Olzhas Bektenov Held a Meeting with University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella

Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov discussed cooperation in the field of education with President of the University of Arizona Dr. Suresh Garimella. In particular, the meeting addressed prospects for expanding joint academic programs, research, and technology transfer in sectors that are priorities for Kazakhstan.

The University of Arizona was one of the first foreign universities with which educational cooperation was established as part of the systematic efforts to strengthen the country’s scientific and educational potential. Today, a strategic partnership is in place between M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University and the University of Arizona. More than 1,200 students are currently enrolled in joint programs. The first cohort will graduate this year.

“Kazakhstan’s new Constitution identifies education, science, and innovation as strategic areas of state policy. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has identified human capital development as one of our key priorities. We are creating a regional academic and research hub by adopting the best international practices and expanding research cooperation,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella noted the successful implementation of the pilot cooperation with Kozybayev University. It was emphasized that one of the priorities of the joint program is the development of research.

“We have demonstrated that the model of educational cooperation can be implemented and scaled up to a larger number of students at Kozybayev University, as well as extended to other universities across the country. We have identified three key priorities: student success, research, and service to society and the development of local communities. Each of these priorities is being implemented at Kozybayev University through study abroad opportunities, engagement, education, and other areas,” Suresh Garimella emphasized.

The meeting also focused on research cooperation. Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona are implementing joint projects in the fields of water resources, agrogenomics, bioinformatics, sulfur processing, artificial intelligence, digital healthcare, and inclusive education.

One of the projects focuses on monitoring, treatment, and the sustainable use of water resources in the North Kazakhstan Region. Joint research is being conducted on the genomic breeding of agricultural crops and the conservation of the gene pool of Kazakhstan’s unique animals and plants, including the Caspian seal and Greig’s tulip. A project is also being implemented to develop sulfur processing technologies and produce high-value-added products, including advanced materials, fertilizers, and sorbents.

Following the meeting, the importance of further developing cooperation and improving the quality of professional training was emphasized.

From the official website of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan