News
of the Academy

From March 28 to 31, 2025, Azamat Zholmanov, Rector of the Academy, along with the delegation from the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs, participated in the annual conference of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) in Washington, D.C.

This year’s conference was centered around the theme «Not Robots Yet: Keeping Public Servants in Public Service.» The event addressed the methods, opportunities, and risks associated with the effective utilization of modern digital tools in the public service.

During a panel session organized by the Astana Civil Service Hub, the rector shared insights on how digital innovations can boost the motivation of public servants. He also highlighted the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory aimed at developing and testing AI models to streamline HR processes, as well as the launch of a Master’s program in “Digital Public Administration.”

In addition, the rector emphasized the important role of the “eQyzmet” system and the Unified Personnel System in ensuring public service accessibility and transparency.

By order of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Azamat Zholmanov was appointed as the Rector of the Academy of Public Administration on February 27, 2025.

Azamat Zholmanov has over 10 years of experience in public administration. He began his career as an expert at the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Over the years, he has held various positions at the Academy’s Scientific Research Institute, including Researcher, Sector Head, Deputy Director, and Deputy Director of the Institute for Professional Development of Civil Servants. He also served as Director of the Karaganda Regional Branch of the Academy and later as Director of the Department of Strategic Development and International Programs at the Agency for Civil Service Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Prior to his appointment as Rector, Azamat Zholmanov held the position of Deputy Chairman of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs.

Today in the Agency for Civil Service Affairs with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev and Chairman of the ACSA Darhan Zhazykbay held the opening of advanced training program for akims of districts, cities of district significance, villages, settlements, rural districts took place.

President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev in his Address to the people of Kazakhstan noted that in accordance with the wishes of citizens on the basis of the launched system of direct elections of akims elected about 90 percent of all rural akims, 60% of them have not previously worked in the civil service. In this regard, at the beginning of this year at the enlarged meeting the Government and the Agency were instructed to conduct training for akims to improve their qualifications. The program consists of 240 academic hours of training in offline and online formats, 100 hours of which will be conducted by the Academy of Political Management of the AMANAT Party. The course presents 17 modules covering important topics to enhance professional and managerial competencies.

“Within the framework of the assignment given by the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the extended session of the Government, the Academy of Public Administration has developed a program of professional development of akims of cities, villages, settlements and rural districts of district significance. The program is aimed at developing basic competencies necessary for effective implementation of local self-government tasks, improving the quality of life of rural population, infrastructure development”, – said the Rector of the Academy of Public Administration Yerlan Abil.

The program also covers the topics of communal property management, environmental issues, entrepreneurship development and investment attraction. A special place in the training process is occupied by mastering digital technologies in public administration, including electronic services and management decision-making tools. At the end of the training the participants will have to defend the programs of economic development of the regions. The training will be held from February 17 to May 13 in the branches of the Academy of Public Administration.

From January 21 to 23, 2024, the Vice-Rector of the Academy, Ulan Bekish, attended the kickoff meeting of the Erasmus+ project titled “Bridging Environmental Concerns, Societal Needs, and Good Governance in Central Asian Education and Employment Sectors,” held in Genoa, Italy.

The meeting brought together representatives from 15 higher education institutions across Europe and Central Asia. During the event, consortium members presented their universities’ key activities and shared insights on ongoing projects.

The agenda included discussions on the project’s key stages, implementation plans, and expected outcomes. Additionally, training sessions were organized for participants, focusing on project management, budgeting, and reporting responsibilities, with roles assigned to each party.

This project aims to develop specialists in Central Asian higher education institutions to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges. The initiative prioritizes the development and implementation of educational programs based on ESG principles; establishment of research and innovation centers; organization of internship programs; strengthening environmental protection curricula; enhancing collaboration between universities, businesses, civil service and society.

This initiative will enhance the capacity of universities in the region to conduct research and offer programs in environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance. Moreover, it will align academic outputs with labor market demands, contributing to the sustainable development of the region.

Today, a meeting was held with the delegation of the European Commission, featuring representatives from the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs.

During the meeting, participants discussed key issues on the agenda, including regional development, local self-governance, and decentralization. Representatives of the Academy provided an overview of their core activities and shared insights into their educational and research initiatives.

It is noteworthy that the visit by the European Commission delegation was organized to explore opportunities for advancing socio-economic reforms in Kazakhstan.

