On December 3, 2025, a meeting was held under the leadership of Abzal Nukenovich Nukenov, Deputy Akim of Almaty, with the participation of rectors from the city’s higher education institutions. The main topic of the discussion was the interaction between universities and the Akimat, as well as their involvement in implementing urban development programs.

The Rector of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), Bakhtiyar Sabdenaliyev, took part in the meeting and delivered a report. He noted that Almaty has significant educational and scientific potential, which is not yet fully utilized in shaping urban policy. According to him, universities are ready to become active partners of the Akimat in developing strategic solutions and introducing innovations.

In his speech, the rector proposed holding regular architectural and urban planning competitions under the aegis of the Akimat and initiated the establishment of an Urban Environment Monitoring Center and the Almaty Urban Lab at IEC – an open platform for generating solutions in the field of sustainable urban development.

The Akimat expressed its interest in expanding cooperation with higher education institutions and emphasized the importance of systematic collaboration in implementing city initiatives.