Memorandum of co-operation between Abai University and NGOs signed

On December 15, 2023, Abai KazNPU hosted a meeting of Rector Bolat Tlep with the President of the Association "Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan" Banu Nurgazieva and the Chairman of the Association "Almaty Azamattyq Alliance" Kayyrzhan Abdykhalykov. A Memorandum on trilateral co-operation between the parties was signed at the event. Abai University was the first in the country to sign an important document that strengthens the basis of partnership between the university and public associations. The meeting was also attended by Laila Akhmetova, Chairperson of the Public Association "YerAzamat", Professor of Al-Farabi KazNU.

This event is aimed at strengthening interaction between the university, public associations and activists to achieve common goals of civil society development in Kazakhstan. The signing of the Memorandum reflects the importance of cooperation in creating innovative programmes and projects that contribute to the development of the country. Key areas of focus include increasing the sustainability of civil society and making the state apparatus more sensitive to the demands of the population in the context of growing social activism.

Bolat Tlep in his speech highlighted in detail the key aspects of the leading pedagogical university of Kazakhstan. He highlighted the strategic directions for the training of highly qualified personnel, emphasising the importance of these efforts for the future of the country. The rector paid special attention to the achievements in the field of inclusive education and identified the potential of the pedagogical university in this key direction. This emphasises not only the academic importance of the university, but also its contribution to the formation of an inclusive educational space. Expressing confidence that the university`s partnership with NGOs will create new opportunities for the development of civil society, the rector emphasised Abai University`s readiness to make a significant contribution to this process.

The co-operation will cover a number of areas, including educational activities, research work, expert and educational activities, as well as information exchange. The parties will participate in the training of specialists by engaging qualified NGO representatives as lecturers and trainers for the professional development of future educators. Within the framework of joint research projects and scientific activities, as well as expert interaction, it is envisaged to improve the image of educators, disseminate the achievements of university students and teachers, and inform about the contribution of the non-governmental sector to the strengthening of statehood.

An important step within the framework of this agreement will be the establishment of the Centre for Civil Sector Volunteers on the basis of the university with active participation in the activities of public organisations in the country.

The memorandum opens new perspectives for the development of civil society in Kazakhstan, providing unique opportunities for co-operation and exchange of experience in key areas. It is a step forward to building a stronger, open and co-operative society. We hope that our partnership will become a source of innovative ideas and practices that contribute to the development of the country and its citizens.