Today in the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a historic event – a solemn ceremony of stamping of postage stamp issued to the 30th anniversary of the educational institution.

Kazpost JSC for the first time issued a postage stamp series ‘Memorable and Anniversary Dates’ to the 30th anniversary of the Academy. Rector of the Academy Yerlan Abil and Chairman of the Board of Kazpost JSC Asel Zhanasova took part in the solemn ceremony of stamping.

The history of creation and development of the Academy is closely connected with the history of our state. The Academy makes a significant contribution to increasing the human capital of the state apparatus. The Rector noted that today’s event is historical and very important for the educational institution.

‘The issue of the jubilee postage stamp is a special event for us, which is happening for the first time. This is a historic moment not only for the Academy, but also for the sphere of public administration of our country. The Academy’s role in the system of public administration is very important. We work not only with state bodies, but also with national companies and quasi-state organisations. Our goal is to fulfil the tasks and objectives set by the President, to work on improving the welfare of the people. Within the framework of cooperation, this year the Academy’s Assessment Centre assessed the competencies of Kazpost employees. I am confident that our co-operation will continue in the future,’ said Yerlan Kuanyshevich.

Asel Zhanasova, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazpost JSC, congratulated the Academy on its anniversary and noted the importance of today’s event.

‘The Academy has a great impact on the training of new formation personnel for the future of our country, we appreciate your labour. This year we have started to improve the qualifications of Kazpost employees. May the Academy continue to achieve great success. A postage stamp is something that will remain in history. Future generations will remember history through these stamps. I congratulate the Academy on this historic event and hope that we will continue to achieve success together,’ Asel Zhubanyshevna said.

The stamp, which was introduced into postal circulation, shows the Academy buildings and the anniversary logo in blue colour. Postage stamps are made by offset printing in 4 colours, perforation is selective. Stamp face value – 500 tenge, circulation – 5000 copies. The leaders made stamping of postage stamps with the help of special postmark, left signatures on memorable envelopes and exchanged them. The employees of the Academy and Kazpost JSC took part in the ceremony.

This year the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan celebrates its 30th anniversary. In honour of the anniversary today in the Academy held an international scientific-practical conference on the theme ‘Public administration and public service: present and future’.

At the opening of the conference, the Head of the Office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sariev Bakytzhan Shomishbaevich read out the congratulations of the President of the country Kasym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev. In his congratulatory message, the head of state noted that over 30 years the Academy has become one of the leading educational institutions. It has achieved significant success in training and professional development of civil servants. It has created a tradition of forming specialists with advanced thinking, true patriots of the country. For each public servant it is a duty to put national interests above everything, making every effort to build a Just Kazakhstan. It is very important in modern conditions to be honest, fair, innovative and creative. The Academy makes a significant contribution to the formation of a new generation of civil servants, training, educating and instilling the best qualities in its graduates. This is the result of painstaking labour of every teacher. I am confident that in the future the teaching staff will continue to serve for the good of the country.

Within the framework of the event, civil servants and employees of the Academy, who contributed to the improvement of professional skills of civil servants, were awarded certificates of honour ‘Kurmet’, badges ‘Algyz’ and letters of thanks of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Also, ex-rectors of the Academy and foreign partners were awarded with a breastplate ‘For contribution to the development of the Academy’.

At plenary session of conference took part chairman of the Central Electoral Commission of Republic Kazakhstan Abdirov Nurlan Mazhitovich, public figure Zhaksybek Abdrakhmetovich Kulekeev, chairman of Steering Committee of Astana Public Service Hub Baimenov Alikhan Mukhamedievich, chairman of Agency of Republic Kazakhstan on affairs of public service Darhan Medegalievich Zhazykbai, minister of science and higher education of Republic Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek, director of Brussels Diplomatic Academy (Belgium) Gunter G. Kuznetsov, chairman of Steering Committee of Astana Public Service Hub.

Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Astana Public Service Hub Alikhan Baimenov dwelt on conceptual issues of development of the theory and practice of public administration taking into account global trends and regional peculiarities. He also touched upon the issue of scientific support of reforms, noting that the quality of response to the challenges of modernity is largely determined by both the falsification of civil servants’ actions and the use of the results of scientific research. He also emphasised that a number of initiatives of President Kasym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev aimed at improving the efficiency of governance are supported by foreign experts. Speaking about the balance of authority, resources and responsibility, Baimenov cited the example of health care and education, where, in his opinion, it is necessary to clearly define the distribution of authority between the regional and district levels.

