On October 17, 2024, the first day of the international event CONNECTED 2024: REIMAGINING THE FUTURE, dedicated to the future of education and science.
This truly global event brought together representatives from over 17 countries. Leaders of top international universities, educational centers, renowned scientists, representatives from economic communities, the business sector, national and international partners, leading world experts, Nobel laureates, and futurist writers discussed the key challenges and opportunities for the global educational and scientific landscape.
At the Forum's opening, the most important issue was transnational education and Kazakhstan’s role as a global educational hub.
The ambitious Kazakh project was highlighted by Sayasat Nurbek: Minister of science and higher education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who moderated the session focused on the strategic development of partnerships with foreign universities and organizations, as well as the creation of joint educational and research programs.
During the discussion on “Transnational Education,” participants emphasized the need for further integration of international educational systems. The important issues raised at the meeting concerned creating new opportunities for workforce training and their integration into global economic processes.
Summing up the first day of the event, Shakarim University’s rector Duman Orynbekov emphasized that for Kazakhstan, events like “CONNECTED 2024” are of strategic importance in the context of national policy. This forum not only strengthens the country’s international standing but also provides a platform to incorporate the best global practices into its educational and scientific systems. This is especially relevant in the face of global challenges such as climate change, the transition to clean energy and the digital transformation of the economy. According to Duman Orynbekov, the strategic partners forum and the thematic sessions on the first day clearly demonstrate that Kazakhstan is preparing for deeper integration into the global educational community.
For us, as for other regional universities, such events open up new opportunities for growth and development. CONNECTED 2024 is taking place against the backdrop of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of higher education and science. The president of Kazakhstan outlined key priorities, with special focus on the digital transformation of education, the development of human resources, and strengthening the role of science in the country’s sustainable development.
The main topics of discussion were the shortage of qualified specialists in areas such as nuclear energy, digital technologies, and environmental science. Speakers highlighted the importance of cooperation between universities and industry to develop educational programs that prepare specialists for the country’s key industries. Equally important was the discussion about training personnel for strategic sectors of the economy in partnership with the "Samruk-Kazyna" fund.
Shakarim University’s rector Duman Orynbekov concluded that the challenges related to preparing specialists for important industries and the need for active participation in international scientific processes require universities not only to adapt their curricula but also to rethink their strategic approaches to education and science.
The list of speakers, experts, and analysts: Eric Dimla, head of campus and Aaademic director, De Montfort University (Kazakhstan); Kevin Fitzsimmons, director of International Initiatives, University of Arizona; Dmitry Savkin, Vice-Rector, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI; Mark Biggs, Vice-provost for International Relations and Partnerships, Heriot-Watt University; Liu Jingquan, director of the expert committee of the “Luban Workshop” project, Ministry of education of China, Founder of the “Luban Workshop” International educational brand, professor at Tianjin University of Technology and Education; Renat Bekturov, CEO of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC); Max Airich, Director of the Kazakh-German Institute of Sustainable Engineering; Soo Wang Han, president of Dong-Eui University; Richard Wells, deputy Vice-director (International Affairs), Coventry University; Wen Zhong Li, Vice-President (Human Resources and International Strategy), City University of Hong Kong; Taehee Kim, Vice-Provost, office of International Cooperation, Seoul National University of Science and Technology; Adlet Toybayev, Chairman of the Committee for Higher and postgraduate education of the Ministry of Science and higher Education of Kazakhstan; Olga Kirillova, President of the Association of Scientific editors of Russia; Galina Yakshonak, client consultant, ELSEVIER; Asdaa Kotani, Vice-President for Eastern Europe, SPRINGER NATURE; Valentin Bogorov, regional director, CLARIVITE Analytics.
And this was just the first day of the event.
At the session "International Scientific Publications: Challenges and Development," participants discussed the current issues surrounding scientific publications and the need for their integration into international databases. Presentations from experts representing the Association of Scientific Editors, the Elsevier platform, and Clarivate Analytics were particularly relevant for regional universities aiming to improve their research output and strengthen their positions in global rankings.
CONNECTED 2024 will continue on October 18, with the main theme focusing on the further development of science and technology in the context of global changes.
