Strategic Meeting at the Institute of Asian Studies of Al-Farabi KazNU: Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the "Otandastar Foundation" NJSC and Discussing the Prospects of Diaspora Studies Development

On December 10, at the Institute of Asian Studies of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (hereinafter referred to as the Institute), ahead of the 10th International Round Table, the Director of the Institute, Professor German Nikolaevich Kim, received representatives of the "Otandastar Foundation" NJSC: Vice-President Alibek Zheksebiuly Zhurkadam and Managing Director of the Department of Analysis and Strategic Development Nurkhan Bukharbayevich Zhaliev.

The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere. The parties noted that they are linked by long-standing participation in joint conferences and personal acquaintance, which set a trusting tone for the conversation. The participants discussed the specifics of their organizations' work. Special mention was made of the Otandastar Foundation's contribution to preserving Kazakh culture abroad and assisting compatriots in returning to their historical homeland.

During the conversation, the relevance of the Foundation's activities was repeatedly emphasized, which closely resonates with the Institute's key scientific direction — diaspora studies. As is known, a significant number of ethnic Kazakhs reside in Asian countries and states bordering Kazakhstan, which generates natural research interest.

For its part, the Institute proposed ideas for joint projects, provided recommendations on preparing scientific grant applications, and offered its resources as a platform for further discussions. One of the discussion points was also the initiative to create electronic resources that meet the goals and objectives of both organizations.

The culmination of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which moved the partnership into an official channel. The document provides not only for the exchange of analytics and the holding of joint conferences but also for large-scale practical work. In particular, the parties agreed to organize field research and ethnographic expeditions aimed at studying the life of Kazakhs abroad. A separate clause of the agreement focuses on supporting young specialists and students researching migration issues, as well as implementing educational initiatives to popularize the history, language, and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan within the diaspora environment.

At the conclusion of the visit, Nurkhan Bukharbayevich Zhaliev spoke at the international round table with a report on the topic "Digital Diaspora: Virtual Consolidation of Kazakh Communities Abroad in the Context of Digital Development." The speaker presented the Foundation's achievements and strategic plans, placing special emphasis on the integration of the Kazakh diaspora into the global digital space and social networks, and outlined new mechanisms for interaction with compatriots.