The section ‘Formation of service and customer-oriented public service’ was moderated by the Deputy Chairman of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Public Service Muximov Salauat Daribayevich and Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Kuanyshevich Abil. During the section participants discussed the issues of service model of interaction with citizens and adaptation of public services to individual needs.

According to Yerlan Abil, Rector of the Academy, the educational institution has the status of the only accredited body in the country that confirms the compliance of personnel with human resource management and project management in accordance with national standards.

‘Today’s achievements of the Academy are the result of the common labour of our team and partners. We preserve the continuity of generations under the motto ‘Preserving traditions and striving for the future’. Today the Academy is engaged not only in training and advanced training of civil servants, but also provides scientific and analytical work to government agencies. At the request of state bodies, we provide such consulting services as implementation of project management, optimisation and re-engineering of business processes, implementation of anti-corruption standard, certification of HR personnel, etc. The Academy’s Assesment Centre has participated in the selection stages of the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve project three times in a row since 2019, assessing the competencies of applicants. As a result, a pool of assessors was formed, and this year the stages of selection of applicants for the Regional Personnel Reserve project were fully implemented by the Academy team. We provided methodological support to more than twenty organisations in implementing and passing the audit according to the international standard ISO 37001. In 2023, at the initiative of the Academy, a memorandum of co-operation was signed between more than 30 Kazakhstani universities training specialists in ‘Public Administration’, ‘State and Local Governance’ and ‘Human Resource Management’. Four of the Academy’s master’s programmes have been successfully accredited by the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation. This allows us to organise two-diploma programmes and foreign internships. I would like to express my gratitude to our foreign partners for their participation in the conference organised in honour of our 30th anniversary. We are always open for partnership and common projects,’ the rector said.

At the section meeting, Majilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva spoke about the service model of interaction with citizens and congratulated those present on today’s day. She said that a new digital currency will appear in the country and noted that gold investment coins can be bought and sold online at any time and from anywhere in the world.

The section meeting was attended by foreign partners, rectors of Academies of Public Administration, Governor of Burgas Region (Bulgaria) Maria Neikova, Executive President of Mohammed bin Rashid School of Public Administration (UAE) Ali bin Sebaa Al-Marri, Rector of Sofia University named after Kl. Georgi Vjlchev, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Akmataliev, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Armenia Khachatur Kazeyan, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Safarzoda Davron Jurakhon, Vice-Rector of the Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation Andrey Markovich Margolin, Director of the Uralsk School of Public Administration and Entrepreneurship.

Maria Neikova, Governor of the Burgas region: ‘I am happy to attend this conference and share the Bulgarian experience. Both as the Governor of Burgas region and as a professor whose interests include public administration, I would like to point out that it is necessary to have well-trained public servants, both at the national and regional level. At the beginning of this year, I was a lecturer with you. And here I would like to personally thank Prof Masalimov for the opportunity to be involved in this training. I saw young specialists who are eager to learn. It was a joy for me to be able to share 10 years of experience with them’.

Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, said: ‘This is not my first time at the Academy of Public Administration in Astana. I have previously participated in similar conferences. Today I am very interested to hear the experience of public administration in Kazakhstan, because I know that you are undergoing changes in public policy, various reforms. Our schools of public administration are very similar to each other, including the requirements for master’s students. We can share experiences and improve partnerships between schools. The United Arab Emirates has been focusing on artificial intelligence from the very beginning. In 2017, we were the first government to announce the creation of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence. We announced that every government entity will have a Director General of Artificial Intelligence. They are exploring how this technology can be used to improve institutions and productivity.’

The moderators of the section ‘Modern trends in public administration’ were Azamat Sagatovich Zholmanov, Deputy Chairman of the RK Agency for Public Service, and Talgat Zhardemkulovich Zhakiyanov, Director of the National School of Public Policy of the Academy. During the section discussed topical issues and best practices of public administration. The first speaker at the section was Katarzyna Wawiernia, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the conference, the Rector of the Academy Yerlan Abil also held a meeting with the rectors of foreign academies of public administration, where the issues of training for public service and joint projects were discussed.

