Happening 'Country Day Kazakhstan'

Join us for a Country Day dedicated to Kazakhstan, the leading economy in Central Asia. Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world and the largest landlocked nation, with a population of around 20 million.

Relations between the European Union and Central Asia have gained new momentum in recent years. In April 2025, the inaugural EU - Central Asia Forum took place with the participation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marking an important step in strengthening regional cooperation. Kazakhstan’s strategic importance as a partner is further underlined by the Belgian state visit planned for October 2026.

During this Country Day, we will explore opportunities for academic collaboration and available funding schemes. Researchers from Ghent University working with Kazakh partners will share their experiences. The programme will also present the outcomes of the rectoral academic mission to Kazakhstan in November 2025 and reflect on the opportunities surrounding the upcoming Belgian state visit.

The event will conclude with an opportunity for discussion and networking in the beautiful setting of the GUM Plantentuin. 

About Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the economic leader in Central Asia, accounting for nearly 70% of the region’s GDP. Since 2013, the country has formally pursued a national strategy to transition towards a “green economy,” prioritising research and innovation in areas such as sustainable energy, water management, agriculture, and waste processing.

In 2022, the European Union and Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials, batteries, and the renewable hydrogen value chain.

Kazakhstan also plays a key role in the development of the Middle Corridor (the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, TITR), an increasingly important trade route connecting China and Europe while bypassing Russia.

Given its geographic position between Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan aims to serve as a bridge between East and West in education and research. The country has set an ambition to become a “Central Asian educational hub.”  Through the Bolashaq programme, the Kazakh government provides scholarships for talented students and PhD candidates to study at leading universities around the world.

Programme

10:00 – 10:15
Welcome and introduction – Anna Sashchenko, Coordinator of the Eureast Platform

10:15 – 10:30
EU–Kazakhstan relations – Prof. Fabienne Bossuyt, academic Co-Chair of the Eureast Platform

10:30 – 11:00
“Kazakhstan: the Territory of Academic Knowledge” Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium

11:00 – 11:20
Funding opportunities for cooperation with Kazakhstan and feedback from the rectoral mission to Kazakhstan, by Anna Sashchenko

11:20 – 11:30
Testimonial – Prof. Michael Ruzhansky, Analysis § PDE Center,, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences

11:30 – 11:40
Testimonial – Nazerke Amangeldy, PhD researcher, Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering

11:40 – 11:50
Testimonial – Iana Ovisannikova, PhD researcher, Department of Political Science

11:50 – 12:00
Q&A

12:00 – 13:30

Networking Lunch