Visually-Impaired Version 
On International Anti-Corruption Day, leaders of government agencies, experts, and rectors of leading universities gathered at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) to discuss the promotion of academic integrity in the education system. The university hosted the National Forum Adal bilim – adal urpaq.
The event was initiated by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs (ACSA). More than 300 participants attended the forum. Discussions focused on strengthening academic integrity mechanisms in higher education, building a culture of intolerance towards corruption, and improving governance solutions to reinforce academic integrity in secondary and technical education institutions.
Speakers included Darkhan Zhazykbay, Chair of ACSA; Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education; Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Minister of Enlightenment; and Talgat Narikbayev, Chair of the Board of MNU and Chair of the Council of the League of Academic Integrity. The parties also signed a Memorandum on joint efforts to strengthen academic integrity and approved a 2026-2027 Roadmap. The document outlines a comprehensive plan to promote a culture of integrity, adopt international anti-corruption standards, and expand programmes on ethics, legal literacy, and professional responsibility.
“Seven years after the establishment of the League of Academic Integrity, we can confidently say that it is not merely an association, but a platform that supports institutions and transforms the understanding of academic integrity at a systemic level. The principles of the League fully align with the concept of Law and Order and the President’s vision of a Just Kazakhstan,” noted Talgat Narikbayev.
He also highlighted that the League of Academic Integrity now unites 22 Kazakhstani universities. Over the past year, a new monitoring model based on the international standard of the Center for Academic Integrity (USA) was introduced, cooperation with schools, colleges, and universities was expanded, work began on updating the Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Academia, new League standards were adopted, and the expert network was strengthened. Meanwhile, ACSA Chair Darkhan Zhazykbay stressed the strategic importance of the forum, recalling the President’s instruction to introduce strict liability, including licence revocation, for violations of academic integrity and corruption in universities.
“The values we embed in the education system today will determine the outcomes we see tomorrow. Academic integrity is a guiding principle that directs the education system on the right path,” said Darkhan Zhazykbay.
In his report, the Agency Chair emphasised that strengthening integrity in schools, colleges, and universities is viewed as a component of ensuring national security. The forum also discussed the results of corruption-risk analysis in the education sector and the need to further improve mechanisms for open recruitment of leaders, prevention of conflicts of interest, and enhancement of governance standards. Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek noted that the development of anti-corruption culture should begin as early as the preschool years.
It is worth noting that a forum on promoting academic integrity was also held at MNU in 2024.
