Asian Universities Alliance Summit 2026
June 1-3 | Astana, Kazakhstan
Participant Information Package
Participant Information Package
Welcome AUA Summit 2026
Dear Esteemed Delegates,
Welcome to the AUA Summit 2026, hosted by Nazarbayev University — the leading university in Central Asia, in the vibrant heart of Astana, Kazakhstan. We are delighted to welcome distinguished representatives of AUA member universities and partners to this important gathering dedicated to strengthening collaboration and shaping the future of higher education in Asia. This Information Package has been prepared to support your visit and provide useful guidance throughout your stay in Astana. Inside, you will find key logistical information, program details, and practical recommendations to ensure a smooth and comfortable Summit experience. We sincerely hope that your time at the AUA Summit 2026 will be productive, engaging, and enjoyable, and that you will also have the opportunity to experience the hospitality, culture, and spirit of Kazakhstan.
- Wi-Fi on campusAll campus reading rooms, dormitories, and classrooms have access to free Wi-Fi.
Network: NUGuest
Password: No password required
Important contacts
Emergency Contacts of the Organizing Team
In case of emergency or should you require any assistance during the AUA Summit 2026, please do not hesitate to contact the organizing team members below:
Ms. Zeinep Toktar
Executive Officer, Office of the President
+7 (702) 145 2223
zeinep.toktar@nu.edu.kz
Mr. Magzhan Kurmashev
Senior Manager, Department of Internationalization
+7 (777) 305 2677
magzhan.kurmashev@nu.edu.kz
Essential Locations
Nazarbayev University
53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan
Sheraton Astana Hotel
60/1 Syganak Street, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan
Emergency Services in Kazakhstan
Unified Emergency Number — 112
112 is the unified emergency dispatch service number in Kazakhstan. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available for reporting emergencies or situations requiring urgent assistance.
You should call 112 only in cases involving a real threat to life, health, property, public safety, or the environment.
In addition to 112, Kazakhstan also maintains direct emergency service numbers:
101 — Fire and Rescue Service
102 — Police
103 — Ambulance / Medical Emergency
104 — Gas Emergency Service
In some situations, it may be more appropriate to contact the relevant emergency service directly. Calls to emergency services are free of charge and can generally be made from both loca
112 is the unified emergency dispatch service number in Kazakhstan. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available for reporting emergencies or situations requiring urgent assistance.
You should call 112 only in cases involving a real threat to life, health, property, public safety, or the environment.
In addition to 112, Kazakhstan also maintains direct emergency service numbers:
101 — Fire and Rescue Service
102 — Police
103 — Ambulance / Medical Emergency
104 — Gas Emergency Service
In some situations, it may be more appropriate to contact the relevant emergency service directly. Calls to emergency services are free of charge and can generally be made from both loca
Contacts of Embassies and Representative Offices in Kazakhstan
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
Embassy of Japan:
Embassy of the Republic of Korea:
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Singapore:
Embassy of the Republic of India:
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia:
Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand:
Embassy of Malaysia:
Honorary Consulate of Sri Lanka:
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
AUA Summit 2026 program
All Day
All Day
Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Sheraton Astana Hotel
19:30 – 21:00
19:30 – 21:00
Welcome Buffet
Sheraton Astana Hotel
12:40
12:40
Departure from Hotel Lobby
13:20 – 14:00
13:20 – 14:00
AUA Summit Registration & Networking Lunch
Pre-function Area, Ballroom Left
14:00 – 15:00
14:00 – 15:00
Working Group Meeting I:Financial Sustainability
Ballroom Left
15:00 – 15:30
15:00 – 15:30
Coffee Break Pre-function Area
Pre-function Area, Ballroom Left
15:30 – 16:30
15:30 – 16:30
Working Group Meeting II:Member and Observer Admission
Ballroom Left
16:40
16:40
Departure from NU to Hotel
18:00 – 20:00
18:00 – 20:00
Welcome Dinner
Sheraton Astana Hotel
08:10
08:10
Departure from Hotel Lobby
08:50
08:50
Group Photo
09:00 – 12:10
09:00 – 12:10
Board Meeting
Ballroom Left, Block C2
12:10 – 13:20
12:10 – 13:20
Lunch
University Club, Block C2
13:20 – 17:00
13:20 – 17:00
AUA Presidents Forum 2026
Ballroom Right, Block C2
17:00 – 17:30
17:00 – 17:30
TBC: VIP Speaker
Ballroom Right
17:40 – 18:20
17:40 – 18:20
Cultural Program / Entertainment
Өnergy Creative Hub
18:20 – 20:15
18:20 – 20:15
Closing Reception
Өnergy Creative Hub
20:15
20:15
Departure from NU to Hotel
All Day
All Day
Optional City Tour / Departure
MEDICAL SERVICES
Medical Assistance
While on campus, participants may seek medical assistance at the University Health Center (UHC).
