International cooperation Archives

MNU Students Participate in International Television Projects

Students of Maqsut Narikbayev University took part in international television projects, appearing as guests in special editions of the World Insight and AnewZ Talks programmes.

The filming of episodes for the Chinese international news channel CGTN and the Azerbaijani international news channel AnewZ took place on the campus of Maqsut Narikbayev University. This became possible through the university’s partnership with the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The programmes were broadcast to a wide international audience, reaching viewers in over 100 countries.

A special edition of World Insight, produced by CGTN, was dedicated to the Second Central Asia–China Summit. Kazakhstani and international experts exchanged views on new approaches to partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China, and responded to questions from MNU students. The programme was also broadcast on Kazakhstan’s first national satellite TV channel, Silk Way, in six languages.

The latest episode of AnewZ Talks, produced by AnewZ TV, focused on the growing interconnection between media and diplomacy. Participants discussed the influence of media on diplomatic processes in the era of artificial intelligence. Among the invited experts was Miras Zhienbayev, Adviser to the Chairman of the Board of MNU on International Relations and Initiatives.

Austrian Ambassador Andrea Bacher Visits MNU

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria to Kazakhstan, Andrea Bacher, visited Maqsut Narikbayev University. During her visit, she toured the university’s infrastructure and held a meeting with the MNU leadership.

The University continues to actively expand its cooperation with the diplomatic corps. Andrea Bacher assumed her role as Head of the Austrian Diplomatic Mission earlier this year. In her meeting with Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the MNU Board, the parties discussed ways to strengthen academic and cultural cooperation.

Austria remains one of Kazakhstan’s key trading partners in Central Europe and holds strategic importance for domestic exports. To date, approximately 180 enterprises with Austrian capital are registered in Kazakhstan.

Cultural Ties: MNU Hosted the Launch of a Festival Showcasing Chinese TV Projects for Central Asian Audiences

Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted the launch of the Cultural Ties – 2025 project — a festival featuring television programmes and films produced by the China Media Group for audiences in Central Asian countries. This initiative aims to foster humanitarian cooperation, enhance mutual understanding, and promote cultural connections between China and the nations of Central Asia.

The project’s inauguration took place on the eve of the second Central Asia–China Summit, scheduled for 17 June in Astana. As part of the festival, over ten documentaries and television programmes are set to be broadcast on Central Asian television channels. These productions highlight key dimensions of national life, including socio-economic development, cultural heritage, and everyday life stories.

“For thousands of years, the peoples of China and Central Asia jointly established the Silk Road, which connected East and West, Asia and Europe, and made a historic contribution to the exchange, mutual enrichment, and development of world civilisations. Today, cinema and television are becoming bridges that compose a new symphony of friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples,” stated Shen Haixiong, President of the China Media Group, in a video message.

The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Eurasian Bureau of the China Media Group, heads of national media organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, staff of Maqsut Narikbayev University, and invited media experts. MNU Provost Sergey Pen noted that the initiative marks the beginning of a new format of cultural and media collaboration between China and the countries of Central Asia.

“This project is not merely an exchange of media content, but a vibrant dialogue between societies. Viewers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan relate to the characters in Chinese stories and discover a new language of empathy. At the same time, Chinese audiences, by engaging with Central Asian cultures, take a step towards genuine respect and mutual trust. We believe that Cultural Ties – 2025 will serve as a solid foundation for future joint initiatives,” said Sergey Pen.

It should be noted that Maqsut Narikbayev University acted as a partner of the event, providing the venue for the festival’s launch and reaffirming its commitment to the principles of international dialogue, academic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Meta Vice President Visits MNU to Discuss Teen Accounts, Online Safety, and Lab Launch

Simon Milner, Vice President for Public Policy in the Asia-Pacific region at Meta, visited Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU). During his visit, he participated in the official launch ceremony of Instagram Teen Accounts in Kazakhstan and held discussions with the leadership of MNU.

