Today, Abai University hosted the opening ceremony of the International Symposium titled "New Architecture of Education for a Sustainable Future: Global Challenges, Innovations, and New Opportunities." This large-scale event, aimed at improving the quality and sustainability of the pedagogical education system, brings together experts from leading universities in Central Asian countries and the People's Republic of China, alongside representatives of international organizations. The primary objective of the forum is to foster interstate academic dialogue.

Organized under the initiative of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, Shanghai Normal University, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University (KazNPU), Kazakh National Women's Teacher Training University, and the Teacher Education Centre under the auspices of UNESCO, this symposium serves as a legitimate continuation of the "The Belt and Road Exchange" international project launched last year in Shanghai, China.

The international symposium was moderated by Banu Narbekova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Abai University. Amir Piric, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, delivered a welcoming speech, wishing the participants a successful and productive forum. Wen Yuan, President of Shanghai Normal University, emphasized the crucial role of pedagogical partnership in strengthening robust ties between nations.

"China and the countries of Central Asia are close neighbors bound by centuries-old friendship. More than two thousand years ago, the Great Silk Road united our peoples, facilitating the exchange of goods, technologies, culture, and new ideas. Today, educational cooperation is becoming an increasingly vital part of humanitarian ties between our countries," Wen Yuan stated.

The symposium's agenda covered the most pressing issues of modern education. The sessions featured extensive discussions on the transformation of teacher education, the human-centered application of artificial intelligence and digital innovations, as well as social-emotional learning. UNESCO national education program specialists, Meirgool Alpysbayeva and Nurbek Teleshaliyev, highlighted the core principles of AI and international standards for climate change education in their presentations.

Furthermore, international and domestic experts shared their valuable insights and expertise. Specifically, Professor Jie Wang, Deputy Director of the Teacher Education Centre under the auspices of UNESCO, outlined pathways for building a professional education ecosystem for teachers. Professor Hui Li from Shanghai Normal University focused on training future STEM teachers, while Professor Linshuai Kong shared the unique features and development of the Chinese mathematics teaching model.

Representing the Central Asian region, Professor Mirgul Esengulova, Head of the Department at Ishenaly Arabaev Kyrgyz State University, elaborated on the vital importance of transforming pedagogical education. Professor Baubek Somzhurek, Director of the Graduate School of Education at Eurasian National University, discussed the prospects of pedagogy in the era of digitalization. Additionally, Karlygash Muzdybayeva, Candidate of Geographical Sciences representing Abai University, raised the issue of developing climate education within the university, while Saule Zeinetolla, CEO of the TeachersLab center, presented the role of interactive tools in this domain.

In the framework of the symposium, a solemn signing ceremony took place, concluding Memorandums of Understanding and international cooperation between Abai University, Shanghai Normal University, and the Teacher Education Centre under the auspices of UNESCO. The international symposium, which has become a platform for meaningful dialogue, will continue its work on May 29 to identify common recommendations aimed at developing the educational system in the region.

Abai University Media Center