The Technical Assistance Mission (TAM) Seminar titled “Development of Inclusive Higher Education” took place on June 12–13, 2025, at Astana IT University. The event brought together over 50 participants, including vice-rectors, deans, faculty members, representatives of inclusion centers and PhD students from around 30 universities across Kazakhstan. The seminar was organized by the National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan in collaboration with the Higher Education Reform Experts of Kazakhstan (HERE) and the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency.
The event opened with welcoming speeches from Serik Omirbayev, First Vice-Rector of Astana IT University and Chairman of the national HERE team, Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation Section of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Rysgul Kudretullayeva, Head of Unit of the Content of Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Leading experts from Croatia – Ninoslav Šćukanec Schmidt and Ana Skledar Matijević from the Institute for the Development of Education – provided deep insight into the EHEA policy frameworks, inclusive education practices, and institutional strategies. Their contributions served as a catalyst for reflection and action among Kazakh higher education institutions. Over two days, participants engaged in interactive discussions with practical group work and working sessions focused on understanding key terms and concepts related to equity, inclusion, and diversity in higher education, identifying challenges and policy gaps in Kazakh and European contexts and exploring successful practices and support mechanisms. The seminar concluded with a forward-looking session summarizing key takeaways and drafting initial action points for institutions and policymakers. Participants also provided feedback and contributed to the development of a national roadmap to strengthen inclusion and equity in higher education. This seminar reflects the continued commitment of Kazakhstan to align with the EHEA priorities and ensure inclusive, accessible, and equitable higher education for all.
Besides, during the seminar, a cooperation agreement was signed between Salymbekov University of Kyrgyzstan whose President, Amangeldi Zhumadilov was one of the participants of the event as the HERE member from Kyrgyzstan and Astana IT university represented by Andrii Biloshchytskyi, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations. Both sides agreed on a long-term sustainable partnership.
The National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan extends its sincere gratitude to all involved parties and participants of the event!