ISTC Strengthens Strategic Academic Partnerships at the International Forum “Kazakhstan – Territory of Academic Knowledge”

Astana, 31 October 2025

The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) took part in the International Forum of Strategic Partners “Kazakhstan – Territory of Academic Knowledge”, held in Astana under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The event gathered leaders of top foreign universities, international ranking and accreditation agencies, government representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps to discuss the transformation of higher education, science, and innovation in Kazakhstan and beyond.

Representing ISTC, Executive Director Ms. Karina Anguelieva addressed the plenary session with a presentation entitled “Kazakhstan’s Role in Global Science Diplomacy: ISTC’s Contribution to Building Global Science Partnerships.” Presentation available here.

“Today, ISTC stands ready to share the expertise built over three decades of international scientific cooperation,” Ms. Anguelieva said. “We invite universities, research institutes, and industry partners to join forces with us in advancing projects across our key areas — nuclear safety and non-proliferation, biosafety and health security, seismic and environmental monitoring, and the fast-growing fields of space, cyber, and AI readiness. Together, we can turn knowledge into real solutions for safety, sustainability, and shared progress.”

Deepening Cooperation with Nazarbayev University

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ISTC and Nazarbayev University, witnessed by representatives of the academic and diplomatic communities. The agreement establishes a new framework for collaboration promoting greater integration between research and innovation. This step reflects the shared vision of both institutions to strengthen Kazakhstan’s international scientific cooperation and ensure that scientific progress contributes to Central Asia advancement and global well-being.

Supporting Kazakhstan’s Education and Research Reforms

Ms. Anguelieva also expressed ISTC’s strong support for the reforms led by Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, which aim to enhance university autonomy, expand AI education, and link research more closely with innovation.

ISTC’s ongoing cooperation with Kazakh institutions includes projects on biosafety, nuclear safety and non-proliferation, seismic and environmental monitoring, cybersecurity, and AI readiness. The Center also facilitates regional training programs, international mobility schemes, and capacity-building initiatives that help scientists and researchers across Central Asia access global networks and funding.

“Science diplomacy builds cross-border partnerships, public trust, and stability,” Ms. Anguelieva noted. “By working together, Kazakhstan and ISTC can amplify the role of science as a bridge for peace, security, and sustainable growth.”

Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Global Knowledge Exchange

In his keynote address, President Tokayev reaffirmed that “education and science are the most powerful forces capable of changing the world,” calling universities the “cradle of advanced thinking and innovation.” He underlined Kazakhstan’s determination to become a hub for global academic collaboration, with over 40 leading foreign universities already engaged in partnerships and 33 international branch campuses established across the country.

The President highlighted significant investments in higher education, the launch of the AI Sana national program for digital literacy and AI integration, and the growing contribution of business and industry to research and university development. He emphasized that these initiatives form part of Kazakhstan’s broader vision to build a Fair, Clean, Safe, and Strong nation rooted in knowledge and innovation.

About ISTC

Founded in 1992 by the European Union, the United States, Japan, and other partners, the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Astana, Kazakhstan. Over the past three decades, ISTC has implemented more than 4,700 projects across nearly 100 countries, mobilizing over USD 1.5 billion in funding and supporting over 85,000 scientists.

ISTC promotes peaceful multilateral scientific collaboration addressing global challenges in biosafety, nuclear safety, health security, AI, and innovation, advancing science diplomacy for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world.