Role of universities in development of the civil society

On November 9, 2018 Almaty Management University hosted the international conference "Role of universities in development of the civil society" organized by Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan together with Almaty Management University. The conference was co-organized by Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Social Development and Association of Business Universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The conference reviewed the current state of the civil society in Kazakhstan and analyzed the prospects for its development, discussed issues of practical interaction between government authorities and the non-governmental sector, ways and opportunities to expand cooperation, existing issues and new trends.

The focus of attention is the contribution of universities to development of the civil society, support and implementation of Rukhani Zangyru program by universities and promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Participants of the event spoke of the need to create universities of a new format in the country, built on the principles of social responsibility, serving national interests, the state and society, for development of the civic literacy and support of a volunteer movement among students. Particpants also discussed issues related to the impementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how we the universities, civil society, business and the government can work together for these goals.

The event was attended by over 50 representatives of Kazakhstani and foreign universities, as well as more than 40 representatives of non-governmental organizations, leading Kazakhstani political scientists and experts, representatives of research and academic institutions, the business community and diplomatic corps on the declared topics:

• Contribution of universities to development of the civil society

• “Serving society” as a tool for development of students’ social and civic activity

• Trends of modern Kazakhstan University: how to become a territory of meanings?

• Partnership between universities and NGOs: what can be learnt from each other?

• Role of universities in implementation of the state program “Rukhani Zangiru”

Main speakers of the conference were:

• Sergey Konovalov, Vice Minister of Public Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan

• Abdurakhim Mukhidov, Head of the UN Department of Public Information

•Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, President of Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan and Almaty Management University

• Annie Lo, senior vice president and AACSB general director for Asia-Pacific region (Singapore)

• Takir Balykbaev, Rector of KazNPU. Abaya

• Sergey Myasoedov, Vice-Rector, RANEPA, (Russia)

• Mayra Suleeva, “Kenes” Public Association of Disabled People

• Kanat Nurov, President of “Aspandau” Scientific and Educational Foundation

• Gulmira Kurganbayeva, Rector of Almaty Management University

Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan is the largest republican association of NGOs, established in 2005 and having branches in all regions of Kazakhstan. To date, the number of members of CAK is more than 500 organizations. The goal of Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan is to fulfill the role of an ideological center combining interests of the state and the civil sector presented by NGOs and opinion leaders. From June 5, 2018, the President of the Alliance is Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, a public figure, an expert in business education and management, the president of Almaty Management University.

According to A. Kozhakhmetov, the path to creation of a stable and strong state lies only through creation of a strong civil society, and in this process Kazakhstani universities should play an important role. Today, universities are only the education, science and upbringing of the younger generation, they must become centers of intellectual and expert activities, and contribute to development of the economy, urban communities and local regions.

During the Conference, a discussion was held on topical issues affecting the social role and responsibility of universities, rights and interests of young people, exchange of best practices regarding education, projects and programs aimed at young people.