Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov discussed cooperation in the field of education with President of the University of Arizona Dr. Suresh Garimella. In particular, prospects for expanding joint academic programs, scientific research and technology transfer in priority sectors for Kazakhstan were considered.

The University of Arizona became one of the first foreign universities with which educational cooperation was established in the context of systematic work to strengthen the scientific and educational potential of the country. Currently, strategic partnership is being implemented between M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University and the University of Arizona. More than 1,200 students are studying under joint programs. The first graduation will take place this year.

“The new Constitution of Kazakhstan defines education, science and innovation as strategic directions of state policy. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has identified the development of human capital as one of our key priorities. We are forming a regional academic and research hub by introducing the best international practices and expanding scientific and research cooperation,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

President of the University of Arizona Suresh Garimella noted the successful implementation of pilot cooperation with Kozybayev University. It was emphasized that one of the priorities in the joint program is the development of scientific research.

“We have shown that the model of educational cooperation can be implemented and scaled to a larger number of students at Kozybayev University, as well as to other universities in the country. We have chosen three key priorities for ourselves: student success, scientific research, and service to society and the development of local communities. Each of these priorities is being implemented at Kozybayev University through study abroad, engagement, education and other areas,” Suresh Garimella emphasized.

During the meeting, attention was paid to scientific and research cooperation. Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona are implementing joint projects in the fields of water resources, agro-genomics, bioinformatics, sulfur processing, artificial intelligence, digital healthcare and inclusive education.

One of the projects is aimed at monitoring, cleaning and rational use of water resources in the North Kazakhstan region. Joint research is being conducted on genomic selection of agricultural crops and preservation of the gene pool of unique animals and plants of Kazakhstan, including the Caspian seal and Greig’s tulip. A project is being implemented to develop sulfur processing technologies and production of high value-added products – high-tech materials, fertilizers and sorbents.

Following the meeting, the importance of further development of cooperation and improving the quality of personnel training was noted.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Education #International Cooperation #President's instruction

• 
• 
• 
•