ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Belgium agreed to expand academic mobility, joint research and artificial intelligence cooperation as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attended a bilateral Rectors’ Forum on Oct. 13, bringing together leaders of 29 universities and research organizations.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium attended the Rectors’ Forum in Astana on Oct. 12. Photo credit: Akorda Held at the Alem.ai International Center during the Belgian royal couple’s state visit, the forum focused on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education and scientific research.
Kazakh and Belgian universities signed more than 20 agreements and memorandums of understanding, Akorda reported. Discussions focused on integrating AI into teaching, research and university management, adapting curricula to emerging technologies and strengthening digital competencies among students and faculty.
Participants also explored AI applications in language education, translation and multilingual academic communication, as well as the role of human expertise and trust in digital tools. Kazakhstan highlighted its AI-Sana initiative, which aims to develop students’ AI skills, entrepreneurship and deep-tech startups.
According to Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Gulzat Kobenova, the country plans to increase the share of universities incorporating AI courses into their curricula to 60% by 2029, according to the ministry’s press service. The forum also discussed opportunities for Kazakh researchers to participate in European research programs, including Horizon Europe, and for universities to strengthen industry links.
Universities sign cooperation agreements Al-Farabi Kazakh National University signed memorandums with Ghent University, KU Leuven and the University of Mons. The agreements provide for academic exchanges, joint educational initiatives and research cooperation. KazNU and Ghent University plan to develop exchanges in linguistics and a dual-degree program for doctoral students.
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University signed three agreements with the same Belgian institutions, covering student and faculty mobility, joint educational programs, research projects and internships. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University signed an agreement with KU Leuven and its SIM² research institute to establish a joint center focused on critical materials, including rare and rare-earth materials.
The initiative is intended to combine research activities with specialist training. Another initiative will advance the Mirror Lab, a joint Kazakhstan-Ghent University laboratory focused on mathematics, AI, modeling and engineering computations. It is expected to operate at the Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling and the Alem.ai International Center.