The section of the conference ‘Digitalisation of personnel processes, provision of public services and artificial intelligence’ was moderated by Ulan Abdilkailovich Bekish, vice-rector for corporate and financial activities of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The moderator of the section ‘Professionalisation of Public Service’ was Margarita Bulegenovna Kadyrova, vice-rector for academic activities.

In addition, in honour of the anniversary, a forum of Academy graduates was held, moderated by Ainur Serikbayevna Karsembayeva, a 2018 graduate and associate professor at the Academy’s Institute of Management. The forum was attended by graduates of different years of the Academy from different regions of the country.

For 30 years, the Academy has trained more than 3 thousand civil servants on master’s and doctoral programmed. Today, many of them occupy high positions in political, executive and legislative bodies, making a significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan. Some graduates continue to work in the non-governmental sector and quasi-governmental organizations. While 34 members of the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve are graduates of the Academy, 31 graduates are members of the regional personnel reserve.

A meeting was convened at the Academy of Public Administration between Dr. Sang Han Choi, President of the Korean Institute of Public Administration (KIPA), and Yerlan Abil, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration.

During the meeting, Rector Yerlan Abil provided an overview of the Academy’s core activities and training programs to the representatives from KIPA.

Dr. Sang Han Choi underscored that the Korean Institute of Public Administration (KIPA) serves as a main research institute specializing in public administration and acts as the primary analytical center for the government. The institute is committed to enhancing governmental capabilities and developing comprehensive solutions to address changes in the administrative environment, executing projects commissioned by various government departments.

Both parties highlighted the importance of collaborative research initiatives and publications aimed at enhancing the efficacy of public administration, alongside the implementation of online educational courses. They expressed mutual interest in exchanging expertise to improve the qualifications of civil servants and fostering further cooperation in training initiatives.

On 21 June 2024, at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a meeting was held with the Assistant Executive Director of the The Civil Service College, Mr. Hoe Wee Meng.

At the meeting, Mr. Hoe Wee Meng presented the main aspects of the Civil Service College in Singapore, focusing on the features of the civil servant training programs. He noted that talent management in the Singapore Public Service is based on an integrated approach that includes systematic talent acquisition through procedures that assess both professional qualities and leadership abilities of candidates.

Both sides confirmed their readiness to further strengthen partnerships and share best practices in public administration. The Academy has partnered with Civil Service College, Singapore since September 28, 2016.

It should be noted that the Civil Service College was established as a statutory body under the Public Service Division in 2001. As a training center for the Singapore Civil Service, provides an innovative, inspiring and fruitful learning experience for civil servants.

On June 21, 2024, the Academy of Public Administration hosted a meeting between Professor Zhang Ping from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA) at Fudan University and Rector Abil Yerlan.

The primary focus of the meeting was on collaborative research and publications aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of public administration. Discussions also included the exchange of expertise in this field. The agenda covered plans for internships for master and doctoral students, the implementation of a dual diploma program, and the establishment of regular online meetings to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices.

In August, a summer school for civil servants is scheduled to be organized in partnership with Fudan University, offering new opportunities for learning and knowledge sharing.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed their gratitude for the productive dialogue and their confidence in the potential for successful future collaboration.

It should be noted that Fudan University is recognized as one of the most prestigious and influential educational institutions in China and globally. In 2023, Fudan University was ranked 34th in the QS World University Rankings.

Yerlan Abil, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Ana Maria Landa Ugarte, Global Manager of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, and Gauhar Nursha, a Consultant on Gender Issues for the UN Development Program.

Ana Maria Landa Ugarte emphasized the importance of gender equality in developing democratic and sustainable social institutions. She noted that gender equality in public administration enhances public services, increases citizen trust, and improves service quality.

Rector Yerlan Abil highlighted the Academy’s activities and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality. He mentioned that seminars and training programs such as “Women’s Leadership,” “Career and Family,” and “Gender Budgeting” held at the Academy help women enhance their leadership, team management, self-improvement skills, professional competence, and practical skills.

During the meeting, the Academy expressed its readiness to support projects aimed at empowering women in the public sector.

On 28 May 2024, the Academy of Public Administration delegation under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan visited the National Institute of Public Service of France (INSP).

The meeting reviewed the history of relations between the parties and discussed the possibilities of exchange of experts in the framework of further training in joint programs, internships, academic mobility, and applied research.

The delegation of the Academy visited the reception of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the French Republic Arystankulova Gulsara Mereyevna.