Block D7, Nazarbayev University
Weekdays, 08:00 – 20:00
Kuanysh Kunanbayev
Senior Health Services Manager
Senior Health Services Manager
+7 705 245 51 51
Pharmacy
Block D7, Nazarbayev University: Opposite the entrance to the University Health Center (UHC)
Monday – Saturday
Working Hours 08:00 – 20:00
Lunch Break 12:30 – 13:30
Working Hours 08:00 – 20:00
Lunch Break 12:30 – 13:30
General Info & Attractions
Transportation
AUA Summit 2026 Airport Shuttle Service
Airport transportation for AUA Summit 2026 delegates will be arranged by Nazarbayev University.
Airport transportation for AUA Summit 2026 delegates will be arranged by Nazarbayev University.
- Representatives of the organizing team will meet participants at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) according to the submitted flight information and assist with transfer to the hotel.
- Detailed information regarding pickup times, meeting points, and contact persons will be shared with delegates prior to arrival.
- Transportation between the airport and the hotel will be provided once for both arrival and departure.
- The transportation schedule will primarily be arranged according to the arrival and departure times of Delegation Heads.
- Delegates are kindly requested to carefully review and confirm their flight information in advance to ensure smooth transportation arrangements.
Alternative Transportation Options
Ride-sharing applications are one of the easiest, safest, and most convenient ways to travel within Astana.
Yandex Go is the most widely used ride-hailing application in Kazakhstan.
Yandex Go is the most widely used ride-hailing application in Kazakhstan.
- Open the application after collecting your luggage
- Enter your destination and select your preferred ride category
- The application will display the fixed fare, driver details, and route information
Airport Taxi & Dispatch Counters
If you do not have mobile internet access or a local SIM card, official taxi dispatch counters are available inside the airport arrivals hall.
Participants are advised to:
Participants are advised to:
- Confirm the fare before departure
- Request a receipt when possible
- Use only official taxi services available inside the terminal
Accommodation
Delegates will stay at the Sheraton Astana Hotel, conveniently located near major government institutions, business centers, and city attractions.
The hotel is part of Abu Dhabi Plaza — one of the largest mixed-use developments in Central Asia — which includes restaurants, shopping facilities, office spaces, and leisure amenities.
Additional information: https://www.marriott.com/
The hotel is part of Abu Dhabi Plaza — one of the largest mixed-use developments in Central Asia — which includes restaurants, shopping facilities, office spaces, and leisure amenities.
Additional information: https://www.marriott.com/
Meals & Catering
Breakfast will be served daily at the hotel.
Coffee breaks, networking lunches, the welcome dinner, and the closing reception will be provided by the organizing committee throughout the Summit.
Please refer to the official Summit Program for detailed timing and venue information.
Coffee breaks, networking lunches, the welcome dinner, and the closing reception will be provided by the organizing committee throughout the Summit.
Please refer to the official Summit Program for detailed timing and venue information.
Language
The official languages of Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian.
