KazNARU Opens International Center for Inclusive Education under the Erasmus+ EduFusion Project

On 2 July 2026, the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) officially opened the International Center for Inclusive Education, created within the framework of the Erasmus+ EduFusion Capacity Building in Higher Education project.

The opening of the Center marks an important milestone in the development of inclusive higher education in Kazakhstan. Its activities are aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for all learners, fostering an inclusive academic environment, introducing modern educational technologies, and promoting the exchange of international best practices in the field of inclusive education.

The opening ceremony was attended by Laura Paluanova, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan, the University leadership, international experts, faculty deans, heads of departments, representatives of research units, academic staff, students, and members of the public.

During the event, participants learned about the new Center, its key objectives, and future development plans. Special attention was given to the importance of international cooperation in creating an accessible and high-quality educational environment. It was emphasized that the EduFusion project contributes to the implementation of international best practices in inclusive education and promotes modern approaches to teaching and learning.

The International Center for Inclusive Education will serve as a modern platform for implementing inclusive practices, advancing digital solutions, coordinating research and methodological activities, and creating an accessible learning environment for students with special educational needs.

The Center’s main areas of activity include:

• developing and adapting educational programmes in line with international standards for inclusive education;
• strengthening the professional competencies of academic staff to work effectively in inclusive and diverse educational environments;
• developing accessible digital and physical infrastructure that ensures equal opportunities for all learners;
• enhancing research and methodological support for inclusive education processes.

As part of the EduFusion project, Competence Development Centers for academic staff will be opened at each partner university. In the future, these centers in Kazakhstan will establish cooperation agreements with similar centers in Europe, South America, Central Asia, and Africa to facilitate the exchange of experience, the joint development of educational solutions, and the strengthening of international academic cooperation.

Another important component of the project is the development of entrepreneurial competencies among higher education graduates. This will enhance their competitiveness in the modern labour market while strengthening the links between education, innovation, and the needs of the economy.

The opening of the International Center for Inclusive Education reflects KazNARU’s commitment to the principles of social responsibility, academic openness, equality, and inclusion. The implementation of the EduFusion project contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, strengthens international cooperation, and supports the further development of an inclusive and innovative higher education environment in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia.