A strategic session for rectors and vice-rectors of higher education institutions in Kazakhstan was held with the participation of Professor Paul Kim, Chairman of the International Expert Council at the World Bank and a leading scholar from Stanford University.

As part of AI Week and the international technology forum “Digital Bridge 2025: Generative Nation”, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan organized a panel session titled “AI-Sana – a Driver of AI Transformation in Higher Education.”

The event brought together global experts, including Paul Kim (World Bank), Pegor Papazian (TUMO), Olaf Groth (UC Berkeley, Cambrian Futures), and Gavin Shaddick (Cardiff University), to discuss the role of the AI-Sana program in preparing a new generation of professionals, fostering digital entrepreneurship, and integrating international best practices into Kazakhstan’s higher education system.

Addressing university representatives, Professor Paul Kim emphasized that artificial intelligence should serve not only as a tool for solving problems but also as a means of asking questions, broadening horizons, and developing critical thinking skills.

He also expressed his readiness to actively cooperate with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, noting that over the next six years, the AI-Sana project will help hundreds of thousands of students acquire skills in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

“Kazakhstan is demonstrating significant progress. During discussions at the Alem.ai platform, I saw experts from around the world unanimously supporting the initiatives of the President of Kazakhstan, while national ministries are deeply engaged in modernization processes. This is a solid foundation for transformational change,” said Professor Kim.

According to him, Kazakhstan is entering a unique window of opportunity, and the AI-Sana project will become a key driver of innovation.

“We want young people to learn through experimentation, real-world problem solving, and entrepreneurship powered by AI. Entrepreneurial thinking should be nurtured from an early age. When such students enter universities, they are able to find solutions quickly, invent, and launch their own projects. This ecosystem can elevate Kazakhstan to an entirely new level,” Professor Kim concluded.

AI-Sana is the main driver that will guide Kazakhstan’s youth and academic community toward new knowledge, entrepreneurship, and the innovative development of the country.