News

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Munich Security Conference 2026
Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 7:05 AM
On the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026), an official side event dedicated to connectivity, security, and the economic potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor) was held for the first time.

The discussion, titled “The Golden Mean? Connectivity, Security and the Caspian Middle Corridor,” was organized by the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) in partnership with the Kazakhstani intellectual platform CFive. The event was included among the highlighted sessions of MSC 2026, reflecting the growing international interest in practical aspects of Eurasian connectivity and the resilience of global supply chains.

The event gained particular significance with the participation of Helga Maria Schmid, former Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Vice President of the Munich Security Conference Foundation Council. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the increasing role of the Middle Corridor in Europe’s security agenda, economic resilience, and the diversification of international trade routes.

The event was held in the format of an in-person working breakfast and brought together representatives of government institutions, the diplomatic corps, think tanks, and the international business community.

Participants in the discussion included Assel Zhanassova, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Sodiq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration; as well as Iskander Akylbayev, Chairman of the CFive intellectual platform, and Efgān Nifti, Chief Executive Officer of the Caspian Policy Center.

The discussion focused on a shared vision of the Middle Corridor as an emerging multilateral economic platform capable of ensuring sustainable trade, transit, and investment links between Europe, the Caspian region, Central Asia, and the markets of East Asia. Participants discussed the transformation of global supply chains, new opportunities in trade, logistics, and transit, as well as the role of digitalization and infrastructure modernization in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the route.
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“LAW AND ORDER IN ACTION: OPEN COURT HEARING UNDER ARTICLE 115-1 OF THE CRIMINAL CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN....
Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 12:02 PM

Students of the Higher School of Law at Astana International University attended an open

court hearing within the framework of the principle “Law and Order: Legal Grounds and

Liability for Stalking.”

During the visit, students had the opportunity to observe in practice the judicial

examination of a criminal case under Article 115-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of

Kazakhstan, which establishes liability for stalking. The hearing enabled students to understand

the mechanism of administering justice, the roles of the judge, prosecutor, and defense counsel,

as well as the specifics of examining evidence in cases of this category.

Attending an open court session became an important element of professional training for

future lawyers. This format of practical learning contributes to the development of legal thinking,

analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the principles of the rule of law and inevitability

of punishment.

Participation in a real court process enhances students’ legal awareness, fosters zero

tolerance for offenses, and strengthens their sense of social responsibility. Understanding the

legal consequences of unlawful behavior serves as an effective preventive measure against

offenses among young people.

The Higher School of Law continues to systematically integrate theoretical knowledge

with practical experience, ensuring the preparation of competent, responsible, and highly

qualified legal professionals.

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ANTI-CORRUPTION CULTURE – “SANALY URPAQ”: SHAPING A GENERATION OF INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 10:28 AM

Within the framework of the “Adal Urpaq” Anti-Corruption Club, debates were held among first-year students of the Higher School of Law at Astana International University on a topical and thought-provoking motion:

"Is corruption in Kazakhstan a consequence of cultural rather than legal problems?"

The intellectual competition brought together teams from various academic programs:

🔹 Group “Jurisprudence 25B”

– Dana Kalakova

– Madikhan Muratuly

🔹 Group “MP 25B”

– Maryam Nikoghosyan

– Anel Zeynullayeva

🔹 Group “Law 25A”

– Dana Qanagat

– Lyazzat Shapagat

🔹 Group “International Law 25A”

– Adlet Sultanov

– Nurdaulet Oryngali

The debate format required a high level of preparation and analytical thinking. The best speakers were assigned individual topics related to anti-corruption measures in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Participants were given 15 minutes to prepare without access to the Internet or mobile devices, ensuring an objective assessment of their legal reasoning, argumentation skills, erudition, and public speaking abilities.

According to the results, the Best Speaker titles were awarded to:

🏆 Dana Kalakova — student of “Jurisprudence 25B”;

🏆 Adlet Sultanov — student of “International Law 25A”.

In the team ranking, Groups “Law 25A” and “MP 25B” stood out for their cohesion, well-reasoned arguments, and ability to conduct constructive legal debate.