It is worth mentioning that the relationship between the Academy and INSP (formerly ENA) dates back to 1994. In the 2014-2015 academic year 8 Master students of the Academy were trained under the joint double diploma programme with ENA.

On 27 May 2024 in Brussels held a meeting of the Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Әbil with the leadership of the Brussels Diplomatic Academy of the Free University of Brussels (BDA/VUB).

The meeting discussed cooperation issues between the Institute of Diplomacy (BDA/VUB). At the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to implement joint educational programs and research projects in international relations.

Within the framework of the visit, the Academy delegation met with the Royal Institute of International Relations (EGMONT) and the Diplomatic School of Brussels (CERIS). The parties expressed their intention to cooperate in the field of research on topical issues of international relations.

For information:

FREE UNIVERSITY OF BRUSSELS (VUB) is a highly-rated university in Belgium and a strategic partner of the Academy.

KING’S INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (EGMONT) is an independent think tank specializing in interdisciplinary research in international relations.

DIPLOMATIC SCHOOL OF BRUSSELS (CERIS) is renowned for its excellence in research and teaching in the field of international relations and diplomacy.

As part of the agreement between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates, training for Kazakhstani civil servants under the Kazakhstan Executive Leadership 2024 program has begun. The training has started online and will continue with offline events. A delegation from the UAE arrived for the first stage of offline training, which runs from 15 to 17 May.

The main purpose of the training is to strengthen ties between representatives of state bodies of the two countries and exchange experience. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, UAE Deputy Cabinet Minister for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange, emphasized that they are ready to implement large-scale projects.

‘Today, cultural and economic ties between Kazakhstan and the UAE are being strengthened. Civil servants are exchanging experience. This is a great honor for us. We are ready for joint implementation of large-scale projects in the future,’ he said.

According to Yerlan Abil, rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan, civil servants will present their projects during the training.

‘The training is attended by vice ministers of central state bodies, heads of departments, and representatives of the Academy. The total number of participants is 33. They are divided into several groups. In these groups, they realize their projects by discussing them with specialists from the UAE. The United Arab Emirates is a country with a very high rate of prosperity, despite the lack of resources, for creative industries and technology development. Based on their experience, there are a growing number of developing nations. The two countries jointly offer several training programs for civil servants, including training programs in strategic planning, strategic thinking, and leadership for political civil servants,’ the rector said.

Today the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiev announced the launch of the National Accelerator.

‘Having studied the UAE’s experience in accelerating 100 days of solving urgent problematic issues, we have decided to launch this mechanism at our National Project Office as well. We have already identified topics for acceleration together with government agencies. One of the important areas is Capacity Building, within the framework of which, together with the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, we are conducting training for heads of government agencies on the Executive Leadership Programme of the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Public Administration. That is, we will send to the UAE to train our digital vice-ministers, who will be trained in the latest approaches and methods of public administration in various areas with the use of artificial intelligence,’ – said the Minister.

Offline training is held on various topics such as policy development, project management, and disruptive innovation leadership. Aliya Ospanova, a participant in the Kazakhstan Executive Leadership Program 2024 training program and chairman of the Board of the Centre for International Programmes JSC, noted the importance of the project.

‘The United Arab Emirates in 100 days solves actual problematic issues. The trainers of the project are authors who wrote 50-100 years of strategic documents of the Arab Emirates. We are very interested in their requirements, and the experience they demonstrate. Leaders of Kazakhstan should take part in this training and master this best practice,’ she said.

Today, as part of the “Development Day” organised to mark the 30th anniversary of the Academy, a meeting with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Kazakhstan Pavel Utyupin took place.

During the lecture, the Ambassador spoke about the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai, dwelt on inter-ethnic and inter-confessional harmony, preservation of stability in society, various national interests in the national policy pursued by the state.

“The main goal of the National Kurultai is to work out ideas and steps for further development of public consolidation. This year the country is celebrating two significant dates – the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus and the 30th anniversary of the institution of presidency. These are important milestones in the recent history of the Republic of Belarus, which, just like the Republic of Kazakhstan, is confidently moving along the path of sovereign state development,” the Ambassador said in his speech.

At the end of the meeting Pavel Utyupin answered the questions of the listeners and wished them success. In turn, the Rector of the Academy Yerlan Abil thanked the Ambassador for lecturing at the Academy.