Five undergraduate and graduate students from Nazarbayev University participated in the AUA–SNU Youth Forum 2025: Sustainable Cities and Living Heritage, held from January 19 to 25 in Seoul. The forum was organized under the Asian Universities Alliance, which brings together 15 leading universities across Asia, including NU.
The event focused on one of the key global challenges: finding a balance between rapid urbanization and the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. Seoul was chosen as the main case study—a city where the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty coexists harmoniously with dynamic modern economic development.
During the forum, students attended expert lectures, participated in field sessions, and worked on collaborative projects. This experience enabled them to analyze how South Korea’s approach to rapid urbanization could inform sustainable development strategies in Kazakhstan.
In addition, participants visited key sites in Seoul, immersing themselves in the city’s harmonious blend of urban growth and cultural heritage. The city’s Seoul TOPIS transportation system left a particularly strong impression on the students. They explored ways to adapt Seoul’s digital transport solutions for cities such as Astana and Almaty, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance urban environmental sustainability.
“Learning from highly experienced professors was extremely valuable. I was especially impressed by South Korea’s TOPIS system, which manages the country’s entire transportation network. This example offers important lessons for urban development in Kazakhstan,” said Ayazhan Askarova, a second-year master’s student in the Educational Leadership program.
Dina Kairatkzy, a second-year student in the World Languages, Literature, and Culture program, noted that the forum provided not only academic value but also a unique opportunity to connect with students from leading Asian universities and engage with their cultures and languages.
Nazarbayev University is committed to fostering innovative and practice-oriented thinking among its students, preparing highly qualified professionals for Kazakhstan. To this end, the university actively collaborates with top universities worldwide.
