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Today, the president of Astana International University met with the leaders of the "Fathers in Action" foundation.

During the meeting, the participants discussed incorporating topics related to domestic violence prevention, fostering a healthy family culture, and the role of conscious fatherhood in society into the curriculum for future teachers.

Following the meeting, a memorandum of cooperation was signed, aimed at implementing joint projects, educational programs, and community initiatives.

On November 4, 2025, the School of Natural Sciences at Astana International University held debates on a pressing topic:
“The necessity of microchipping wild and domestic animals: a threat to wildlife or a real need?” The event took place in the Assembly Hall (Room 213).

 Students discussed important issues related to animal protection, biodiversity conservation, and the use of modern technologies in ecology and veterinary science.
The debates were filled with logic, emotion, and strong rhetoric  participants demonstrated their skills in argumentation and public speaking.

 Special Guests:

·       Alexander Yevgenyevich Fedulin  an ecotourism expert with over 25 years of experience in environmental protection, including work at the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve. Currently organizes and conducts ecotours in the region for international ornithologists.

·       Nurlibek Didarovich Katkenov Master of Technical Sciences, PhD candidate (Veterinary Medicine), Research Fellow at Nazarbayev University – National Laboratory Astana.

 The event took place in an engaging and inspiring atmosphere, bringing together students, faculty, and experts who are passionate about protecting nature and animal welfare.

 Organizer:
Zhanna Aryntayevna Adamzhanova, Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Astana International University.

On November 5, 2025, AIU hosted an interuniversity scientific-methodological seminar titled “Modern Approaches to Developing Critical Thinking Skills of Future Computer Science Teachers.” The event was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person participation with an online ZOOM session. Representatives of pedagogical universities from across Kazakhstan, as well as international partners including Columbia University (USA), took part in the seminar.

The purpose of the seminar was to share experience, teaching methods, and best practices aimed at developing critical thinking among future computer science teachers, and to discuss opportunities for using artificial intelligence technologies and educational simulators in teacher training.

The plenary session was moderated by Zamira Dzhuraevna Baubekova, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor of the Pedagogical Institute of AIU.

Speakers included:
• Irina Lyublinskaya, Professor of Mathematics and Education, PhD (Columbia University, USA)  “Critical Thinking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”
• Zamira Dzhuraevna Baubekova, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, AIU  “Critical Thinking as a 21st Century Competence: Challenges and Formation Practices.”
• Saule Kairollovna Damekova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, AIU  “Integration of an AI-Based Critical Thinking Simulator into Teacher Training.”
• Nursaule Karelhan, PhD, Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Informatics, L.N. Gumilyov ENU  “Effective Use of Supercomputers and Parallel Computing Clusters in Machine Learning.”
• Dmitry Vasilievich Mukharsky, Senior Lecturer, Sh. Ualikhanov University  “Architecture of an AI Simulator for Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Future Teachers.”
• Yerlan Bagentaevich Badilov, Master’s Student, AIU  “Using Agent-Based Technologies to Create an Interactive Educational Simulator.”
• Asel Tleuberlikyzy Azamatova, Lecturer at Turan-Astana University  “Designing Formative and Summative Assessment in an Intelligent Simulation Environment.”

Following the discussion, participants received certificates, and it was decided to publish an electronic collection of seminar materials along with a photo and video presentation.

AIU continues to strengthen academic collaboration and develop innovative educational technologies aimed at preparing competitive, critically thinking, and digitally literate teachers.

On October 25, 2025, within the framework of the “New Kazakhstan Patriotism” project dedicated to the Republic Day, a national competition titled “Best Student” was organized to promote youth policy and support creative ideas and new initiatives of talented young people.
Aigerim Bakytkyzy Akimova, a 2nd-year student majoring in Recreational Geography and Tourism at Astana International University, and her supervisor Adilkhan Armanovich Smailov were awarded as First Degree Winners.

“Analysis of the Problems of Higher Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan”

During the educational process at the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University, modern pedagogical approaches and innovative teaching technologies are actively implemented.

One of the examples of such effective practice was a binary lecture on
“Analysis of the Problems of Higher Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan”,
conducted by the institute’s lecturers  Zamira Dzhuraevna Baubekova and Nina Vasilievna Vlasova.

The lecturers integrated two academic subjects  “Education: Global Vision” and “Emotional Intelligence”, setting clear goals, objectives, and key concepts to be mastered by students, as well as outlining the expected learning outcomes.

