Review of K.- J. Tokayev's speech at the International Forum “Kazakhstan – the territory of academic education”

Review of K.- J. Tokayev's speech at the International Forum “Kazakhstan – the territory of academic education”

At the end of October 2025, the two - day International Forum of Strategic Partners “Kazakhstan – the territory of Academic Education” was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The rectors of leading foreign and domestic universities, representatives of international organizations and research centers, as well as the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, took part in this important event. The Forum demonstrated our country's desire to become a full participant in the international educational process. The Forum was attended by heads of foreign partner educational institutions, representatives of international accreditation and rating agencies, as well as the diplomatic corps.
The Head of State K.- J. Tokayev delivered a keynote speech at the forum. It should be emphasized that in almost every speech, the President of Kazakhstan touches upon the development of science and education as "the most important areas of strategic importance that have no borders and unite all countries of the world." "Education and science are the driving forces that can change the world, and universities are the centers of advanced ideas and scientific research." Speaking about the current day of the educational process, the President noted Kazakhstan's achievements in this field. 1) Since 2019, the financing of this area has tripled. 2) The independence of universities is expanding, and the number of research universities is increasing. 3) A new Law “On Science and Technology Policy” has been adopted. 4) The National Council for Science and Technology under the President has been established. 5) Since 2024, the National Fund for Children program has been implemented in the country, according to which 50% of the annual investment income of the National Fund is credited to the accounts of children. 6) The “Keleshek” unified savings system for children over the age of five has been launched, where voluntary parental contributions aimed at the child's future education are accumulated. 7) 5 Russian universities were included in the list of the best educational institutions in the world. 8) Evidence of an active integration process in the higher education system: 40 leading universities in the world are partners of Kazakhstani universities, 33 branches of foreign higher educational institutions operate in Kazakhstan. It should also be noted that universities are actively introducing education in foreign languages – English, Chinese, and Russian. Thus, we can observe firsthand how Kazakhstan is becoming part of the global knowledge market.
Next, the Head of State outlined the nearest landmarks to which the country is moving. Kazakhstani universities need to develop dynamically and fully participate in world rankings. “Our country sets high goals for itself: to modernize the economy, form new production sectors, integrate artificial intelligence technologies into all sectors and ensure the development of Kazakhstan as a full - fledged digital state.” The country's educational institutions pay special attention to the problem of the development and implementation of artificial intelligence, the training of specialists and experts in this field. A system of interaction between researchers and industrial enterprises is being built in our country. A promising step in this direction may be the creation of technology transfer offices at leading universities and research centers in the country.
At the end of his speech, K.- J. Tokayev stressed: “The reforms that we are carrying out together are the main road to a bright future for Kazakhstan. Therefore, we will continue to build a Fair, Clean, Safe and Strong Kazakhstan based on education and science”.
The teachers of the Al - Farabi Kazakh National University support the holding of international events aimed at further promoting academic diplomacy.

A. K. Akhmedova
Senior lecturer of the Department of Language and
General Education Training of Foreigners
of the Faculty of Pre - University Education
Al - Farabi Kazakh National University