Brussels, May 20, 2025 — A high-level round table titled “EU–Kazakhstan: Education & Culture – Sustainable Bridges of Cooperation” (Moderator: Alberto Turkstra) was held today at the European Parliament, bringing together key stakeholders from both regions to explore new dimensions of collaboration in education and culture.
The event featured two dynamic panel discussions, each highlighting the strategic importance of academic and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral relations.
The event opened with welcoming and introductory remarks from distinguished representatives:
- Ms. Giusi Princi, Chairperson of the Delegation for Relations with Central Asia(DCAS), Member of the European Parliament,
- Ambassador Margulan Baimukhan, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the European Union,
- Mr. Alberico Gambino, Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the European Union emphasized the strategic importance of education and culture as pillars of trust and long-term partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s leadership in the Erasmus+ program in Central Asia, its early adoption of the Bologna Process, and the establishment of over 30 international university campuses in the country. The Ambassador also underscored Kazakhstan’s regional role in launching the Central Asian Higher Education Area and proposed a new initiative: “Erasmus+ for Central Asia,” aimed at fostering academic exchange in fields such as AI, water resource management, and biotechnology. He concluded by reaffirming Kazakhstan’s commitment to innovation, announcing plans for an EU–Central Asia Innovation Campus in Astana, and calling for continued investment in human capital to build sustainable bridges of cooperation. In this regard, he said “Kazakhstan also plays an active regional role. In 2019, we initiated the first meeting of Central Asian Education Ministers. This historic gathering laid the groundwork for the Central Asian Higher Education Area, formally established in 2021 with the Turkestan Declaration. Through this initiative, we are sharing best practices and building a cohesive regional education space.” He also added these words: “Currently, around 20,000 students who are citizens of Central Asian countries are studying at universities in Kazakhstan, and this number continues to grow every year“.
The first session focused on enhancing academic ties between the EU and Kazakhstan, with an emphasis on joint research, student mobility, and institutional partnerships.
The Speakers were:
- Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Higher Education of Kazakhstan (via video link),
- Ms. Manuela Ripa, Member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT),
- Mr. Yerkin Tukumov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan,
- Ms. Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Member of the Delegation for Central Asia (DCAS),
- Mrs. Aigerim Raimzhanova, Vice President for Development and International Affairs, NARXOZ University.
Panelists emphasized the transformative power of education in fostering innovation, mutual understanding, and long-term strategic cooperation.
Mr. Yerkin Tukumov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan, emphasized the central role of human capital in the country’s development strategy. “Without asking who we are, we cannot build an economy,” he stated. “We are a young country—with an average age of 34—and investing in people is more meaningful than investing solely in economic sectors.” He highlighted the need for a distinct modernization plan for Kazakhstan, one that prioritizes education, cultural identity, and youth engagement. Tukumov also called for the removal of visa barriers to facilitate greater mobility and exchange with Europe, noting a growing interest among Kazakh youth to connect with their European peers.
Ms. Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Member of the European Parliament, welcomed the summit’s realization, expressing optimism about deepening ties: “We are trying to build better relations and mutual understanding. Erasmus+ is a great tool, and the presence of Slovak students in Kazakh universities shows the international nature of your institutions.” She also praised Kazakhstan’s efforts to embrace its linguistic and cultural heritage, adding, “I like that you are turning to use more of your own language—it’s part of your history.”
Mrs. Aigerim Raimzhanova, Vice President for Development and International Affairs at Narxoz University, highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing role as an academic hub in Central Asia. She emphasized the importance of expanding EU–Kazakhstan cooperation through initiatives such as a proposed “Erasmus+ for Central Asia” program, which would focus on training specialists in critical fields like artificial intelligence, water resource management, and biotechnology. Mrs. Raimzhanova also advocated for modular academic mobility, enhanced internship opportunities in both regions, and deeper research collaboration. She presented Narxoz University as a model of international engagement, offering globally oriented education, strong industry ties, and a vibrant multicultural environment in Almaty—Kazakhstan’s academic and economic capital.
The second panel explored cultural diplomacy as a vital tool for building sustainable and inclusive partnerships. with Mr. Askar Abdrakhmanov, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to UNESCO (joining online); Mr. Talgat Sarsenbayev, Director of the School of Law and Public Administration, NARXOZ University,; Mr. Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Vice Chair of the CULT Committee.
