UIB International Week 2026: Global Collaboration, Science, and Innovation

On 10-13 March 2026, the University of International Business named after Kenzhegali Sagadiyev hosted the International Week of Faculty Development as part of UIB International Week 2026, under the theme “Global Collaboration: Science, Innovation, and Cultural Exchange”.

The event brought together faculty members, researchers, and experts from various universities across Kazakhstan, as well as international specialists. Over four days, participants discussed current trends in higher education, opportunities for international collaboration, and prospects for participation in international educational and research programs.

A week-long programme included lectures, practical sessions, and discussions focused on developing academic mobility, international research projects, and the integration of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence into the educational process.

Special attention was given to opportunities for universities to participate in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes. An information session was conducted by the coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan, presenting general information about Erasmus+ during the first day and discussing ways how to search partners for Erasmus+ projects and prepare competitive project proposals on the second day of the event. In addition, the event included presentations by several current Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) projects such as BERNICA, DIANA, and EduFusion during which the project coordinators shared their best practices in implementing CBHE projects.

The programme also featured a presentation by the national coordinator of Horizon Europe in Kazakhstan, who shared insights into opportunities for Kazakhstani researchers and universities to engage in European research projects.

The week included participation from international experts and representatives of foreign universities and organizations. Among the invited speakers were:

• an associate professor from a university in Turkey, who presented experiences in implementing international projects in nutrition and nutraceutical research;

• a professor from a health sciences university in Lithuania, who discussed digital transformation in healthcare education and the use of virtual reality as a platform for international scientific collaboration;

• the head of the international office of a German university of applied sciences, who shared mechanisms for academic cooperation with German universities and the role of DAAD in developing partnerships;

• an international higher education expert at the French Embassy in Kazakhstan, who spoke about the development of joint educational programmes and double-degree initiatives with French universities;

• a representative of the French Alliance in Almaty, who highlighted the importance of cultural and educational collaboration between countries.

In addition, participants discussed opportunities for Kazakhstani students to study abroad, internationalization of universities, strategic development of international partnerships, and enhancing the competitiveness of higher education institutions.

The International Week concluded with a ceremony awarding certificates to 17 participants of the professional development courses.

The event proved to be an important platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening professional networks, and fostering international collaboration in science, education, and innovation.