Almaty Forum Explores New Silk Roads in Education, Art and AI

The forum brought together representatives of government bodies, university leaders, experts from international organisations, researchers and cultural figures from Central Asian countries, Italy, Singapore and Uruguay. The organisers were CIMEA, the CIMEA Central Asia regional office and the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty.

One of the key themes of the first day was the internationalisation of higher education. Participants discussed academic mobility, the recognition of diplomas and the need to strengthen trust between national education systems. According to data presented at the forum, there are currently 7.3 million students worldwide studying outside their home countries, and every sixth student from Central Asia goes abroad to study.

Particular attention was given to quality assurance in education and the experience of Kazakh universities in working with international partners. Experts stressed that transparent mechanisms for quality assessment and qualification recognition are becoming an important condition for the development of cross-border education.

The discussion of artificial intelligence went beyond technological solutions. Participants raised questions of ethics, the meaning of education and the role of people in an era of rapid AI development. The programme also examined flexible educational models and micro-credentials, which make it possible to expand lifelong learning opportunities and have acquired competencies recognised in different countries.

The first day concluded with a dialogue between Professor Francesco Monico and the renowned Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto on the “Progetto Arte Manifesto” and the capacity of art to influence social transformation.

The forum will continue on 27 October. The second day will focus on climate and green education, the contribution of art and culture to social change and regional cooperation, and media and information literacy in universities.