Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted the II International Forum of Academics within the framework of the II Central Asia–China Summit, which was jointly organized by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Xi'an Jiaotong University.

The purpose of the forum is to contribute to solving urgent global challenges such as climate change, desertification, population growth and poverty reduction through the introduction of scientific research and advanced technologies.

The forum was attended by Chairman of the Board – Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Zhanseit Tuimebayev, President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akylbek Kurishbayev, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Dinara Shcheglova, Executive Vice President of Xi'an Jiaotong University Bi Zhaohong, representatives of ministries and akimats of Almaty, as well as scientists and experts in the field of energy from the countries of Central Asia and China.

The distinguished guests and participants were greeted by KazNU Rector, Zhanseit Tuimebayev. He noted that on June 16, at the invitation of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping will visit the country. On June 17, Astana will host the II Central Asia–China Summit with the participation of the heads of state of the region.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted at a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year: "China is not just a good neighbor for us, but a close friend and a time–tested reliable partner". In turn, Chinese President Xi Jinping said: "I would like to confirm that China always considers relations with Kazakhstan from a strategic perspective and from a long-term perspective. I assure you that China will always be a reliable support for Kazakhstan"

"It is the warm and trusting relations at the highest level between the heads of state of Kazakhstan and China that have become a solid foundation for our current cooperation. Within the framework of this summit, academicians of the Central Asian and Chinese Academies of Sciences gathered at KazNU today", - KazNU Rector Zh.Tuimebaev.

It should be noted that within the framework of the summit of heads of state, at the second meeting of the Central Asia–China Business Council, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University plans to conclude three agreements. The first is between KazNU and the Chinese TusHoldings Corporation, which is one of the leading institutes of innovative entrepreneurship in China. The document provides for the creation of a joint business incubator for the development of startups in the fields of Deep Tech, digital and green technologies, biomedicine and artificial intelligence. The second is the creation of the Huibo digital intellectual workshop, which will become a modern educational and scientific platform. The third is an agreement on the establishment of a ground–based satellite station. This initiative will be an important step in expanding international cooperation and technological exchange in the field of space research.

Currently, KazNU has 65 partnerships with universities and organizations in China. The total number of international students from China is 1,440. International cooperation with Central Asian countries is also actively developing: 55 agreements have been signed with universities in the region. Dual degree programs and joint educational projects are being successfully implemented in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

"The purpose of our forum is not just to exchange views, but to promote real cooperation aimed at deepening integration in the field of green energy within the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative, the implementation of the Green Silk Road concept, the exchange of advanced technologies and the development of industrial synergies. The Forum aims to join forces to address the global challenges of our time, such as climate change, desertification, population growth and poverty. Our contribution is possible only through science, education and innovation", - said KazNU Rector Zhanseit Tuimebayev.

President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akylbek Kurishbayev also delivered an introductory speech. "The first Xi'an Summit in 2023 and the Xi'an Declaration signed there opened a new era of cooperation. This forum is a step towards deepening integration: Kazakhstan has industrial and scientific potential and is an active organizer of the regional green transition agenda. The National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan is always ready to support the development of scientific partnership with China and the countries of Central Asia. This forum is an important step towards the formation of an integrated scientific space. I am confident that our joint efforts will lead to the sustainable development of the region", A.Kurishbayev said. President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akylbek Kurishbayev proposed the creation of the Central Asian Biodiversity Council as a coordinating mechanism for nature conservation and sustainable land use.

Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Dinara Shcheglova read out a congratulatory letter from Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

"Today's event within the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative promotes the deepening of cooperation in the field of green energy, the implementation of the Green Silk Road concept and the exchange of advanced technologies. The strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China has reached a new level today. Mutual trust and friendship between the two heads of State are the solid foundation of the two countries' relations. In this context, the forum being held at KazNU is a vivid manifestation of partnership",- the letter says.

The floor was also given to Vice-President of Xi'an University Bi Zhao Hong, President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic Kanatbek Abdrakhmatov and Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Saidmukum Ibodov.

During the plenary session, representatives of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Xi'an Jiaotong University (PRC), the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, the International University of Kyrgyzstan and Samarkand State University (Uzbekistan) signed the Almaty Charter on Cooperation in the field of Green energy.

The work of the forum continued in thematic panel sections. The participants presented their developments on accelerating the transition to green energy, exchanged experiences and opinions.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University