A senior representative of Meta’s top management, Milner shared insights into the company’s global approach to safeguarding young people online. He delivered a speech at the presentation of Instagram Teen Accounts in Kazakhstan, an event organised by Meta Platforms Inc. in cooperation with the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event brought together Yerzhan Sadenov, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Dinara Zakiyeva, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan; the leadership of Maqsut Narikbayev University; members of the Senate and Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan; representatives from several ministries and international organisations; as well as school students from Astana. The newly introduced Teen Accounts — designed for users under the age of 16 — feature enhanced security and parental control measures. This innovation was developed based on international research and consultations with parents, aiming to mitigate risks related to cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.

Simon Milner also held meetings with Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the MNU Board, and Sergey Pen, Provost of MNU. The discussions focused on potential areas of collaboration, including the proposed launch of the VERA Lab project—the first research centre in Central Asia dedicated to digital ethics and online safety. Additionally, the Meta Vice President toured MNU’s facilities and expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership for hosting the event.

The launch of Teen Accounts in Kazakhstan is expected to represent a significant step towards creating a safer digital environment tailored to the developmental needs of teenagers and the expectations of their parents.

The Future of Development Finance: Expert Dialogue Held at MNU

An expert discussion titled Financing for Development – the Future We Need was held at Maqsut Narikbayev University, focusing on global challenges in financing sustainable development. Diplomats, representatives of international organisations, and civil society exchanged perspectives on how to ensure fair, accessible, and sustainable financing mechanisms.

The event was organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Kazakhstan in collaboration with the UN Country Team, ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. The conference will take place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Seville, where the focus will be on increasing the mobilisation of socially beneficial private investments by development finance institutions. The dialogue at MNU formed part of the global preparatory process for the conference and served as a platform to deliberate on financial challenges confronting the international community in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“For Maqsut Narikbayev University, participating in such a dialogue is not only an honour but also a reflection of our strategic mission: to serve as a place where the mindset of future leaders is shaped — leaders capable of addressing global challenges guided by the principles of sustainability and equity,” said Sergey Pen, Provost of MNU.

Experts noted that today, 40 percent of the world’s population lives in countries where debt interest payments surpass expenditures on education and healthcare. Dialogue participants explored potential strategies for strengthening financial stability and enhancing the effectiveness of development support mechanisms. UN representatives emphasised that the upcoming international conference in Seville is a key milestone in reforming the global financial system and addressing climate change, poverty, and inequality.

“According to the UN, the world is significantly behind in implementing the 2030 Agenda. Nearly half of the 140 evaluated goals are showing negative trends. It is projected that by 2030, approximately 600 million people will still live in extreme poverty. Meanwhile, the annual development financing gap in developing countries is estimated at $4 trillion. In this context, the conference gains particular significance as a platform for advancing reforms to the global financial architecture and mobilising resources,” stated Kurtmolla Abdulganiyev, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan.

It is worth noting that hosting this event at Maqsut Narikbayev University reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening the link between education, policymaking, and international initiatives. The university continues to foster academic cooperation with international partners, contributing to the development of a renewed agenda for sustainable development.

MNU Will Cooperate with Uzbekistan’s Leading Analytical Centre

Maqsut Narikbayev University continues to broaden the scope of its international cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two parties during the visit of a delegation from the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA, Tashkent, Uzbekistan).

The document is aimed at fostering partnerships between research and analytical centres in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The parties agreed to collaborate in areas such as political and economic research, regional security, history, culture, ecology, water resources, trade, and investment.

The memorandum was signed by Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the MNU Management Board, and Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute for Central Asia. The agreement provides for the organisation of joint academic events — forums, conferences, and round tables — as well as the exchange of information, publications, and access to scientific databases. Additionally, joint research projects and co-authored scientific publications are planned.

IICA is a government research institution that conducts studies on regional developments and international relations concerning Central Asia. Cooperation with Uzbekistan’s leading analytical centre represents a logical continuation of MNU’s commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration.

Previously, the university signed several memoranda with prominent foreign organisations and universities.

