A Meeting with PolyU Representatives was held at the Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia: New Research Directions and International Collaboration Initiatives Discussed

On 11 October 2025, a working meeting was held at the PolyU–KazNU Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia, located in the Farabi Hub innovation space. The delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) included Professor Ben Ku, Director of the Centre, Dr Kan, and their invited guests - Professor Dora Tam from the University of Calgary (Canada) and Professor Hor Ka Wa Christopher.

From Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, participants included Assoc. Prof. Dr Aliya Aktymbayeva, Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences and Deputy Director of the Centre; Yeldar Nuruly, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism and Administrative Assistant of the Centre; Dr Aruzhan Saimassayeva, Lecturer of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, FPPS, and Administrative Assistant of the Centre; Assoc. Prof. Dr Alexander Artemyev; Senior Lecturers Dr Gulbaram Kulakhmetova and Dr Akmaral Sapiyeva; Lecturer Aida Kaliyeva; and Junior Researchers of the Centre for Sustainable Development and Rational Nature Management Dinara Nurkyzy, Yerkezhan Dauletkhanova, Amina Shyrintay, and Aruzhan Serikbol.

During the meeting, the Centre’s team presented a comprehensive report on activities since its establishment, including implemented initiatives, joint research projects, published works, organised events, and participation in international academic forums. Current research directions and plans for their further development were also outlined. The discussion took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere of partnership and mutual trust.

Particular attention was given to the development of new interdisciplinary research bridging the fields of tourism, social development, and social work. The parties discussed opportunities for launching joint research and educational projects, expanding academic mobility for young researchers and doctoral students, and strengthening collaboration with PolyU’s key units - the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS).

An important highlight of the meeting was the initiative to organise a new international conference in 2026 under the auspices of the PolyU–KazNU Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia. The upcoming event aims to serve as an international dialogue platform for scholars and practitioners, integrating research themes in tourism, social work, and sustainable development.

In conclusion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership between KazNU and PolyU and recognised the Centre’s vital role as an academic platform for promoting international initiatives and advancing the principles of sustainable development in Central Asia.