU) in partnership with the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group, British Council, QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the Eurasian Chapter of Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), and the Almaty Tourism Bureau.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by IAUP President, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Sias University Shawn Chen and AlmaU Founder and President Assylbek Kozhakhmetov. Participants were also addressed via video message by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek.

“Kazakhstan consistently strengthens international cooperation in the field of higher education. In recent years, important legislative initiatives have been adopted and mechanisms for university support have been established, including the development of endowment funds. Today's conference opens up new opportunities for academic mobility, employment, scientific partnership and future staff training. Artificial intelligence plays a special role in these processes, which is becoming one of the key drivers of education transformation. AlmaU University is a prime example of how private universities can initiate large-scale international projects and contribute to the development of the country's educational ecosystem," said Sayasat Nurbek.

“Central Asia has a large and growing youth population. That is why hosting international conferences of this kind is particularly important for the region. Such platforms are created not only for exchanging ideas and discussing current issues. Their greatest value lies in fostering international cooperation, jointly seeking solutions to global challenges, and creating new opportunities for future generations,” emphasized Shawn Chen.

“Universities in Central Asia no longer seek only to follow global trends - we are ready to shape them ourselves. We want to contribute to the global research agenda in the fields of sustainability, artificial intelligence, economic and social impact, and inclusive development. We strive to ensure that our educational innovations based on the philosophy of nomadic culture - sustainability, adaptability and mutual support - are studied and applied by colleagues around the world. We want the students of our region to study freely at the world's leading universities, and students from all over the world to come to study in Central Asia," said Assylbek Kozhakhmetov.

One of the keynote speakers on the first day of the conference was Norbert Csizmadia Geopolitics & Geoeconomics Strategist Former President of the board of trustees of John von Neumann University. In his presentation, he highlighted the growing role of universities in shaping intellectual capital and fostering international cooperation.

“The IAUP is not a regional, but a global conference. We need to ask ourselves: what should we do today so that tomorrow will be good. Turquoise Zone is a new concept that unites heaven and earth. As in the Kazakh language, the word "kok", which combines several meanings. The super-media trends of the future are already rapidly growing and shaping a new world”, - he shared.

The conference program continued with a series of keynote, plenary, and panel discussions.

The plenary session, titled “International Standards and the Future of Impact-Driven Universities,” was held in partnership with the British Council and moderated by Fernando León-García, Chair of the IAUP Board of Directors and President of CETYS University (Mexico).

The discussion featured Alibek Madibekov, Director of the National Center for Higher Education Development under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Samgat Yermekbayev, First Vice-Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; Lawrence M. Schall, President of the of the Commission, New England Commission of Higher Education; Rob Stroud, Executive Director for Quality Assurance and Enhancement at the UK's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA); and Miras Daulenov, President of Coventry University Kazakhstan.

“Global standards cannot always be applied with the same level of effectiveness across all countries. Therefore, it is important to adapt them to national and regional contexts. It is this contextualization that makes standards more relevant and effective, creating conditions for shared development and sustainable growth across countries and regions,” emphasized Alibek Madibekov.

“Throughout my professional career, I have witnessed the implementation of various international educational standards. Today, we are seeing strong interest from international students in studying in Kazakhstan; however, existing resources do not always allow us to fully meet the growing demand. The increase in applications has been driven by the expansion of international academic programs and dual-degree opportunities. At the same time, one of our key priorities remains creating conditions that enable talented students to receive a high-quality education and build successful careers in their home country. Achieving this requires further investment in educational infrastructure and strengthening the academic capacity of universities. At the same time, modern ranking systems often place greater emphasis on marketing indicators and ranking positions, while the actual academic processes and the quality of the educational environment receive far less public attention. Nevertheless, university rankings frequently serve as a primary reference point for prospective students when choosing where to study.”, - highlighted Samgat Yermekbayev.

“In NECHE’s accreditation practice, we often encounter universities that may not fully meet every standard, yet demonstrate highly successful and innovative approaches to institutional development. This is precisely why we revised the structure of our accreditation framework, reducing the number of standards from nine to five. The purpose of these changes was not to make the process easier for universities, but rather to provide them with an opportunity to present their achievements, outcomes, and institutional progress in a more meaningful, comprehensive, and holistic way throughout the accreditation process,”- noted Lawrence M. Schall.

“In the United Kingdom, through the QAA framework, we regularly review and update educational standards. To achieve the greatest possible impact, it is essential to continuously refine and modernize existing standards. Contextualization is of fundamental importance, as each country has its own unique characteristics, values, and societal needs. While the key indicator in the UK was once how many students acquired knowledge, today a far more important measure is how effectively they apply that knowledge in practice,” - added Rob Stroud.

“Social impact is extremely difficult to measure, as its effects unfold and become visible over a long period of time. Not everything can be quantified through publication counts and formal performance indicators. When it comes to societal impact, AlmaU stands out as a university with a significant contribution. Even representatives of Harvard acknowledge that they do not attempt to fully measure social impact. Indicators of influence should include not only quantitative metrics, but also graduates who make a meaningful contribution to society and the world. There are universities that focus exclusively on rankings and performance indicators, yet in doing so, they often overlook their true impact on society,” - stated Miras Daulenov.