Maqsut Narikbayev University and Phrase: Partnership for the Future of Localisation and Translation

Maqsut Narikbayev University is proud to announce the launch of an academic partnership with Phrase, one of the global leaders in localisation technology. As part of this collaboration, the university has been granted access to the cutting-edge Phrase Localisation platform through the Academic Plan — a programme designed to support educational institutions and foster the next generation of professionals in the language services industry.

The Academic Plan is more than just technological support — it is a strategic investment in education. It offers students and faculty unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard localisation tools. Thanks to this partnership, graduate students specialising in translation, applied linguistics, and intercultural communication will be able to work on real-world cases and deepen their understanding of how content is adapted for various markets and cultures.

For Maqsut Narikbayev University, this is a significant step toward integrating advanced digital solutions into the educational process. The Phrase Localisation platform will help make academic programmes more relevant and practice-oriented, while also expanding academic and career opportunities for students.

Expansion of International Cooperation: MNU Welcomes Delegation from Penn State University

Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) recently welcomed representatives from one of the leading universities in the United States — Penn State University. The American delegation met with the senior leadership of MNU to discuss the enhancement of the existing partnership.

The Penn State University delegation comprised Assistant Professor Phillip Jolly and Associate Director for Partnership Agreements and Eurasia Partnerships, Vlad Likholetov. Professor Jolly presented the academic offerings of the School of Hospitality Management, which has produced over 17,000 graduates and is recognised globally as a leader in hospitality education. He also expressed the university’s interest in increasing the enrolment of students from Kazakhstan.

The representatives of Penn State University met with Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the Board of MNU, and familiarised themselves with the university’s activities. Sergey Pen, Provost of Maqsut Narikbayev University, provided a detailed overview of MNU’s educational programmes and explored potential opportunities for collaboration in the fields of tourism and hospitality, development of dual degree programmes, international accreditation, and academic mobility. Anar Ibrayeva, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, highlighted MNU’s achievements in preparing professionals for the tourism industry, including international internships, partnerships with global hotel chains, and the successful launch of collaborative programmes with universities in France and Switzerland.

Founded in 1855, Penn State University is one of the largest and most respected research institutions in the United States. Earlier this year, Chairman of the Board of MNU Talgat Narikbayev and Provost Sergey Pen visited Penn State University, where agreements were reached to expand cooperation. During that visit, plans were outlined for the implementation of joint academic initiatives in the fields of hospitality management, journalism, communications, and international relations. These initiatives include the development of joint educational programmes such as 2+2, 3+1, BA+MA, and an opportunity for graduates of MNU’s Law School to pursue studies under the SJD programme — the American equivalent of a PhD.

This meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening academic ties between Kazakhstan and the United States, with MNU serving as an open platform for the exchange of global knowledge, best practices, and innovation.

Euronews Academy Courses are Now Offered at MNU

The Euronews Academy courses are held at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU). Leading experts from the largest international television channel teach students the fundamentals of television and digital journalism, sharing their extensive practical experience.

The Euronews Academy courses aim to develop professional skills in journalism and media. Students gain unique access to the educational programmes and internship opportunities offered by the channel, receiving hands-on knowledge from prominent international specialists. This initiative is carried out under a memorandum of cooperation between Euronews, the Media Damytu Qory Corporate Foundation, and three universities in Astana, with MNU designated as the base institution for delivering the courses.

The Euronews Academy’s educational programme is offered free of charge and comprises several modules, including Television Journalism and Digital Journalism. In the first course, Bojan Brkic, an experienced media manager and head of the Euronews office in Astana, along with Sergio Cantone, an international expert, served as trainers. They taught students effective interviewing techniques and how to present confidently on camera. Participants explored various roles, filming reports, hosting on screen, and working in a live broadcast format.

The second course features intensive training in digital content creation, the application of artificial intelligence, social media promotion, and practical work with modern digital media tools. Trainers for this course include Euronews journalists and producers Tuba Altunkaya, Hannah Brown, Fatih Yetim, and Pierre Assémat. The course is scheduled to conclude on 19 May 2025.

