Manas University Participated in the Forum of Rectors of Central Asian Universities
On November 20, 2024, an important forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region was held at the Ala Archa State Residence in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The forum, themed “Transformation of Central Asian Universities in the Context of Global Challenges,” brought together university rectors from five Central Asian countries.
Focusing on the interaction and development of Central Asian universities and new educational methods, the forum was attended by the Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva; Deputy Minister Rasul Abazbek uulu; Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan; Deputy Rector, Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev; Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov and state officials, university rectors, academicians, scientists, and experts from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
The forum was held to encourage the exchange of experiences among universities in Central Asia and was initiated with the signing of the Turkistan Declaration in 2021. This declaration highlights the vital role of universities in the development of Central Asia's cultural values and aims to increase the mobility of citizens in the region, while enhancing employment opportunities through higher education. The declaration envisions the creation of a higher education field that will contribute to the broader development of Central Asia.
In her opening speech, Minister Kendirbaeva emphasized that rapidly changing global circumstances and modern challenges impose new responsibilities on universities. She stated, “The importance of universities for countries is increasing day by day. Universities are now taking on a more significant role than ever before. By directly contributing to the economic environment, they develop innovations and technologies for sectors, support sustainable development, and create employment opportunities. This situation calls for a transformation in the classical understanding of universities and a reevaluation of the role of the higher education system.” She concluded by stressing that universities contributions to economic growth and sustainable development will be even more critical in the future.
Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan highlighted the significance of the forum in strengthening collaborations among Central Asian universities. In a statement to Manas Television, he noted, “This forum is important because it shows that universities in Central Asia have the potential to collaborate. As Manas University, we have established partnerships with many universities around the world. This event is vital for us in terms of conducting joint projects with other higher education institutions.” Prof. Dr. Ceylan expressed his gratitude for Minister Kendirbaeva’s strong support for the forum and wished for continued positive developments in the education sector.
Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University’s Deputy Rector, Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev gave an interview to Manas Television about the forum's significance in strengthening regional collaboration. He pointed out that recent years have seen remarkable advancements in cooperation across various fields, particularly in education. “As evidence of this progress, universities at this forum are discussing avenues for collaboration, sharing their achievements, and exchanging their experiences,” he said. Prof. Dr. Ibraev also emphasized the rapid development of Kyrgyzstan’s education system in recent years, noting that several universities in the country have achieved respectable positions in global rankings, with Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University proudly among them. He added that memorandums of understanding had been signed with universities from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as part of the forum, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional academic cooperation.
Collaboration Agreements Signed Between Higher Education Institutions
During the forum, collaboration agreements were signed to enhance international educational and scientific cooperation between Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and several institutions, including Nazarbayev University, Almaty Management University, Karaganda Buketov University, and Tajikistan State University of Law, Business and Politics. These agreements cover various areas, including the exchange of faculty members and students, the implementation of joint scientific research projects, and the development of cultural ties among the institutions. Additionally, the universities plan to organize events such as scientific-practical conferences, symposiums, round table discussions, seminars, and student olympiads.
The forum featured three panels: “Integration of Education, Science, and Business: The Foundation of Sustainable Development of the Modern University”, “Research University: A Key Resource for Economic Modernization”, “Digital Education: The Main Vector of Modern Higher Education Development”
The discussions focused on coordinating policies to develop higher education in Central Asia and promote modern universities. Topics such as the establishment of scientific, technical, and socio-economic development centers, enhancing the international competitiveness of Central Asia’s higher education system, and improving the quality of education were also addressed.
The forum's main agenda included developing comparative criteria and methodologies to improve the employability and mobility of graduates, addressing barriers to the free movement of citizens, and easing access to education and practical opportunities. Additionally, discussions emphasized curriculum development, collaboration between institutions, mobility plans, joint curriculum implementation, and the strengthening of applied education and research efforts.
At the end of the forum, the declaration of the Central Asian University’s Rectors Forum was approved.
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