Kazakhstani leader extends invitation to Italian tech universities for collaboration
Kazakhstan and Italy Strengthen Cooperation in Education and Culture
Kazakhstan's President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, underscored the significance of fostering collaboration in education and culture with Italy. A recent development in this regard is the inauguration of the Italian Culture Institute in Almaty.
Previously, President Tokayev mentioned Kazakhstan's potential to augment exports to Italy in more than 100 product categories, reaching approximately $1 billion.
The relationship between Kazakhstan and Italy extends beyond education and culture, encompassing trade, technology, and industrial development. The Central Asia-Italy Summit in Astana, attended by regional leaders and the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, underscores the commitment to broaden cooperation across various sectors.
In the realm of higher education, Italy and Kazakhstan are striving to bolster ties between their leading universities. The primary focus lies in enhancing collaboration between Kazakh and Italian technical universities. Around 4,000 Kazakh students are studying in Italy, a testament to the strong educational bonds between the two countries.
Additionally, invitations have been extended to Italian technical universities to set up branches within Kazakhstan, particularly in areas like engineering and technology. This move aligns with Kazakhstan's pursuit of developing technology parks and artificial intelligence technologies.
Cultural exchange is further facilitated by plans for a series of joint events in 2026, under the title "Year of Cultural Rapprochement between Central Asia and Italy." These events aim to strengthen cultural ties.
Innovation and technology collaboration are also on the agenda. Kazakhstan is actively promoting AI education and innovation through programs such as the Alem AI International Center and the Central Asia-European Union Innovation Campus at Astana Hub Technopark. These projects welcome Italian partners to participate actively.
The Italian Culture Institute in Almaty, recently opened, serves as a vital platform to promote Italian language, culture, and heritage in Kazakhstan. It encourages bilateral cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Italy is a substantial investor in Kazakhstan, with over $7.6 billion invested, making it the third-largest trading partner for Kazakhstan. This economic foundation provides a solid base for the educational and cultural initiatives taking place.
I am eager to explore opportunities for lifelong learning in the field of online education, considering Italy is a renowned player in this domain. With Kazakhstan's plans to establish Italian technical universities within its borders and the initiative to strengthen ties between leading universities, there seems to be a promising avenue for my personal education-and-self-development.