The session employed modern pedagogical technologies such as communicative, student-centered, and interactive methods, which enhanced student engagement and made the learning process more dynamic and productive.

The lecture was attended by Associate Professor of the Pedagogical Institute, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences Assan Tuksanbayev, who noted the high professional level of the lecturers, the relevance of the topic, and the effective use of interactive teaching methods.

The binary lecture format allowed students to explore the challenges of modern higher education from multiple perspectives and demonstrated the practical value of integrating disciplines in the training of future educators.

On October 31, 2025, the Department of Natural Sciences of the Pedagogical Institute at Astana International University held a solemn induction ceremony for first-year students of the “Geography” program.

The main goal of the event was to support students’ adaptation to university life, foster a spirit of patriotism and enthusiasm for knowledge, and promote interaction and friendship between junior and senior students.

During the ceremony, the Head of the Department and faculty members delivered congratulatory speeches and wished students success in their studies.
Senior students showcased their creativity through musical and artistic performances.

Freshmen took the traditional oath, after which a second-year student presented them with the symbolic “Golden Globe.” From that moment, they officially became full members of the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University.

This memorable day marked the beginning of a new journey toward professional growth and scientific discovery for the young geographers.

Astana International University has strengthened its position in the international educational landscape, ranking 73rd among 455 Central Asian universities in the QS Asia Rankings 2026.

This is a significant achievement for a young university, which in just seven years has become one of the region's recognized leaders and entered the top 1500 universities in the world for the first time according to the QS Asia Rankings 2026.

By ranking 73rd in QS Central Asia, Astana International University has confirmed its ambition to become a leading university in Kazakhstan and the region, focused on quality, innovation, and international cooperation. This is the result of consistent strategic development, the professionalism of its team, and the trust of its students who choose a modern, world-class education.

AIU's primary mission and development strategy are to improve the quality of education, develop scientific research, and expand international integration.

 For reference: QS Rankings (Quacquarelli Symonds) is one of the most authoritative global university rankings. Its indicators serve as a benchmark for students, faculty, and international partners, reflecting the level of academic and research performance of universities.

At the beginning of the conversation, the President highlighted that the opening of the university's branch in Astana was another visible embodiment of the highly fruitful Kazakh-Chinese cooperation, contributing to the strengthening of humanitarian ties and the formation of intellectual bridges between the countries.

During the meeting, issues related to the development of artificial intelligence technologies, cooperation in the scientific and educational field, and the training of qualified linguists and sinologists were discussed.

In turn, Duan Peng spoke about the prospects of implementing joint projects in the field of applied linguistics and digital learning.

For reference:

The BLCU (Beijing Language and Culture University) brand campus was officially opened on July 3, 2024 with the participation of the heads of state of Kazakhstan and China on the basis of Astana International University. During the year of operation, the Brand Campus has already successfully graduated 85 graduates of the Foundation language course. Currently, it has 240 students who are future teachers and translators of the Chinese language.

The main objectives and goals of BLCU Kazakhstan are to teach Chinese according to international standards in Kazakhstan, develop bilateral cultural exchange, and train highly qualified specialists in the field of language education, translation, and intercultural communication.

Using BLCU's unique methodology, it is planned that after completing one year of study, students will be able to take the HSK specialized Chinese language exam and enroll in the 3+1 double-degree bachelor's degree program.

In the future, it is planned to launch master's degree programs, which will expand academic opportunities and train highly qualified specialists.

On November 3, 2025, Astana International University hosted a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan, the Deputy Ambassador of the EU, and the First Counselor of the Embassy of France in Kazakhstan. Following the meeting, a special documentary was screened for university students as part of the 2025 European Film Festival.

The event was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan jointly with the Embassy of the French Republic. AIU students, faculty, and management also participated.

Audience members were treated to a documentary by French directors Cedric Grasse and Christophe Reyla, "Aral Sea. Syr Darya: From Steppes to Meadows," which reflects the environmental situation and cultural heritage of the Aral region. The film emphasizes the need for careful management of natural resources and maintaining harmony between people and the environment. Following the screening, an open discussion took place, during which participants exchanged views on the region's environmental challenges, the rational use of water resources, and the preservation of traditional economic culture.

The event, held at the AIU, became a significant part of the 2025 European Film Festival and aims to raise environmental awareness among young people and strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties between the European Union and Kazakhstan.