University of Central Asia and Zhetysu University Sign Strategic Partnership to Advance Regional Development and Academic Collaboration

The University of Central Asia (UCA) and Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov formalised their long-standing relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering academic exchange, professional development and collaborative research focused on regional development and sustainability in Central Asia.

The MoU was signed by Professor Christopher Gerry, Rector of UCA, and Professor Yermek Buribaev, Rector of Zhetysu University. Both leaders expressed their mutual commitment to building a dynamic and impactful partnership that leverages the strengths of both institutions to serve the region's evolving educational and development needs.

The Memorandum outlines a broad and ambitious framework for cooperation, including:

• Joint professional training programmes for students, faculty, local government officials and professionals in the fields of education, public administration, climate change, entrepreneurship and digital skills;
• Organisation of thematic roundtables and expert discussions on issues central to regional development;
• Development and implementation of joint research projects, academic studies and publications focused on sustainable development, climate research, education and the socio-economic transformation of Central Asia.

During the visit, the UCA delegation toured Zhetysu University’s campus facilities, including the library, university museum, Huawei innovation laboratory and classrooms. The delegation was also introduced to Smart Zhetysu – the university’s innovative digital service portal that streamlines administrative processes and provides students and staff with round-the-clock online access to essential academic and administrative services. The system exemplifies the university’s commitment to digital transformation in education.

This new agreement builds on more than a decade of collaboration between the two institutions. In 2010 and 2012, UCA’s Aga Khan Humanities Project (AKHP) organised faculty development workshops at Zhetysu University on Introduction to the Humanities and Individual and Society, led by Dr Sharofat Mamdambarova, then Head of AKHP and now a member of UCA’s Board of Trustees.

More recently, UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE), in partnership with the Department of Education of the Zhetysu region and Zhetysu University, delivered training sessions for over 200 English language teachers in the region – contributing to educational capacity-building in Kazakhstan.

This renewed partnership underscores UCA and Zhetysu University’s shared vision of expanding access to high-quality education, enhancing regional research capacity and contributing to the resilience and prosperity of Central Asian mountain communities.