A New Generation of Women Leaders in Kazakhstan: Applications Open for the Women Leadership Development Programme (WLDP)

Information about the organizer:

GSE, GSB & GSPP
Zhanyl Zhontayeva

Women leaders are shaping the future of Kazakhstan today — across higher education,
public administration, science, business, and civil society. At the same time, the demand for
strong, strategically minded, and future-oriented leaders continues to grow.
In response to this need, Nazarbayev University is launching the Women Leadership
Development Programme (WLDP), a new Executive Education initiative designed to
strengthen women’s leadership capacity and contribute to the development of a sustainable
talent pipeline for the country’s key sectors.

The programme has been developed by the Graduate School of Education in collaboration
with the Graduate School of Public Policy and the Graduate School of Business at
Nazarbayev University, and is implemented in partnership with the National Commission on
Women and Family-Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
WLDP will bring together accomplished and emerging women leaders from three
strategically important sectors:

  • higher education and research
  • public administration and policy
  • business and entrepreneurship

The programme is also open to leaders of non-governmental organisations, regional
institutions, and experts working on initiatives related to leadership and human capital
development.

Why is WLDP more than a traditional professional development programme?

  • Executive Education format grounded in international leadership development
    practices
  • 120 hours of blended learning designed for working professionals
  • Faculty members and experts from Kazakhstan and the international community
  • Mentoring support from experienced leaders and practitioners
  • Work on real institutional cases and leadership projects
  • Cross-sectoral networking and a professional community of women leaders
  • A unique module on “Women’s Leadership in the Age of AI”
  • Development of competencies in strategic management, negotiation, decision-
    making, and organisational transformation

Programme structure includes:

  • Strategic Leadership and Operational Management
  • Policy and Governance
  • Financial and Strategic Management
  • Women’s Leadership in the Age of AI
  • Personal Leadership Development
  • Capstone Leadership Project

WLDP is not a one-time training course, but a long-term investment in Kazakhstan’s human capital and in the development of a new generation of women leaders capable of shaping organizations, regions, and the country as a whole.

  • Programme format: blended learning
  • Duration: 120 hours
  • Cohort size: 75–85 participants (competitive selection)
  • Programme start: June 2026

If you are already making decisions — or preparing for the next stage of your leadership journey — we invite you to become part of a new professional community of women leaders in Kazakhstan.

For participation and registration inquiries:

pdp_nugse@nu.edu.kz

+7 (7172) 70-60-71

+7 701 710 9029

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 © Nazarbayev University

Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana city, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.