The Digital Farabi Forum combines science and technology 鈥� KazNU

The international forum IV "Digital Farabi 2026", which brought together representatives of science, business and government agencies, has started its work at al-Farabi Kazakh National University. This year's large-scale event is dedicated to digitalization and artificial intelligence as strategic directions for the development of the country and the region.

As part of the forum, an exhibition of IT companies and startup projects was presented to the participants. The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek and Vice Minister Dinara Shcheglova got acquainted with the exposition. The head of the department examined the innovative developments of the university's scientists and highly appreciated the digital achievements and technological potential of Russian science.

At the opening ceremony of the forum, Chairman of the Board – Rector of KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebayev made a welcoming speech, focusing on the mission of the university in a new era. "KazNU considers digital transformation as the most important direction of strategic development. The University of the 21st century should be not only a center of education and science, but also a space where new technologies, competencies and meanings are being formed," the head of the university emphasized. The Rector noted that the forum had become a platform for an open professional dialogue, adding: "Only on the basis of such cooperation can effective decisions be made that contribute to the sustainable development of the country, strengthen human capital and promote an innovative economy".

Dinara Shcheglova, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education, spoke about the tasks at the state level, emphasizing the importance of modern personnel training. "Today, the higher education system faces new challenges. Among them is the training of specialists who are able not only to develop, but also to implement high technologies in real processes, ensuring their safe and ethical use",- the Vice Minister noted. She also said that thanks to the AI-Sana program, implemented on behalf of the Head of State, KazNU students have successfully completed their studies, which confirms the high interest of young people in the field of artificial intelligence.

Gilbert van Kerkhove, rotating chairman of the UWEE Group and Advisor to the King of Belgium, spoke about global changes: "Today, digital transformation is fundamentally changing approaches to educational processes, the functioning of organizations, management systems and economic development". The speaker expressed gratitude to KazNU for organizing such a significant event.

Leading experts from Germany, China, Poland and Serbia discussed issues of quantum technologies and innovative management at the plenary session. The work of the forum continued in the following sections: "Industrial Information Systems and artificial Intelligence", "Artificial Intelligence in cybersecurity" and "Big Data & AI: next-generation digital technologies".

During the event, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between KazNU and CSAI Group LLP. The parties reached agreements on the implementation of joint scientific and industrial projects, the development of technology transfer and the training of qualified personnel.

Also during the forum, new opportunities for the professional development of students and young professionals were presented at the special session "Innovation and Career" with the participation of Huawei.