The Minister of Education and Science Askhat Aimagambetov in his welcoming speech focused on the achievements in the development of higher education in Kazakhstan. According to the Minister, to date, 14 universities are included in the world rankings. The country is an active participant in the Bologna process. The register of educational programs developed by universities today is significantly expanded, responding to the requests of employers, which positively affects the practice orientation of higher education.

"We have reformed and given academic, managerial, and financial independence to universities, - stressed Askhat Aymagambetov. - The system of corporate management was successfully implemented. The universities were transformed into non-profit joint-stock companies. The boards of directors were created. All these and many other reforms have played a decisive role in improving the quality of the educational process at Kazakhstan's higher education institutions. The Minister of Education also spoke about the plans to establish a specialty program "Al-Farabi" for 150 students of the countries of the Central Asian region (CA), as well as to provide grants for Ph.D. programs. "I also consider it relevant to create a Common Union of Central Asian Students, and I think that during the forum we will have a great opportunity to exchange views on this and a number of other initiatives," concluded the Minister of Education and Science of Kazakhstan.

"Solid composition of participants of the First Forum of Rectors of Central Asia testifies to its success. We are confident that this format will be in demand as a platform for inter-university communication," First Deputy Minister of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan Komiljon Karimov said in his speech. According to the speaker, such events, including the conference of Ministers of Education of the Central Asian countries held in 2020, serve as an impetus to boost international, interregional, and interuniversity communication, allowing for active and high-quality interaction. Speaking about the large-scale reforms currently underway in Uzbekistan in the field of higher education, Mr. Karimov expressed gratitude to the organizers of the forum and confidence that it will be fruitful.

The Rector of Kazakh National University named after al-Farabi Zhanseit Tuimebayev emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation and exchange of best practices between scientific organizations and higher educational institutions of Central Asia and also noted that the dialogue at today's forum will contribute to economic stability and improvement of quality of life of future generations. The head of the university told the audience about the main directions and the program for further development of KazNU, the geography of international cooperation, and the results of recent research projects.

"Literally these days in Turkey in the city of Istanbul we opened a branch of Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi. We closely cooperate with higher education institutions of Central Asia, about 30 agreements on cooperation are signed. Along with it, on May 26 of this year within the limits of the visit of the President of Kazakhstan to the Kyrgyz Republic opening of a branch of our university in Bishkek is planned, - noted the head of the university. - Despite national and international recognition, our university aims to transform into a world-class research university. Advanced scientific laboratories are being created. Comprehensive modernization of the university campus and the use of Smart-technologies has begun. Further promotion of the university's educational programs in the world QS By Subject ranking will lead to an increase in the enrollment of students."

The plenary session was also addressed by: Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic Rasul Abazbek ulu, Rector of the Tajik National University Khushvakhtzoda Khushvakht, and others.

As noted by the participants of the forum, the main priority of the forum of rectors is the maximum development of multilateral relations between universities. This will create an atmosphere of mutual understanding between representatives of science and education, strengthen the process of internationalization of national higher education, and increase student exchanges and ways of academic mobility of teachers. In turn, this will create additional opportunities to promote a positive image of the country in the international arena and maintain national interests at the global level.