The debates became an important platform for developing critical thinking, a culture of legal discussion, and public speaking skills. Such events help future lawyers gain a deeper understanding of social and legal issues while fostering their ability to propose comprehensive and effective solutions.

The event once again confirmed the high academic level, active civic stance, and professional ambition of the students of the Higher School of Law. We are confident that the experience gained will serve as a strong foundation for their future academic and professional achievements.

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“Poetry, Were You My Twin?”
Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 7:50 AM

On February 12, 2026, the “Syrly Soz” literary club of the Educational

Program “Kazakh Language and Literature” of the Pedagogical Institute of Astana

International University (club supervisor: Candidate of Philological Sciences,

Associate Professor G.K. Rezuanova) held a literary and creative evening titled

“Poetry, Were You My Twin?”, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the birth of

the great Kazakh poet, a noble figure with a fiery heart and exalted spirit —

Мұқағали Мақатаев.

The event was organized as a tribute to the poet’s enduring legacy. During

the evening, a video about Mukagali Makatayev’s life was shown, along with an

excerpt from the film Мұқағали. Бұл ғасырдан емеспін....

Students of the programs “Kazakh Language and Literature,” “Russian

Language and Literature,” and “Biology” recited the poet’s works and performed

songs written to his lyrics.


In addition, students of the “Kazakh Language and Literature” program —

Kusainova Dilnaz, Aldebek Dauren, Kabden Akbota, and Sembaev Ilyas —

presented their own poems dedicated to the poet.

“Dedicating a poem to Mukagali is not only a poetic duty but a

responsibility before his spirit. To refrain from praising such a great figure — who

broadened the horizons of Kazakh poetry and encompassed the full depth of the

human soul in verse — would mean failing to remain faithful to the art of words,”

they noted.

Each poem recited that evening was not merely a performance, but a

heartfelt dialogue with a great spirit and a sincere tribute to poetry itself.

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Meeting of the Academic Committee on Updating the Educational Programs “6B01502 – Biology” and “7M01502 – Biology” for the 2026–2027....
Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 7:43 AM

On February 13, 2026, a meeting of the Academic Committee on the update and review

of the educational programs “6B01502 – Biology” and “7M01502 – Biology” for the 2026–2027

academic year was held.

During the meeting, the content of the educational programs was comprehensively

reviewed. Particular attention was given to learning outcomes, the structure of courses, the

system of competencies, and their alignment with labor market requirements.

The meeting was attended by experienced educators and experts:

– Sagatbekova Serikkaisha Kabylgazinovna, Biology teacher at School-Lyceum No. 70 named

after T. Zhurgenov, Master Teacher, Master of Pedagogical Sciences, recipient of the “Best

Teacher – 2016” title and the Y. Altynsarin badge;

– Aizhan Yessenaliyevna Elmurzayeva, Biology teacher at School-Lyceum No. 66 named after

Dinmukhamed Kunaev under the Akimat of Astana, Expert Teacher;

– Baurzhan Khuralay, Biology teacher at School-Lyceum No. 54 named after A. Seidimbek,

Expert Teacher;

– Arai Zhaksylykovna Arkhymatayeva, Biology teacher at BINOM SCHOOL School-Lyceum

named after Ә. Bokeikhan, Research Teacher;

– Ryskan Kaidullaevna Mizekenova and Bakyt Bekmukhanovna Soltakova, Biology teachers at

School-Gymnasium No. 78 named after Smagula Saduakasuly under the Akimat of Astana,

Research Teachers.

Taking into account the proposals of employers, experienced faculty members, and

experts, the committee members put forward specific recommendations for improving the

educational programs.

Following the meeting, appropriate decisions were made regarding the updating and

approval of the programs.

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“Eco Battle – Green Mind”
Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 7:38 AM

As part of the implementation of the “Clean Kazakhstan” Concept and in accordance with

the plan of the Pedagogical Institute, second-year students of the educational program “6B01502

– Biology” held an intellectual competition titled “Eco Battle – Green Mind”, dedicated to

environmental protection and the formation of ecological culture among youth.