English is widely used at Nazarbayev University and will serve as the primary
working language of the Summit.
English is widely used at Nazarbayev University and will serve as the primary
working language of the Summit.
About Astana
Since becoming the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997, Astana has transformed into a modern political, cultural, and economic center known for its contemporary and futuristic architecture.
Today, Astana is home to more than one million residents and is recognized for its dynamic atmosphere, rapidly developing infrastructure, and concentration of young professionals and students.
Today, Astana is home to more than one million residents and is recognized for its dynamic atmosphere, rapidly developing infrastructure, and concentration of young professionals and students.
Weather
The weather in Astana during 31 May – 2 June is expected to be warm during the daytime, with temperatures ranging approximately between 22°C and 30°C, while evenings may be cooler, ranging from 10°C to 16°C.
Participants are advised to bring both light daytime clothing and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Participants are advised to bring both light daytime clothing and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Recommended Attractions
Bayterek Tower
One of the main symbols of Astana, featuring a panoramic observation deck at 97 meters and inspired by the Kazakh legend of the Tree of Life and the Samruk bird.
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
One of the largest museums in Central Asia, featuring exhibitions dedicated to Kazakhstan’s history, culture, ethnography, and national heritage.
website alem.ai International Center for Artificial Intelligence
Located within the EXPO district, the center showcases Kazakhstan’s innovation and technology initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
website Nurzhol Boulevard
A central pedestrian boulevard stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers, featuring fountains, sculptures, and modern public spaces.
Shopping & Entertainment
Abu Dhabi Plaza
One of the largest mixed-use developments in Central Asia, featuring shopping facilities, restaurants, cafés, and leisure spaces, conveniently connected to the Sheraton Astana Hotel.
Keruen City Shopping Mall
A modern shopping center located within walking distance of Bayterek Tower, offering international brands, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
MEGA Silk Way
One of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Kazakhstan, located near the EXPO district.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
An iconic landmark designed in the form of a giant transparent tent, combining shopping, dining, and leisure facilities.
Concept Note
2nd June 2026 Astana, Kazakhstan
ASIAN UNIVERSITIES ALLIANCE PRESIDENTS FORUM 2026
Shaping Future Universities: Industry Engagement and Governance Innovation
Background
Higher education institutions are undergoing significant transformation driven by rapid technological advancement, changing labor market demands, and evolving societal expectations. Universities are increasingly expected to operate as agile, industry-connected, and strategically governed institutions that produce future-ready graduates, impactful research, and sustainable societal value.
In response to these shifts, the Asian Universities Alliance Presidents Forum 2026 will focus on two critical dimensions shaping the future of higher education:
1. Reimagining university governance models for institutional resilience and innovation
2. Strengthening university–industry collaboration in education
The forum will provide a platform for university leaders to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches that enhance institutional effectiveness and global competitiveness.
In response to these shifts, the Asian Universities Alliance Presidents Forum 2026 will focus on two critical dimensions shaping the future of higher education:
1. Reimagining university governance models for institutional resilience and innovation
2. Strengthening university–industry collaboration in education
The forum will provide a platform for university leaders to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches that enhance institutional effectiveness and global competitiveness.
Forum objectives
The forum aims to:
1. Explore effective models of university–industry engagement in education and training
2. Examine emerging governance models for future universities
3. Identify challenges and opportunities in transforming higher education institutions
4. Foster strategic collaboration among AUA member universities
5. Share best practices that enhance institutional impact, sustainability, and responsiveness
1. Explore effective models of university–industry engagement in education and training
2. Examine emerging governance models for future universities
3. Identify challenges and opportunities in transforming higher education institutions
4. Foster strategic collaboration among AUA member universities
5. Share best practices that enhance institutional impact, sustainability, and responsiveness
Sessions
SESSION 1: Future University Governance Models
Universities are facing increasing pressure to become more agile, accountable, and responsive to global challenges. Traditional governance structures are being reconsidered to support digital transformation, innovation, financial sustainability, and institutional resilience.
