Х CENTRAL ASIAN INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON QUALITY ASSURANCE IN EDUCATION

On 2-3 October 2026, the X Central Asian International Forum on Quality Assurance in Education was held under the theme “Enhancing Quality in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies: New Horizons of Education”, dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR) and hosted by Astana IT University.

The Anniversary International Forum focused on discussing issues related to the quality of higher education in the context of digital transformation, the integration of artificial intelligence into the educational process, the improvement of international standards, and the development of a unified educational space among Central Asian countries.

Among the distinguished speakers at the opening of the Forum’s Plenary Session were T.I. Yeshenkulov, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Cristina Ghitulica, President of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), B.T. Zhumagulov, President of the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, B.S. Aitimova, Chair of the IAAR Supervisory Board, G.N. Motova, President of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), and Ricardo Leon-Borquez, President of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

Alina Zhumagulova, General Director of IAAR, delivered a presentation on the Agency’s achievements over its 15 years of activity, expressing gratitude to the people who stood at the foundation of independent accreditation in Kazakhstan, as well as acknowledging the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan in advancing quality assurance. She particularly highlighted the important role of IAAR’s pool of experts, whose professionalism contributes to the Agency’s reputation and strengthens public trust in the quality of education. Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University, delivered a welcoming address, mentioning the importance of quality assurance in education in the digital era and in the context of using of artificial intelligence.

During four panel sessions, moderators and Forum participants discussed current issues related to enhancing the quality of education, the use of artificial intelligence in education, the digitalisation of educational processes, the promotion of a quality culture in Central Asian higher education institutions, and the development of new educational pathways in response to contemporary challenges and global changes.

More than 250 participants actively took part in the International Forum, including representatives of the academic communities of Kazakhstan and other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Russia, Belarus, China, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkiye, Romania, Georgia, Moldova, Latvia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as heads of international organisations, university rectors, and independent experts from 29 countries worldwide.

As an annual platform for dialogue and discussion, the Central Asian International Forum on Quality Assurance in Education demonstrated particularly strong international engagement this year in exploring new approaches to assessing the quality of education and preparing competitive and in-demand professionals equipped with the competencies and practical skills required for the international labour market in the context of digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence.

The outcomes of the International Forum have received extensive media coverage, generating significant interest and a broad response within the global education community.

Media coverage materials are available at the following links:

https://kazpravda.kz/n/globalnye-vyzovy-i-poisk-resheniy/

https://youtu.be/lpLu-YGV1hE?si=wRt4WslPyUAp3G0g

https://youtu.be/TM9eJvRA-r4?si=-7Fl40NzQ_1fa9zO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HcbdW3axY

The IAAR team congratulates General Director Alina Zhumagulova on being awarded the prestigious A. Baitursynov Order for her contribution to the development of the education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Photos of the forum are available at the following link