From 22 to 27 June 2026, the KAU International Summer School was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, organized by the Kazakh-American University (KAU) in partnership with SCOLAR Network. The Summer School was conducted within the framework of the SCOLAR Almaty Candidate Hub initiative, aimed at expanding the Network’s presence in Kazakhstan and strengthening international youth cooperation across the SCO region.
The program brought together 22 participants from seven countries: the United States, China, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Greece, and the host country, Kazakhstan. Among the participants were 10 active members representing the SCOLAR Beijing, Bishkek, and Tashkent Hubs, creating an environment that encouraged the exchange of experience between established SCOLAR communities and prospective members of the Almaty Candidate Hub.
Throughout the week, participants took part in an intensive academic program dedicated to digital diplomacy, international cooperation, leadership, intercultural communication, and the development of practical professional competencies. In addition to strengthening subject-specific knowledge, the Summer School placed significant emphasis on developing soft skills, including leadership, teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking, and effective communication.
The academic program featured lectures and discussions delivered by distinguished scholars, diplomats, and international experts. Among the speakers were Kulyakhan Taichikova, PhD in History, Associate Professor and recipient of numerous international research grants; Majer Massanov, National Programme Officer for Communication and Information at the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty; Nurzhan Nagashbekov, PhD in Conflictology and Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs at Kazakh-American University; Gulistan Khamzayeva, Chairwoman of the Kazakhstan Diplomats’ Wives Community, educator, linguist, translator, writer, and artist, who introduced participants to the traditions of the Kazakh Tea Ceremony; Alisher Zhunissov, Vice-Dean for Student Affairs at Kazakh-American University; Edoardo Crisafulli, Attaché at the Embassy of Italy to the Republic of Kazakhstan; Madi Aldabergenov, Head of International Projects and Innovations at IEC; and Aigerim Rustemova, whose sessions focused on practical competencies and professional development in an international environment.
An important component of the Summer School was its extensive cultural program, designed to introduce participants to Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage and contemporary society. The delegation visited the United Nations Representative Office in Almaty, where participants learned about the activities of the UN system and its work in the region. The program also included visits to the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, the A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts, Green Bazaar, the Rakhat flagship store, the Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Kok-Tobe, Medeu, Lake Issyk, and Bear Waterfall.
Summer School also provided opportunities for participants to present their own projects and ideas, exchange perspectives, and engage in discussions on international cooperation and youth leadership. A Gala Dinner featuring cultural performances from participating countries served as an additional platform for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
KAU International Summer School demonstrated the importance of educational exchanges in fostering international cooperation among young leaders. Beyond the academic program, the initiative created opportunities for participants to establish professional connections, exchange experiences across cultures, and strengthen collaboration within the SCOLAR Network community.
Successful implementation of the Summer School represents another important step in the development of the SCOLAR Almaty Hub Candidate and reflects the shared commitment of Kazakh-American University and SCOLAR Network to promoting youth engagement, international dialogue, and educational cooperation throughout the region.
