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After 25 years of leading the Institute of Geography and Water Security, Akhmetkal Rakhmetullaevich Medeu has concluded his tenure as Chairman of the Management Board. In his farewell address to colleagues, he expressed his sincere gratitude to the Institute’s staff for their many years of dedicated work, professionalism, and invaluable contribution to the advancement of geographical science in Kazakhstan.

Over the past quarter century, the Institute has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a little-known scientific organization into one of the country's leading research institutions. The number of research laboratories increased from four to eleven, new research divisions were established, and the Institute’s material and technical infrastructure was significantly strengthened.

Two major international centers were established under the Institute’s auspices: the International Water Assessment Centre under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre under the auspices of UNESCO. In addition, the Institute opened its branch in Astana.

In 2019, at the initiative of Akhmetkal Rakhmetullaevich, the fully modernized Institute of Geography was reorganized into a new research institution—the Institute of Geography and Water Security.

One of the key factors behind the Institute’s successful development was the establishment of a conceptual framework focused on scientific areas of strategic importance to both the state and society. Particular attention was paid to the training of highly qualified researchers. Over the years, the Institute has become a true center for scientific excellence, educating Candidates of Sciences, Doctors of Sciences, and, more recently, PhD graduates in various fields of geographical research.

The Institute’s research activities have focused on addressing major scientific and technological challenges related to water resources, natural hazards, desertification, climate risks, assessment of natural resource potential, and national atlas cartography.

Special emphasis has been placed on research concerning the Aral Sea, Lake Balkhash, and Kazakhstan’s mountainous regions. International cooperation has also expanded significantly, particularly with UNESCO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

At the same time, the Institute underwent comprehensive technical modernization. Today, its research divisions are equipped with state-of-the-art measuring instruments, advanced computer technologies, and specialized scientific equipment. The Institute’s fleet for fieldwork and scientific expeditions now includes 12 vehicles.

Today, building upon its strong academic traditions and extensive scientific experience, the Institute of Geography and Water Security continues to conduct research in the fields of water security, natural disasters, climate risks, desertification, physical and economic geography, geomorphology, digital cartography, and geoinformation technologies. Particular attention is being given to the implementation of modern digital methods and artificial intelligence technologies.

The Institute’s achievements have received high recognition at the national level. By the instruction of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev, the Institute was provided with a new, modern building.

The Institute’s researchers have twice been awarded the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Science and Technology. Many scientists have also received state decorations, honorary certificates, and international awards. Approximately 100 employees have been provided with housing through special government programs.

The Institute’s scientific publications—including atlases, monographs, and research articles published both in Kazakhstan and abroad—have gained broad recognition within the international scientific community and are widely used in addressing contemporary issues in geographical science.

In his address, Akhmetkal Rakhmetullaevich emphasized that all of the Institute’s achievements were made possible through the collective efforts, professionalism, and dedication of its entire staff. He expressed special gratitude to the pioneers of geographical science, heads of research laboratories, young researchers, employees of the financial and administrative departments, and colleagues who had provided professional and personal support throughout the years.

"As I conclude my service as Chairman of the Management Board of the Institute of Geography and Water Security, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all employees for our years of collaboration. The success of our Institute is the result of the professionalism, unity, responsibility, and dedication to geographical science demonstrated by our entire team."

The staff of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences expresses its sincere appreciation to Akhmetkal Rakhmetullaevich Medeu for his many years of dedicated service, his outstanding contribution to the development of geographical science, the training of scientific personnel, and the strengthening of Kazakhstan’s national scientific school.

We wish Akhmetkal Rakhmetullaevich good health, family well-being, inexhaustible energy, and continued success in his scientific and public endeavors.