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Prof. Ben Ku, Director of the China and Global Development Network in the Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), recently led a delegation to Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) for a meeting with representatives from KazNU, including Professor Yerkin Duisenov, Deputy Chairman of the Board and First Vice-Rector. This visit marks a significant step towards establishing a Joint Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia.

During the meeting, Prof. Ku presented PolyU’s achievements, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration. “This partnership will enhance our academic and professional ties, bringing our institutions closer together in the realms of scientific research and education,” he stated.

The proposed PolyU and KazNU Joint Center is designed to be a hub for academic exchanges among scholars, practitioners, and government officials in the region. It aims to facilitate research initiatives, foster partnerships, and enhance student engagement through leadership and service learning programmes.

“The centre will establish a foundation for PolyU at KazNU, enabling us to connect with Central Asian countries, conduct impactful research, and organise various academic events,” emphasized Prof. Ku.

Both institutions recognised this initiative as timely and strategically important, anticipating its crucial role in shaping the future of social work and development not only in Kazakhstan but across Central Asia and within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of ideas regarding the establishment of the joint centre, paving the way for a fruitful collaboration between PolyU and KazNU.