During the first panel session, participants discussed entrepreneurial universities as drivers of economic and social transformation. The session was moderated by Amir Reza, Dean of Babson College, one of the world’s leading institutions in entrepreneurship education.

During the discussion, he noted: “At Babson College, we strive not to limit students’ entrepreneurial initiatives, but to equip them with the skills and tools needed to shape the future. Our goal is not simply to teach students how to launch startups, but to cultivate a mindset that empowers young people to create new opportunities and transform the world around them,” noted Amir Reza. ”

Erkin Tatishev, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kusto Group and Chairman of AlmaU’s Board of Trustees, emphasized: “Today, many students in Central Asia find themselves insufficiently prepared for adult life and its real-world challenges. Good advice is more valuable than gold, yet young people often do not seek it out. I believe in openness, honesty, and continuous personal growth. Skills are not an innate quality - they can and should be developed throughout one’s life,” he noted.”

Zhenis Taishitayev, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan “Atameken,” spoke about the importance of collaboration between universities and businesses in preparing in-demand professionals and developing the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Hikmat Abdurakhmanov, CEO of Team University, shared insights into the development of entrepreneurial education and innovation culture in private universities in Uzbekistan. Tariq Qureishy, President and CEO of Future Readiness Forum and Xponential Group, also shared his experience.

The session “ Higher education and sustainability imperative: universities the world needs” organized in partnership with QS Quacquarelli Symonds, was moderated by Zoia Zaitseva, Head of QS Impact Projects.

According to her: “According to international studies on AI literacy, Kazakhstan demonstrates relatively strong performance in preparing students to work with artificial intelligence technologies. However, despite this potential, the level of alignment between graduates’ skills and employers’ expectations remains less than optimal. The reasons may vary, ranging from a gap between academic training and labor market needs to the rapid evolution of competency requirements in the modern workforce. This highlights the need for closer collaboration among universities, businesses, and governments to develop educational programs that are relevant, responsive, and future-oriented,” he emphasized.

“At Sunway University, we believe that quality education goes beyond the development of hard skills and soft skills. It also involves shaping values, character, and worldview. Our goal is not only to prepare graduates who are highly employable, but also responsible citizens who can make a positive contribution to society and help address global challenges. The high employment rate of our graduates within the first six months after graduation is a strong testament to the effectiveness of this approach. At the same time, we view education as a lifelong journey and provide our graduates with opportunities to continue learning for up to two years after completing their studies as part of our lifelong learning framework. Most importantly, we want our graduates to aspire to serve society and create social value. There is never a shortage of people who wish to lead society, but those who are willing to take responsibility for its development are far less common,” - noted Sibrandes Poppema, President and Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University.

Meirgul Alpysbayeva, Education National Professional Officer, UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, discussed the role of universities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and advancing responsible education principles.

Sarvarbek Rakhmatillaev,  Head of International Relations Department, Central Asian University, shared Uzbekistan’s experience in integrating sustainable development principles into the education system and preparing future leaders.

The third panel session focused on the diversity of models and common challenges facing private higher education in Asia. The discussion was moderated by Anel Kulakhmetova, Director of the AlmaU Center for Sustainable Development.

Eun-Joo Lee, President of Seoul Cyber University, emphasized: “In Korea, we are witnessing a steady increase in the number of people in their twenties and thirties who are eager to continue their education and acquire new competencies. The labor market clearly demonstrates strong demand for technology-related professions, prompting universities to adapt their academic programs to meet emerging challenges. At the same time, we place special emphasis on serving society and fostering a sense of social responsibility among students.” 

IAUP Secretary General and Vice Chancellor of the Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation, Tatsuro Tanioka, noted that private universities account for approximately 80% of Japan’s higher education sector and play a pivotal role in advancing higher education, developing human capital, and driving innovation. 

“This experience demonstrates the importance of creating conditions for collaboration among governments, academia, and the business community. International partnerships and the exchange of best practices enable universities to respond more effectively to contemporary challenges and prepare graduates for success in the global labor market,”   he emphasized.

Ayşegül Komşuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu, Rector of Nişantaşı University in Istanbul, spoke about the current trends shaping the development of private higher education in Türkiye. “Perhaps the most important thing we can teach students is how to think independently. Today’s students often lack the adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. There is a growing need for educational programs that foster leadership, ethical competencies, and critical thinking,” she noted.

Davronzhon Gaipov, Executive Deputy-Rector, SDU University, shared Kazakhstan’s experience in developing the private higher education sector and ensuring educational quality.

“One of our key priorities is engaging students in the sustainable development agenda. All students first study the theoretical foundations of the Sustainable Development Goals and then apply their knowledge in practice through real-world projects,” he emphasized.

