Negotiations on the Development of a Joint Educational Program between Al-Farabi KazNU and the University of Lorraine. SDG 9 and SDG 17

On October 8, 2025, representatives of the Faculty of Physics and Technology and the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University held an online meeting with scientists and academic coordinators from the University of Lorraine (France).

The French side was represented by Dr. Olivier Botella, Head of the Master Énergie program at LEMTA (FST Nancy), and Professor Alex Faribault, Head of the Licence Physique program at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

The KazNU delegation included representatives of the “Physics” and “Mechanics and Energy” educational programs of the Faculty of Physics and Technology and the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics.

The meeting focused on discussing the potential development of a joint double-degree educational program (Double Degree) between KazNU and the University of Lorraine. Particular attention was given to aligning curricula, defining language proficiency requirements, academic mobility mechanisms, and integrating programs into the European Higher Education Area.

International Cooperation and Sustainable Development

This joint initiative aims to expand academic mobility, strengthen the Franco-Kazakh scientific and educational space, and enhance bilateral cooperation between universities of Kazakhstan and France.

The project contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: through the implementation of innovative models of physics and engineering education and exchange of best academic practices;

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: by fostering international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and development of joint educational initiatives.

Conclusion

The development of a joint educational program between Al-Farabi KazNU and the University of Lorraine represents a strategic step toward the internationalization of higher education, the establishment of a French-speaking engineering and physics school, and the training of highly qualified specialists in physics, mechanics, and energy who are competitive in the global market.