Askar Abdrakhmanov emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to multilateral cooperation in culture and education. He highlighted the country’s active role within UNESCO, noting that Kazakhstan currently has six sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, 14 elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and 15 biosphere reserves. He also drew attention to Kazakhstan’s recent addition to the Memory of the World Register and its current membership on the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2023–2027). Abdrakhmanov praised the EU-UNESCO initiative “Silk Roads Heritage Corridors in Central Asia,” which has supported heritage restoration, youth engagement, and innovative educational tools such as illustrated comics. He also addressed Kazakhstan’s educational progress, referencing improved PISA scores and ongoing collaboration with the OECD. In this regard, he said these words: “Kazakhstan works on the inclusion of its tangible, intangible, and documentary heritage in UNESCO’s international lists, highlighting our worthy contributions to the global paleta of cultural and natural diversity, and is determined to further strengthen efforts in this direction. Within the UNESCO family of various thematic communities, we are particularly proud of the vitality of the UNESCO Clubs movement in Kazakhstan, with nearly 200 active clubs promoting the young people’s engagement in arts and science across the country.”
Finally, he announced Kazakhstan’s candidacy for the UNESCO Executive Board (2027–2031), calling on EU Member States for their support in advancing shared cultural and educational values.
Mr. Talgat Sarsenbayev, Director of the School of Law and Public Policy at Narxoz University, presented the university’s recent achievement in becoming Vice Chair of the UNAI Global Hub on Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) for the 2025–2027 term. This recognition positions Narxoz as the only university in Central Asia to hold such a status, underscoring its leadership in promoting inclusive societies and access to justice through education. Mr. Sarsenbayev emphasized Narxoz’s interdisciplinary approach, integration of SDGs into curricula, and its commitment to global diplomacy through the newly established Institute for Global Diplomacy. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the round table, reinforcing the university’s role as a bridge between Central Asia and Europe in advancing peace, justice, and academic excellence.
Mr. Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT), shared personal and professional reflections during the round table. He warmly thanked the organizers, calling Kazakhstan’s ambassador a “fantastic representative” and noting that his wife had recently visited Kazakhstan and was “delighted and eager to return.” Drawing from his experience as Poland’s former Minister of Culture, Mr. Zdrojewski emphasized the critical role of education in shaping inclusive societies. “Investing in education across all sectors is absolutely crucial for our future,” he stated. Representing a continent with vast demographic diversity, he stressed the importance of not forgetting marginalized communities. “Education is a combination of values, access, and opportunity,” he added, expressing his appreciation for Kazakhstan’s presence in the European Parliament and its commitment to building stronger ties with Europe.
In response to the reflections shared by Mr. Bogdan Zdrojewski, Vice Chair of the CULT Committee, Mrs. Aigerim Raimzhanova expressed appreciation for Poland’s engagement and outlined concrete steps being taken to deepen cultural and academic ties. “We are proud to be building a strong partnership with Polish universities,” she said. “Over 100 students have already registered to study the Polish language at Narxoz, and we are currently seeking a dedicated professor to lead the program.” She also announced plans to host a Day of Polish Culture on campus, celebrating the shared values and growing friendship between the two nations. These initiatives reflect Narxoz University’s commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and responding meaningfully to the EU’s call for inclusive, people-centered cooperation.
A Vision for Sustainable Cooperation
The round table underscored a shared commitment to building sustainable bridges between the EU and Kazakhstan through education and culture. Participants agreed that these sectors are essential pillars for a resilient, forward-looking partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
The round table was designed to serve as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, with the following key objectives:
- Strengthening Bilateral Relations through Culture and Education
- The event aimed to deepen mutual understanding and reinforce EU–Kazakhstan ties by encouraging dialogue on shared priorities in education, research, and cultural exchange.
- Expanding Educational and Academic Cooperation.
- Discussions focused on enhancing student mobility, research partnerships, and innovative learning initiatives, paving the way for new joint projects that promote academic excellence and lifelong learning.
- Promoting Cultural Dialogue and Creative Exchange
The round table also addressed cultural diplomacy, creative industries, and heritage preservation, fostering collaboration in the arts and cultural sectors to enrich both European and Kazakhstani cultural landscapes.
The event ended with the words: “Viva la cultura, viva l’educazione!” — spoken by Ms. Giusi Princi.
