Meeting with the International Expert from the World Bank

On June 5th, 2023, a working meeting was held with international expert from the World Bank, Domagoj Rachich, on the topic of creating Centers of Academic Excellence in 20 universities in Kazakhstan, including 5 pedagogical universities. Representatives from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Deputy Head of the Project Office for the Centers of Academic Excellence, Bibigul Utepkalieva, Rector of Abai University, Darkhan Bilyalov, and members of a working group who will be involved in implementing the Centers of Academic Excellence at our university were in attendance.

During the discussion, Bibigul Utepkalieva provided a brief overview of the upcoming tasks of the project, outlined major development directions, and underscored the significance of Centers of Academic Excellence for improving the quality of education and scientific research in the country.

Darkhan Bilyalov presented a brief overview of the university`s achievements, shared the strategic plans for the future, and noted that the university possesses sufficient scientific and pedagogical potential for the implementation of this project.

The participants of the meeting discussed issues related to financing and resource accessibility for the development of Centers of Academic Excellence, the possibilities of state financing, partnerships with international organizations, and the development of mechanisms to ensure sustainable financing. Moreover, possible risks and limitations for the successful implementation of the program were identified.