On June 17–18, 2026, Astana (Kazakhstan) hosted the UNESCO Central Asia Higher Education Policy Dialogue, titled "Use of UNESCO Conventions on the Recognition of Qualifications for the Purpose of Regional Integration."

The event brought together ministers and officials from ministries of education, university representatives from Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), quality assurance agencies, and UNESCO partners.

The key drivers for this high-level policy dialogue were the rapid growth in the outbound mobility of students from the Asia-Pacific region and the internationalisation of higher education systems across Central Asian countries. The event emphasized the strategic significance of the UNESCO Qualifications Recognition Conventions, specifically the Tokyo and Global Conventions. These frameworks facilitate the recognition of higher education qualifications in the Asia-Pacific region through shared principles, enhanced information sharing, and increased transparency of educational systems. The dialogue aimed to deepen the understanding of the benefits associated with ratifying both the Tokyo and Global Conventions. Participants had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of neighbouring countries and explore avenues for joining the Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNIC). Additionally, the event covered implementation mechanisms for these conventions to support national development goals and foster regional integration.

Dr. Galina Motova, President of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) and Director of the National Centre for Public Accreditation (NCPA), was invited as a keynote speaker. She delivered a presentation highlighting the latest trends in quality assurance within the Asia-Pacific region and the decisive role of APQN in fostering a culture of quality in higher education across Central Asia. Dr. Motova introduced a unique framework designed to streamline the recognition of qualifications in the Asia-Pacific area, which has the potential to significantly accelerate the internationalisation of education in Central Asian countries.

The accreditation bodies of the participating countries were represented by Alina Zhumagulova, Director of the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR) of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Onolkan Umankulova, Director of the Agency for Quality Assurance in Education "EdNet" of the Kyrgyz Republic; and Khasan Sabirov, Head of Department at the Agency for Assessment of Knowledge and Qualifications under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The organization and active participation in such forums play a vital role in advancing higher education throughout the Asia-Pacific region.