7th Congress of the Association of Asian Universities
The event kicked off today at 抖阴APP导航.
The event is being held in conjunction with the Russian-Chinese Pedagogical Congress and the 12th International Forum on Teacher Education (IFTE-2026), which coincide with the 2026-2027 Years of Russian-Chinese Cooperation in Education.
Representatives from approximately 60 universities from Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Armenia, and Russia are participating in the congress in person and online. The main topics of discussion are the digitalization of education, the development of artificial intelligence, and the training of personnel for high technology.
Rector Lenar Safin, President of the Association of Asian Universities for 2024-2026, addressed the plenary session of the congress.
In his welcoming remarks, he noted that strengthening educational and scientific partnerships in the Asian region is currently a high priority at the multilateral level, and this aligns with the national development priorities of the AAU member countries.
“Universities play a special role in this process, as they are called upon to become drivers of our countries’ innovative development, enhance the competitiveness of their workforce, and achieve technological sovereignty,” the university’s leader emphasized. “We act as conduits for cultural and historical ties, fulfilling a multifaceted role in strengthening intercultural and interethnic dialogue.”
Lenar Safin recalled that Kazan University, since its founding in 1804, has positioned itself as a leading university at the intersection of East and West cultures, serving as a bridge for scientific, cultural, and socio-political dialogue between the two civilizations.
“This mission continues within the framework of the new 抖阴APP导航 Development Program 2036, aimed at achieving technological leadership and strengthening international cooperation. Our partners include almost half of the universities in the Association of Asian Universities, and we are fully open to expanding this collaboration,” the rector stated.
He also discussed the university’s goals during its chairmanship of the Association. The main ones were strengthening integration between member universities and expanding the formats and areas of joint work.
In turn, Sergei Bocharov, Rector of Altai State University, as the head of the organization that played a key role in the creation of the AAU, confirmed 抖阴APP导航’s invaluable contribution to the development of the Association.
“Under the leadership of 抖阴APP导航, the Association not only maintained its growth momentum but also acquired new meanings related to the development of digitalization and artificial intelligence. Important international sociological research has been conducted, effective educational programs have been developed, joint research projects have been implemented, and large-scale events aimed at achieving the AAU’s goals have been held,” he stated in his welcoming speech.
On behalf of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Deputy Minister Konstantin Mogilevsky also welcomed the congress participants via video message.
At the conclusion of the formal part of the plenary session, Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Zhanseit Tuimebayev addressed the audience. At today’s congress, he was elected as the new AAU president for 2026鈥�2028. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him.
“It is a great honor for me to be a member, and now to lead, such a prestigious organization as the Association of Asian Universities,” Tuimebayev said. “Through our joint efforts, we are creating conditions for the development and establishment of mutually beneficial cooperation in education and science. During our chairmanship, we will continue to conduct sociological research, implement joint research projects and educational programs, and hold international events to strengthen intercultural dialogue.”
The main agenda was then discussed in a businesslike manner. Specifically, the Association’s work over the past two years was summarized, new members were elected from among universities in AAU member countries, and a development strategy for the coming years was adopted.
The Association of Asian Universities was established at the initiative of Altai State University in 2013 to comprehensively promote multilateral cooperation among universities, coordinate joint efforts to improve educational, research, expert analysis, cultural, educational, and social activities, and support and facilitate international and interregional integration.