In a profound celebration that coincided with Republic Day, Kazakhstan made a powerful statement about its commitment to the development of higher education. On October 24, this commitment was exemplified by the prestigious ‘Parasat’ Order, which has been awarded to distinguished individuals in the fields of science, education, and culture, QazMonitor reports.
This recognition underscores the pivotal role these domains play in driving the nation's progress. The ‘Parasat’ Order, which translates to ‘Wisdom’ in Kazakh, is more than just an accolade; it symbolizes Kazakhstan's robust support for the academic and scientific sectors. It celebrates individuals whose exceptional contributions have elevated the nation's reputation and paved the path for future progress.
Among the distinguished recipients of the ‘Parasat’ Order is Dikhan Qamzabekuly, the Vice Rector of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to academic excellence have left an indelible mark on Kazakhstan's education landscape. Notably, on October 18, the Eurasian National University hosted the ninth meeting of the Scientific and Educational Consortium of Higher Education Institutions and Research Institutes of Kazakhstan and Belarus. This consortium was aimed at facilitating wide exchanges of experience in academic mobility.
Another recipient of the ‘Parasat’ Order is Makhabbat Bekbosynova, professor and First Deputy Chairman of the Board of National Research Cardiac Surgery Centre JSC. Professor Bekbosynova's exceptional contributions to cardiac surgery and her commitment to advancing medical science have earned her this prestigious recognition.
Honoring the dedication to support and move science in Kazakhstan forward
Kazakhstan's dedication to the advancement of higher education extends beyond individual recognition. It is embodied in the recent approval of the ‘Concept for the Development of Higher Education and Science in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023-2029.’ This visionary initiative reaffirms the country's commitment to the advancement of higher education and scientific exploration as the cornerstones of its future.
At the core of this comprehensive strategy lies the unwavering drive towards the fortification of academic excellence within universities. This strategic vision encompasses the establishment of modern teaching and research laboratories, fostering an environment that is conducive to innovation and the generation of knowledge. This critical investment is regarded as a pivotal step in arming the nation with a knowledge-based economy, stimulating the growth of advanced skills, and nurturing increased commercialization of research.
Central to this visionary concept is the unwavering focus on nurturing scientific research. Kazakhstan aspires to increase its investment in scientific endeavors from all available sources, with the audacious goal of allocating funding for research, scientific, technical, and design projects that would amount to 1% of the nation's GDP. Furthermore, there is a substantial expansion planned for the value of grants directed toward master's and Ph.D. candidates, with the state's educational order for Ph.D. candidates set to soar to 5,000 grants.
In alignment with Kazakhstan's global initiatives, there are plans to establish 12 branches of foreign universities within the country by 2029. These strategic collaborations are slated to encompass the recruitment of 1,400 foreign experts who will actively partake in both teaching and research activities, further enhancing the nation's intellectual capital.
Kazakhstan's remarkable journey toward becoming a global hub for knowledge, education, and scientific excellence is underlined by these developments. They embody the nation's dedication to knowledge, innovation, and progress and set the stage for a brighter and more knowledge-driven future. All of this, harmoniously intertwined with the celebration of Republic Day, eloquently conveys Kazakhstan's staunch commitment to the pursuit of excellence and progress.