It is worth noting that the majority of participants are students from the MNU International School of Journalism, who were selected by specialists from Euronews and the Media Damytu Qory Fund. Upon successful completion, students receive Euronews certificates acknowledging their participation and newly acquired competencies. In addition, international experts will deliver separate open lectures, and bespoke modules will be introduced for media professionals.

Euronews is the largest international television channel, headquartered in Brussels, with a broadcast reach of over 400 million households across 160 countries and attracting 25 million unique online visitors each month.

MNU Hosts First Central Asian Kapuscinski Lecture Featuring Cambridge Professor

Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) hosted the first-ever Kapuscinski Lecture in Central Asia, held as part of the Kapuscinski Lectures project, organised with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the European Commission. Professor Abhimanyu Sharma from the University of Cambridge delivered a lecture on Language Policy, Development, and Inclusion—a topic that sparked great interest among MNU students and guests of the university.

Abhimanyu Sharma is a distinguished scholar in the field of language policy. His doctoral research focused on the European Union’s language policy in the context of India. During his lecture at the Kapuscinski Talks, he explored the profound impact of language policy on development. The discussion centred around two core areas: the role of English-language education and the marginalisation of deaf communities resulting from the absence of sign language instruction.

In his address, the speaker emphasised two key dimensions of language policy. The first part introduced fundamental concepts of public policy, language policy, and development. The second part delved into the role of the English language in India, particularly in relation to identity formation and social mobility. The final section addressed policies concerning people with hearing impairments, the social stigma they face, and the critical importance of sign languages.

“Languages are often perceived merely as tools of communication. Perhaps this bias exists because the impact of languages on our daily life is not as tangible and visual to policymakers as, let us say, a unity party or a group. We tend to forget that languages are also powerful markers of identity. And because languages are so inherently intertwined with our self-perception and the way we define ourselves, they must be integral to public policy,” said Abhimanyu Sharma.

The speaker placed particular emphasis on those whose voices frequently remain unheard—members of marginalised linguistic communities. Their inclusion in the public, educational, and cultural spheres is not simply a matter of fairness, but a prerequisite for sustainable and inclusive development. According to Professor Sharma, empowering these communities by giving them a voice, granting access to essential resources, and ensuring their participation in decision-making processes is vital for building a future in which every individual feels valued and included.

“Language policy has a profound influence on the processes of social cohesion, because languages play a crucial role in tension building. They are fundamental in defining who or what states are. Thus, the strategic and inclusive governance of linguistic diversity has become a critical component of sustainable and equitable state development,” Abhimanyu Sharma underscored.

It is worth noting that the Kapuscinski Lectures project is named in honour of the renowned Polish journalist and writer Ryszard Kapuściński. MNU takes pride in being part of this international initiative, contributing to the advancement of an open, just, and inclusive society.

Representatives from Leading U.S. Universities Visit MNU

Delegates from prestigious U.S. educational institutions, including Harvard, Wellesley, Barnard, Grinnell and Middlebury visited Maqsut Narikbayev University. The American colleagues familiarized themselves with MNU’s educational programs and discussed promising areas of cooperation.

Middlebury College, one of the leading universities in the U.S., actively promotes the study of foreign languages among its students. As part of a long-standing partnership with Maqsut Narikbayev University, American students studying Russian travel to Kazakhstan every year. In addition, they undertake full coursework in various disciplines.

The U.S. guests expressed interest in the educational programs, academic process and comfortable learning conditions at MNU. University Provost Sergey Pen provided detailed information about the university’s achievements and guided them through the campus facilities. The parties expressed hope for strengthening international student exchange programs.

“Our university annually hosts students from various countries and we are confident that academic mobility opportunities will attract leading global universities. MNU is a center for the active development of linguistic studies. We are grateful to our partners from Middlebury College for recommending us as a reliable partner in language education,” said Anar Ibrayeva, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts.

It is worth noting that the Applied Linguistics educational program quickly proved its high demand and ranked first in the updated rating of university educational programs by the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan, “Atameken”.