KazNU analyzes strategies for sustainable development of Central Asia
A large-scale international scientific and practical conference "Social Work in action: interdisciplinary and global strategies for convergence and promotion of sustainable development in Central Asia" was held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The event brought together leading scientists, experts and practitioners from 27 countries, becoming the largest dialogue platform in the region in the field of social protection and humanitarian development.
Opening the plenary session, Chairman of the Board – Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Zhanseit Tuimebayev stressed the strategic importance of social work, which has now become "the most important infrastructure of a sustainable society, where the quality of education is directly linked to the quality of human life". In this context, it is difficult to overestimate the role of universities.
"The university should be a space of knowledge, responsibility and practical contribution to public welfare. In this context, social work occupies a special place as a direction directly related to solving key social tasks and protecting human dignity",- the head of the university emphasized. – We consider the role of KazNU to be broader than graduate training. We are talking about the formation of professional standards, the development of a research base and the creation of an environment in which solutions to modern social challenges are being developed".
The importance of joining forces in the field of sustainable development was supported by the Head of the Department of Social Work and Criminology at the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong (PolyU), Professor Eric Chui. He stressed that in the context of global transformation and migration challenges, no discipline can function effectively in isolation.
"Sustainable development requires an interdisciplinary response and strategies that are implemented globally, but adapted to local circumstances. If we are serious about sustainable development issues, we need to listen to representatives from different sectors and countries, as social work plays a huge role in politics, public health and society as a whole",- said Professor E. Chui, adding that for Central Asia such an approach is critically important in matters of education and national well–being.
The conference was also attended by Antoinette Lombard, President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), and experts from 27 countries. A landmark event was the discussion of the results of the KazNU-PoliU Center for Sustainable Development, which became a platform for the introduction of innovative practices.
During the event, a number of agreements were signed aimed at developing global educational standards and adapting them to the conditions of Central Asia. This step will contribute to the formation of a professional ecosystem of social work in the region.
Following the results of the forum, the participants emphasized that holding such an event in Almaty contributes to the formation of a new professional ecosystem in Central Asia, adapting international standards to regional specifics to improve the well-being of the population.
Press-service of 91传媒 Kazakh National University
