Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with H.E. Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on Thursday, 5 November 2026, in Almaty. They discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in the fields of higher education and scientific research.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik commended the remarkable academic momentum in Kazakhstan and its success in attracting prestigious international universities and scientific research centers to establish branches in the country, either independently or in partnership with Kazakh academic and research institutions. He noted that these efforts contribute to the development of the higher education system and enhance its competitiveness. He also praised the high rankings achieved by several Kazakh universities in international rankings and welcomed the growing number of international students pursuing undergraduate and doctoral studies at these institutions.

The ICESCO Director-General stressed that the achievements made over the past five years offer a distinctive experience that deserves to be shared with Member States, enabling them to benefit from Kazakhstan’s expertise in developing their university and research systems.

For his part, H.E. the Minister affirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with ICESCO and its Member States through the relevant ministries, universities, and research centers.
He noted that Kazakh academic institutions welcome young people from across the Islamic world to study a wide range of disciplines.
Dr. AlMalik also proposed that Kazakhstan host the ICESCO Conference of Ministers of Higher Education in 2027. The Conference would provide an opportunity to discuss the future of higher education in the Islamic world and the challenges facing some Member States, as well as to exchange experiences and benefit from expertise in developing higher education systems and building academic partnerships, particularly by drawing on Kazakhstan’s experience. The event would bring together ministers, academic leaders, and experts from various countries.

At the close of the meeting, H.E. the Minister thanked Dr. AlMalik for his visit to Kazakhstan and his participation in the Second International Conference on Al-Farabi.