The next panel session, titled “Central Asia: A New Voice in Global Higher Education,” was organized in partnership with Rector’s Club: Central Asia+. The discussion was moderated by Nariman Shilekpayev, Associate Research Scholar of the Central Asia Program at Yale University. The discussion brought together higher education leaders representing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Canada. Participants included Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, Founder and President of AlmaU; Emma Harden-Wolfson, Associate Professor at McGill University; Chinara Ryskulova, Vice President of the American University of Central Asia; Dilara Rasulova, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at Khazar University and Meruert Zharmagambetova, Rector of ALT University.

Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, Founder and President of AlmaU, noted:

“Today, the quality of universities is often assessed through rankings and accreditation frameworks. While I strongly support the pursuit of excellence, quality should not be measured solely by comparison with institutions such as Harvard. Three years ago, we established the Rectors’ Club of Central Asia and launched the Tolyq Adam initiative. Today, we are already witnessing the first outcomes of this effort, including the establishment of the The Awards Asia 2026. These developments demonstrate that universities in Central Asia are capable of creating and advancing their own impactful and internationally relevant initiatives.”

Emma Harden-Wolfson, Associate Professor at McGill University, stated:

“One of the key tensions in higher education today lies in balancing institutional autonomy with government regulation. In some countries, universities enjoy a high degree of autonomy and independently determine tuition fees and academic priorities, while in others, state oversight plays a much more significant role. Geography is also an important factor. Central Asia is located at the heart of Eurasia, creating new opportunities while simultaneously requiring institutions to navigate the complexities of neighboring regions. Universities have the opportunity to develop their own distinctive models of growth while preserving their cultural heritage and institutional identity.”

A special highlight of the conference was the presentation of the international publication “Universities after AI: A Blueprint for the Next Generation Institutions of Learning,” dedicated to the transformation of universities in the era of artificial intelligence.

During the presentation, international experts discussed the impact of AI on the future of higher education and the models of next-generation universities.

Speakers included Pavel Luksha, Founder and Director of Global Education Futures; Shawn Chen, President of IAUP and Founder of Sias University; Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of Daffodil International University; Kaha Shengelia, President of Caucasus University and Former President of IAUP; and Natalia Cebotari, Independent Education Advisor at Yandex Education.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly permeating all spheres of our lives, continuously learning and evolving. Whereas universities were once established as institutions ensuring access to knowledge, AI today is capable of providing access to virtually any information. As a result, traditional principles of higher education are facing significant challenges and require rethinking. This is particularly evident for second-tier universities. However, they also possess an important advantage: the lack of rigid attachment to centuries-old traditions allows them to adapt more quickly to new realities. At the same time, the continuous use of artificial intelligence introduces new risks: people access information much faster, but often forget it just as quickly. A university is not merely a place for knowledge transfer. Its mission is to help students see the bigger picture of the world, understand the interconnections between phenomena, and recognize their place within it. Our book is dedicated to these ideas,” - said Pavel Luksha.

“When calculators were introduced, many people gradually stopped doing mental arithmetic. Today, a similar phenomenon is occurring with artificial intelligence: there is a risk that some acquired skills may be lost. Therefore, universities should not simply implement AI, but create an educational environment in which technologies enhance human potential. We know that many students feel disengaged at university and often attend merely to obtain a diploma. Modern universities need not only traditional libraries but also AI laboratories where students can create innovations and develop the practical skills required for the future,” - shared Sabur Khan.

On June 13, the conference continued at AlmaU with discussions on global trends shaping the future of higher education. During the panel session, participants explored the current landscape of global higher education and the key trends that are expected to define its impact over the next decade. The session was moderated by Noé Cirino-Hernández, Director of International Strategic Initiatives at the CETYS University System and Executive Director of the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC). Panelists included Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh University; Yerlan Shulanov, Provost of Narxoz University; Dara Melnyk, Director of Global Engagement at Higher Education Strategy Associates; and Yhing Sawheny, Director of International Affairs at Siam University.

“Over the past three days, we have discussed a wide range of topics, including the internationalization of higher education, the evolving global agenda, and the new challenges facing universities. Today, universities are no longer simply educational institutions; they have become multifaceted hubs that integrate learning, research, innovation, and student engagement. For AlmaU, this conference has served not only as a platform for meaningful discussions, but also as an opportunity to launch new initiatives, strengthen international partnerships, and identify collaborative solutions for the future of higher education,” noted Timur Buldybayev, Rector of AlmaU, during the conference’s closing ceremony.

More than 40 memoranda of understanding were signed during the conference. These partnerships between international universities are aimed at developing joint academic programs, promoting student and faculty mobility, conducting collaborative research, sharing best practices, and strengthening global cooperation in higher education.

Next, AlmaU began an intensive course for rectors, “Impactful Leadership for Rectors & University Executives.

The IAUP Central Asia 2026 conference holds strategic significance for Kazakhstan. It contributes to strengthening the country’s international reputation, expanding academic partnerships, attracting new collaborations and investments in education, and enhancing Kazakhstan’s position as a regional hub for science, education, and innovation.