Page 495 – The Times Of Central Asia

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Local Politics, Uzbekistan Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbek Teacher Receives 1 Billion UZS for Students’ Olympiad Victories

November 12, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Tashkent chemistry teacher Mokhira Boltayeva has earned approximately UZS 1 billion ($78,000) in bonuses over the past three years for her students’ successes in various Olympiads. Boltayeva, who is only 23, teaches at the Abu Ali ibn Sino Specialized School and has garnered significant recognition for her effective preparation methods, which she shares with talented students. Her first major award was a silver medal at the 2019 International Chemistry Olympiad.

This year marked a new milestone for Boltayeva, with three students winning medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad and five more excelling in regional contests. At a recent awards ceremony, she received her largest prize to date: 378 million UZS ($29,000). Her total earnings were 350 million UZS in 2023 and 250 million UZS in 2022.

In 2024, Uzbek students achieved a record-breaking 122 medals at international and regional Olympiads, a historic achievement celebrated by the authorities, who allocated UZS 9 billion ($700,000) to support students and teachers.

In Uzbekistan, Olympiad winners now receive significant cash awards. Gold medalists are awarded 187.5 million UZS ($14,500), while their teachers receive 168.75 million UZS ($13,000). Silver and bronze medalists, along with their teachers, also receive financial rewards, alongside perks such as university admissions with state grants, a 200% salary increase, and an elevated professional qualification.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, International Affairs, Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and China Establish Joint Cargo Terminal in Baku

November 12, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

Azerbaijan, China, and Kazakhstan have signed an agreement to establish an intermodal cargo terminal in the Port of Alat in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital. The agreement was signed in Baku on November 12 by SK-AIH Investment Fund Ltd (Samruk-Kazyna, Azerbaijan Investment Holding), Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (Kazakhstan’s national railway company), Baku International Sea Trade Port (Azerbaijan), and Xi’an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd (China).

The project was made possible through Azerbaijan’s provision of a land plot, operational berths, and terminal facilities at the Port of Alat. This new terminal is expected to increase container train traffic between China and Europe along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, reducing delivery times, transportation costs, and transshipment time.

The terminal will feature a universal cargo yard, a covered warehouse complex spanning 5,000 square meters, and a container yard with a capacity of over 1,000 containers.

Kazakhstan and China plan to increase the volume of cargo transported along the TITR to 600 container trains per year by 2025–2026, with targets of 1,000 container trains in 2027 and 2,000 by 2029, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport.

In 2023, transit volumes between China and Europe through Kazakhstan reached 2.76 million tons—a 65% increase from 1.7 million tons in 2022.

The TITR connects China and Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus, bypassing Russia, offering a strategic link between the two regions.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asian Leaders Arrive in Azerbaijan for UN COP29 Climate Summit

November 12, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) opened in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku on November 11, drawing approximately 50,000 participants, including government representatives, politicians, investors, and environmentalists from 198 countries.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the Summit, where he was welcomed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Tokayev will open the plenary session and hold talks with various heads of state, as well as representatives of international organizations and businesses.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has also arrived at the conference and is scheduled to address the opening session on November 12. He will participate in the special session “High-Level Dialogue: Advancing the Mountain Agenda and Mainstreaming Mountains and Climate Change,” organized by Kyrgyzstan with the support of Azerbaijan and Mongolia. This discussion will also feature Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel, and representatives of international organizations.

Russia is represented at the summit by its Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Additionally, representatives of the Taliban, which the UN does not recognize as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, have been included in the delegation for the first time. Armenia, however, has not yet confirmed its participation due to ongoing territorial disputes with Azerbaijan.

The Summit is being held at the Baku Olympic Stadium, with sessions set to conclude on November 22. COP29 has been termed a “finance summit” due to its primary focus on financing developing nations in the fight against climate change. Delegates are also working to establish a framework to improve national emissions reduction programs.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Local Politics, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties: $2.5 Billion Investment Expected by Year-End

November 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On November 11, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investments, Khalid al-Falih, during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit currently being held in Riyadh.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia has rapidly developed in recent years. The volume of mutual trade, the scope of cooperation, and also the number of flights between the countries are increasing.

By the end of this year, Saudi Arabian companies are expected to attract about $2.5 billion worth of investments in areas such as “green” energy, healthcare, transport infrastructure modernization, heat and water supply, agriculture, housing, and communal economy.

Mirziyoyev also met with Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mirziyoyev noted that effective cooperation has been established with the leading company “ACWA Power,” which is modernizing Uzbekistan’s energy sector through direct investments and advanced technologies.

Emphasis was placed on developing wind and solar power plants across various regions of Uzbekistan and accelerating projects to produce “green” hydrogen. Additionally, an agreement was reached to engage Saudi Arabian companies and consultants to localize production and improve energy efficiency in Uzbek enterprises.

12 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, International Affairs, Features, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Mirziyoyev Offers to Bring Wounded Palestinians to Uzbekistan for Treatment

November 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On November 11, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, expressing concern over the spread of the Middle East conflict into Lebanon. He reiterated Uzbekistan’s support for initiatives to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli issue peacefully and diplomatically.

