NAS meeting: academic and scientific-practical opportunities for universities in Central Asia are presented

On March 18, 2024, an online meeting of the Central Asian Network of Academic Societies (NAS) was held to discuss the network's development and collaboration opportunities among universities in the region. The meeting was organized by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in collaboration with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the Regional USAID Water and Environment Resources Project, and the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC).
The meeting was attended by 44 representatives from leading universities and research institutes in Central Asia, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations. They discussed the current status and plans for the development of NAS and the Community of Practice platform. Since the last meeting, 40 new members have joined the platform. In addition to educational materials, publications, videos, and podcasts, the platform now provides access to scientific journals from the region and information on grants, internships, scholarships, and job vacancies in the field of water resources

The meeting also addressed the formalization of the Central Asian Network of Academic Societies (NAS) to ensure sustainable development and enhance operational efficiency. Meeting participants revised and approved the final version of the NAS Membership Regulations. The development of academic cooperation at the regional level has become a key goal for all NAS participants, as they see it as a powerful driver for scientific progress in environmental conservation and the training of qualified professionals.
«Switzerland believes in the power of education. Within the 'Blue Peace Central Asia' initiative, we adhere to a long-term strategy of strengthening academic circles in the field of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and water diplomacy in Central Asia for water resource specialists, researchers, and future leaders. Support for NAS is key and is based on Switzerland's vision of regional dialogue grounded in scientific evidence and research,» said Lisa Gamp, Regional Advisor on Water Resources and Climate Change in Central Asia at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) - Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Switzerland.


The meeting also discussed aspects of cooperation between universities in the region and research institutes to train personnel. A representative from the Kazakhstan Institute of Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KISS) discussed internship opportunities for students and grant programs aimed at supporting young experts.
“We offer universities in Kazakhstan the opportunity to train their students at the KazISS with consideration of subsequent employment. This contributes not only to practical experience and improvement of professional skills, but also to the training of highly qualified personnel in the field of the environment," noted Assel Nazarbetova, Head of the KISI representative office in Almaty.
It is also worth noting the opportunities provided under the European Union (EU) Erasmus project and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) project "Climate-Resilient Water Resources Management in Central Asia." NAS members are planned to be involved in the development of training materials on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) within the GIZ project, aimed at basin organizations. These training modules will include climate risk assessments for basin countries and gender considerations in water resources management.

Brief Overview:
The Central Asian Network of Academic Societies (NAS) facilitates interaction and knowledge exchange among educational institutions involved in environmental management, water, land, and energy resources amidst climate change. Established in 2013, NAS operates with the support of development partners such as the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the European Union (EU), the World Bank (WB), hosted on the platform of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC).
In addition to regular regional meetings, NAS is supported by an electronic Community of Practice platform, serving as a communication and information-sharing hub to unite representatives from educational institutions, research institutes, government bodies, international organizations, youth, and other stakeholders.