Kazakhstan perceived abroad as initiator of breakthrough ideas, academician G. Mutanov

ALMATY. December 16. KAZINFORM /Lyudmila Malko/ The Al Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) is working now on the key state task set by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on establishment of world-class research universities," Rector, Doctor of Engineering, academician Galym Mutanov told in an interview with Kazinform Agency.

Could you tell please about the university's activity, its achievements?

Delivering a lecture at the Kazakh National University back to 2009 President Nursultan Nazarbayev called our university as the outpost of education and science of new Kazakhstan. As the country's leading university we have actively joined the process of solving the President-set task to transform KazNU into a world-class up-to-date research university.

First of all, we have modernized the university. The faculties were grouped on the basis of a cluster approach. We set to upgrade material resources, scientific and laboratory faculties, create conditions for the development of science, innovations and development. Besides, implemented were new advanced result-oriented methods of management, teaching in English, and new educational programs at all levels of education - bachelor's and master's programs and doctorate.

We also implement joint projects with the universities of the world.

"The Al Farabi KazNU innovation cluster" project is included into the State Innovations Development Program for 2010-2014. KZT 11 bln is allocated for its realization. Formation of the cluster will turn the university into a growing point of knowledge-based new economics.

October this year the university played a host to the international forum on the development of research universities. It brought together above 100 acclaimed scientists and scholars from 30 countries of the world, reps of the international organizations such as IGIP, IFEES, SEFI, COPEC, heads of Kazakhstan's higher educational establishments. Foundation and activity of the international club "Friends of the Al Farabi KazNU" also contribute to the strengthening of partnership.

The Al Farabi KazNU is the only Kazakhstan's university to join the UN "Academic influence" programme initiated by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon.

According to the research by Quacquarelli Symonds Rating Agency (UK) KazNU improved its indicators in 2011, moved up 200 positions and was the first among the Central Asian higher institutions to rank among the 450 top universities out of 700 the most reputed universities.

What is the twentieth anniversary of independence for KazNU? How do you mark it?

It is a milestone; it is not just a jubilee landmark. It is the important holiday for the people of Kazakhstan for it symbolizes realization of a century-long dream of our ancestors, striving of our contemporaries and thirst for achievements of the new generation. Since gaining its independence Kazakhstan has passed the impressive way. We can proudly say today Kazakhstan has become one of he influential players in the international arena. We implemented the unique project on "20 innovations by the 20th anniversary of independence". It is noteworthy, the greater part of the 20 know-how of the scientists of KazNU was put into service, and the rest passed pilot testing.

What is, in your opinion, the basis of Kazakhstan's breakthrough for such a short period?

Kazakhstan's achievements rest on two backbones - interethnic consent and priority of economy. Today international ratings put Kazakhstan among the ranks of the dynamically developing countries. It ranks 54^th among 200 countries of the world in terms of GDP volumes, 16^th among 50 states of Asia, and 21^st among 46 states of Europe.

Kazakhstan was the first among the ex-USSR states to propose the society a brand new model for ensuring interethnic and interfaith consent. A unique People's Assembly of Kazakhstan initiated by President of Kazakhstan has no analogues. It is an efficient and reliable instrument for harmonization of interests of all ethic groups.

Kazakhstan was the first among the Central Asian countries, post-Soviet and Turkic-speaking community, to preside over the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). This year we assumed the OIC chairmanship.

Our country is perceived abroad as an initiator of breakthrough ideas. I believe all Kazakhstan's achievements are the accomplishments of President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Thank you for the interview.