This session will examine emerging governance models that enable universities to adapt to changing environments while maintaining academic excellence, autonomy, and stakeholder trust. The discussion will focus on leadership structures, decision-making processes, institutional flexibility, and governance innovation.
Key Discussion Themes:
The alignment of university education with industry needs has become essential in preparing graduates for a rapidly changing workforce. Strong university–industry collaboration enhances curriculum relevance, supports experiential learning, and facilitates knowledge transfer and innovation.
This session will explore successful models of collaboration, mechanisms for integrating industry engagement into academic programs, and strategies for building sustainable partnerships. University leaders will share their experiences in bridging the
gap between academic preparation and labor market demands while addressing potential risks and operational challenges.
Key Discussion Themes:
1. How does your university collaborate with industry to enhance educational quality and graduate employability?
2. What successful models or initiatives demonstrate effective university–industry engagement?
3. How are industry partnerships integrated into academic programs and curriculum design?
4. What challenges arise in university–industry collaboration, and how can institutions address them?
5. How can universities ensure long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with industry stakeholders?
Universities are facing increasing pressure to become more agile, accountable, and responsive to global challenges. Traditional governance structures are being reconsidered to support digital transformation, innovation, financial sustainability, and institutional resilience.
This session will examine emerging governance models that enable universities to adapt to changing environments while maintaining academic excellence, autonomy, and stakeholder trust. The discussion will focus on leadership structures, decision-making processes, institutional flexibility, and governance innovation.
Key Discussion Themes:
- Emerging governance models in higher education
- Institutional agility and strategic decision-making
- Governance for digital transformation and innovation
- Balancing academic autonomy and accountability
- Stakeholder engagement in university governance
- Leadership structures for future universities
- How are universities transforming governance structures to enhance institutional agility and effectiveness?
- What governance practices support innovation, digital transformation, and strategic growth?
- How can universities balance autonomy, accountability, and stakeholder expectations?
- What leadership models best support future-ready universities?
- How can governance frameworks strengthen institutional resilience and sustainability?
The alignment of university education with industry needs has become essential in preparing graduates for a rapidly changing workforce. Strong university–industry collaboration enhances curriculum relevance, supports experiential learning, and facilitates knowledge transfer and innovation.
This session will explore successful models of collaboration, mechanisms for integrating industry engagement into academic programs, and strategies for building sustainable partnerships. University leaders will share their experiences in bridging the
gap between academic preparation and labor market demands while addressing potential risks and operational challenges.
Key Discussion Themes:
- Models of university–industry collaboration in teaching and learning
- Integration of internships, co-op programs, and work-based learning
- Industry participation in curriculum development and program design
- Skills development and future workforce readiness
- Benefits and challenges of university–industry partnerships
- Managing risks, expectations, and long-term sustainability of partnerships
1. How does your university collaborate with industry to enhance educational quality and graduate employability?
2. What successful models or initiatives demonstrate effective university–industry engagement?
3. How are industry partnerships integrated into academic programs and curriculum design?
4. What challenges arise in university–industry collaboration, and how can institutions address them?
5. How can universities ensure long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with industry stakeholders?
Expected outcomes
The forum is expected to generate forward-looking insights that support the strategic transformation of higher education institutions in an evolving global landscape. Through knowledge exchange and dialogue among university leaders, the discussions will contribute to shaping practical and sustainable approaches for future-ready universities.
- Generate strategic insights on industry engagement in university education
- Identify innovative governance approaches for future universities
- Strengthen collaboration among AUA member institutions
- Provide recommendations to support higher education transformation
Campus map & ATM
- Wi-Fi on campusAll campus reading rooms, dormitories, and classrooms have access to free Wi-Fi.
Network: NUGuest
Password: No password required
Contact
Address: Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave,
Astana, Kazakhstan
Astana, Kazakhstan