2024, November 13
#NUgoesGLOBAL
Collaboration with Canadian Universities: Discussing a New University in Ulytau
2024, November 13
Share this articleA Canadian delegation visited NU in Kazakhstan with the aim of exploring opportunities for collaboration in higher education.
Specifically, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kazakhmys Corporation are currently working on attracting Canadian experts for the establishment of the Ulytau Technical University in the city of Zhezkazgan.
The delegation included representatives from several Canadian universities, including Ontario Tech University, Thompson Rivers University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and the University of New Brunswick. Also present at the meeting were representatives from the Ulytau Educational Foundation.
In his welcoming address, NU President, Professor Waqar Ahmad, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating: «Nazarbayev University places great value on partnerships. Initially, we focused on strategic collaborations with leading universities from the United Kingdom, the United States, and the region. However, in recent years, having reached a certain level of maturity, we have recognized the need for new forms of collaboration. Today, we have a highly qualified staff, an efficient system, and robust processes, along with rich experience. As a result, we have moved towards equal partnerships, where the primary focus is on joint research».
Loretta O'Donnell, NU's Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, gave a detailed presentation to the guests, providing an overview of the university and its accomplishments. «We are deeply interested in collaborating with Canadian universities on dual degree programs, student and faculty exchanges. We are open to working with both Canadian and local Kazakhstani universities through a trilateral partnership», she emphasized.
The Canadian university representatives expressed interest in scientific collaboration in several areas, including the development of assistive robotics, clean energy, educational transformation, land reclamation, regenerative agriculture, cultural heritage preservation, archaeology, and more.
Stuart McIlmoyle, a representative of the Ulytau Educational Foundation, noted: «We understand that the focus of this visit is on the Ulytau region and the creation of a new university. However, I am confident that there are significant opportunities for collaboration in other areas as well. The new university will require support not only from Canadian institutions but also from Kazakhstani universities. It is crucial to garner the support of experienced Kazakhstani universities that can assist in the creation of this unique institution, both in terms of design and conceptual content».