In his speech, Mirziyoyev said, “Uzbekistan fully supports all practical initiatives to address the Palestinian-Israeli problem through peace and diplomacy. We believe today’s Summit will demonstrate common political will and unity, develop effective global and regional mechanisms and specific solutions, and swiftly put them into practice.”

Mirziyoyev called for the United Nations and the Security Council to play an increased role in ending hostilities. He emphasized the need for safe humanitarian corridors and the immediate initiation of peace talks.

With the Palestinian national holiday on November 15 approaching, Mirziyoyev underscored the nation’s right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders. He also supported the Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution initiated by Saudi Arabia.

Mirziyoyev called for expanding humanitarian aid to Palestine and Lebanon to prevent the escalation of the crisis and confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to treat wounded Palestinian children and women in its hospitals. He announced plans to discuss further assistance at the Gulf Arab States – Central Asia summit in Samarkand next year.

Finally, he stressed the importance of preserving the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other cultural monuments in Jerusalem, urging members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to prioritize protecting these historic sites.

Mirziyoyev concluded by urging an urgent and unified response to the crisis and highlighting Uzbekistan’s commitment to peace and humanitarian support in the region.

11 Nov 2024

Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Opinions, Kazakhstan Opinions, Kazakhstan Featurees

Harnessing AI for Inclusive Education: Transforming Learning Experiences in Kazakhstan

November 11, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Artificial Intelligence continues to revolutionize every major industry, and its impact on education is especially transformative and promising. Many countries around the world face numerous problems in their education systems, and AI offers solutions to many of them. Kazakhstan is one of the nations that embrace the AI revolution by making efforts to integrate AI into its education system.

Current State of AI in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the government is investing heavily to integrate AI into its education system. It plans to spend 650 billion tenge on research initiatives including offering AI literacy courses in universities starting in 2024. This reflects a national strategy aimed at modernizing education and preparing a workforce skilled in AI technologies.

Kazakhstan’s universities are beginning to adopt AI technologies to stay current with technological advancements. Institutions like Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University are introducing AI-focused programs that include training on intelligent tutoring systems. Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda State University has also initiated a School of Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with SeoulTech. This program aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge among professors in artificial intelligence and VR/AR technologies. Such initiatives exemplify how targeted training can prepare students for future job markets while addressing regional skill gaps.

Additionally, interviews with educators involved in these programs reveal a growing enthusiasm for integrating technology into teaching practices. One educator noted how adaptive learning platforms have allowed her to tailor lessons more effectively to meet her students’ varying needs.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

AI technologies also play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility for students with disabilities. Tools like speech recognition software and language translation applications can significantly improve learning experiences for diverse learners. For instance, platforms like Duolingo employ AI-driven language translation tools to assist students who may struggle with language barriers. Moreover, applications such as Seeing AI and Voiceitt are revolutionizing education by providing real-time support for visually impaired and speech-impaired students, respectively. These technologies not only facilitate communication but also empower students to engage more fully in their educational experiences.

In alignment with these advancements, organizations such as UNICEF are leveraging AI to provide quality education in underserved regions. In Kazakhstan, efforts are underway to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, can benefit from these advancements. A recent initiative launched by UNICEF and the Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into secondary education, aiming to enhance the quality of learning for all students. This project emphasizes the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary skills and tools to effectively utilize AI technologies in their classrooms. By fostering an inclusive educational environment that incorporates adaptive learning technologies, these efforts seek to bridge gaps and ensure equitable access to quality education across the country, aligning with global trends in educational innovation.

Data-Driven Insights for Educators

AI analytics offer educators valuable insights into student progress and performance. By monitoring data trends, teachers can identify at-risk learners and facilitate timely interventions. For example, platforms like BrightBytes analyze educational data to provide insights that can improve teaching and learning outcomes.

Kazakhstan’s educational institutions are beginning to harness these data-driven insights as part of their modernization efforts. As universities adopt AI tools for administrative processes and student assessments, they are transforming traditional educational paradigms into data-informed practices.

Enhancing Teacher Training

As AI tools become more prevalent in classrooms, there is a growing need for professional development programs that equip educators with the skills necessary to integrate these technologies effectively. Initiatives aimed at training teachers can enhance their ability to facilitate personalized learning experiences.

Kazakhstan recognizes this need and is actively working on training programs for educators that focus on utilizing AI tools effectively within their teaching practices. For instance, the recent “AI People” course, launched by the Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC) and Astana Hub, offers free training to individuals from all backgrounds on how to use artificial intelligence in everyday life. Additionally, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) provides immersive research programs that give students hands-on experience with AI and machine learning. By fostering a culture of continuous professional development through such initiatives, the country aims to create an educational environment where both teachers and students thrive.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Kazakhstan’s involvement in international conferences on education and technology helps build cooperation between countries. These events allow participants to share ideas and practical ways to bring AI into education.

One recent event, the Third International UNESCO Model on “Ethics of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education,” was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It brought together 53 youth delegates from 32 countries to talk about the ethical challenges of using AI in education.

The event stressed how important it is to make sure AI improves the quality of education while following ethical guidelines.

Collaboration like this is crucial for tackling shared problems faced by schools and universities around the world. By working together, countries can pool their knowledge and resources to build stronger education systems that support all students.