A solemn ceremony for the awarding of the Order of Academic Palms was held at the Sorbonne–Kazakhstan Institute of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. This prestigious award was presented to the Director of the Institute and Deputy Chair of the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ainur Sabitova. The order was presented on behalf of the President of France by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Kazakhstan, Sylvain Georges.

The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, sent a special video greeting. In his congratulation, the minister noted that France is one of Kazakhstan is most important partners in the fields of education, science, and research, citing the Sorbonne–Kazakhstan Institute as a vivid example of effective cooperation between the two countries.

“This project represents the first platform of French higher education in Central Asia and Kazakhstan and serves as a clear demonstration of the high level of cooperation between our countries. I would like to especially emphasize the important role of the French side in implementing the tasks set by the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for integrating Kazakhstan into the global educational space, including the opening of branches of leading foreign universities in our country. The establishment of the Sorbonne–Kazakhstan Institute at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University was an important step toward expanding international cooperation, improving the quality of higher education, introducing new models of teacher training, and increasing the use of the French language in Kazakhstan,” said Sayasat Nurbek.

Highlighting Professor Sabitova is work, Sayasat Nurbek expressed gratitude to representatives of the French Republic on behalf of the ministry for their high evaluation of Kazakhstani scientists’ contributions.

During the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board and Rector of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Bolat Tilep, spoke about the activities of the Sorbonne–Kazakhstan Institute within Kazakhstan is higher education system and expressed gratitude to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Kazakhstan, Sylvain Georges. Bolat Anapiuly emphasized that the Director of the Sorbonne–Kazakhstan Institute, Ainur Alimkhankyzy, fully deserved this high French award, highlighting her contribution to strengthening scientific and educational ties between France and Kazakhstan.

The ceremony is distinguished guests included former Chairman of the Agency for Combating Corruption of Kazakhstan, Alik Shpekbayev; Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Representation in Almaty – Ambassador for Special Assignments, Zhanibek Abdrashov; representatives of the French Embassy — Counselor to the Ambassador Sebastien de Courtois, Consul General of France in Almaty Maxime Geranger, Director General of the France–Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Agnès Bousset, and other guests, all of whom noted Professor Ainur Sabitova is significant contribution to the development of academic activities and education.

It is worth noting that the Order of Academic Palms, one of France is oldest awards, was officially established in 1955. It is awarded to outstanding figures in the field of education who have contributed to the development of French national education and the dissemination of French culture worldwide. The order is also presented to foreign citizens for their contributions to the development of inter-university and scientific cooperation with France. In Kazakhstan, this award has been presented since 1996.