Sustainable tourism development in Central AsiaFarabi University

The II International Forum "Sustainable Tourism Development in Central Asia: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects" has started at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

At the opening of the event, Erkin Duisenov, Deputy Chairman of the Board and Acting First Vice–Rector, Mr. Chong Kaye, Dean and Professor of International Hotel Management at the Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).

During the forum, a cooperation agreement was signed between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as well as the grand opening of the Center for Sustainable Development in Central Asia. Mr. Hok Bun Ku, Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU, Director of the China and Global Development Network, introduced his tasks. He noted that the Center will specialize in highly effective interdisciplinary research to provide practical, innovative solutions to key social problems in Central Asia, the Belt and Road Initiative countries, and the world. As well as "promote international dialogue and cooperation through highly effective forums and become the leading think tank in Central Asia on global innovation and sustainable development",- said Mr. Hok Bun Ku.

The speaker outlined the priority areas of the Center's research: social work, social development and social policy; sustainable tourism, community tourism, digital transformation of tourism, AI in tourism, as well as tourism education and training; Sustainable development and environmental protection.

During the forum, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kazakhstan. The document was signed between Acting First Vice-rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University E.Duisenov and Deputy Permanent Representative of the UNDP in Kazakhstan Sukhrob Khodzhimatov. Memoranda of Cooperation were also signed between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Palembang Polytechnic Institute of Tourism and Mamun University (Uzbekistan). During the forum, expert sections and panel sessions were held, where the main refrain was the issue of Sustainable tourism development. A tour of the hub was conducted for the guests.

The forum will last for three days. An excursion to the Ile-Alatau State National Nature Park is planned for the forum participants. As part of the Taza Kazakhstan campaign, guests will visit the Ayusai Center, the old Japanese road, and the lower Ayusai waterfall.