During the event, the role of each citizen in maintaining cleanliness and improving the

native land was discussed in detail. Special attention was paid to modern environmental issues,

as well as to the prevention and solutions of these problems, with new ideas and proposals being

presented.

Throughout the competition, participants were provided with statistical data on the state

of the environment, and the causes of air, water, and soil pollution were thoroughly examined.

Participants shared their views on important topics such as waste separation, rational use of

natural resources, and active participation in ecological campaigns. The discussion was

constructive and sparked lively interest.

The event contributed to enhancing students’ ecological literacy and strengthening their

civic responsibility. It became an important step in implementing the “Clean Kazakhstan”

initiative, aimed at helping each individual recognize their personal contribution and develop an

active life position.

Such events significantly promote the sustainable motivation of young people to protect

nature and maintain environmental cleanliness, making a valuable contribution to the formation

of ecological culture.

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AIU and CIPE Discussed the Future of Business Integration in Central Asian Countries
Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 12:32 PM

The global economy is moving along the vector of regionalization. The success of states directly depends on their ability to build strong ties with their neighbors. In conditions where Central Asia is becoming a key bridge between global markets, the role of expert platforms and academic centers increases manifold.

On February 13, a landmark meeting was held at AIU on the site of the CFive intellectual platform with representatives of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), dedicated to the prospects of integration processes in our region.

The discussion was attended by leading CIPE specialists responsible for the development of programs in the Eurasian region: Regional Director for Europe and Eurasia Natalia Otel Belan; Associate Program Officer Jeremy Cohen; Senior Program Manager Maksat Korooluev.

From the AIU side, the meeting was attended by the President of the University Serik Irsaliyev, as well as the President of CFive Sapargali Shalgimbayev.

The participants discussed how expert developments can be transformed into real economic changes. The parties exchanged views on the development of the B5+1 format and the prospects for strengthening economic interaction between the countries of Central Asia and the USA.

Issues of regional integration, improvement of the business environment, and expansion of expert cooperation were discussed. Special attention was paid to the possibilities of interaction in the educational and analytical spheres, as well as the role of expert platforms in supporting economic initiatives.

For AIU, interaction with organizations such as CIPE is a strategic priority. This is a step in the development of the university as an international center of knowledge: scientists get access to advanced world experience and practical case studies; AIU confirms its status as a space for dialogue between international institutions, business, and the state; research at AIU is synchronized with real market demands and global trends in the development of the region.

“We are creating an ecosystem where theory meets practice. Collaboration with CIPE allows our researchers to be at the epicenter of the formation of the region's new economic reality,” the university notes.

The meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere and confirmed the mutual interest in continuing the dialogue and developing cooperation.

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New Constitution: Science and Education as the Foundation of National Progress
Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 3:41 PM

The draft Basic Law prioritizes the strategic support of the academic community and the development of human capital.

Astana International University (AIU) hosted a session to discuss the draft of the new Constitution. The main idea of the reform is that the government will now prioritize investment in education and science. The inclusion of this sector among the new strategic priorities within the constitutional framework strengthens it institutionally, defining it as a primary national value. In practice, this means that universities and research centers will be the first in line to receive state funding, ensuring the sustainable growth of human capital.

The discussion, moderated by Acting Rector Kairat Abdrakhmanov, featured Mazhilis Deputy Nurgul Tau, who elaborated on the political modernization and the transition to a single-chamber Parliament (Kurultai). Deputy Ekaterina Smolyakova reinforced this, stating that prioritizing the academic sector is a fundamental requirement for building a "Just Kazakhstan."

President of AIU Serik Irsaliyev delivered a message on the link between education and societal well-being. He emphasized that the quality of education is the ultimate driver of national prosperity and social happiness. According to him, a well-educated society is naturally resilient to corruption: "The higher the level of education, the more conscious and ethical the society becomes. The fact that the new Constitution places science and education at the forefront is a source of great optimism for us all."

Furthermore, Associate Professor Yerzhan Zhambayev provided a legal analysis of the "Law and Order" principle. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A where faculty members engaged with the deputies on new funding mechanisms and academic standards.