At the Satbayev University in Kazakhstan, significant international events were held on November 14-15, 2024, organized by the Central Asian Association for Education Accreditation (SAAEA) and the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE). These events included the International Workshop on “Requirements for Accreditation Agencies of the ENAEE Network” and the 29th General Assembly of ENAEE. These events marked an important step in deepening cooperation between Europe and Central Asia, particularly in the fields of engineering education and the accreditation of educational programs.
The events gathered participants from more than 15 countries, including Austria, France, Italy, Spain, the USA, Romania, the UK, Taiwan, Belgium, Ireland, Russia, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Among the attendees were presidents and directors of accreditation agencies, as well as international experts working to improve the quality of engineering education and the accreditation of educational programs.
The meeting was opened by the Chairman of the Board and Rector of Satbayev University, M. Begentaev, who emphasized the importance of the university’s involvement in international accreditation processes. He highlighted that accreditation plays a key role in ensuring the quality of professional training and contributes to the successful careers of students. Special attention was given to the significance of EUR-ACE accreditation as a crucial tool for achieving international standards in engineering education.
The main initiator of these events was the СAAAE, which is actively working to improve the quality of higher education in the region and integrate it into international educational processes. Recognizing the importance of accreditation and its impact on the development of engineering education opens new opportunities for Central Asian countries. In particular, international accreditation not only enhances the quality of higher education but also strengthens the position of universities on the global stage and improves students’ career prospects worldwide.
In his speech, the СAAAE President of, Professor Abdumutalip Abzhapparov, emphasized: “Our countries are on the brink of new opportunities, and international accreditation is a crucial tool in the process of modernizing educational systems. Today, we can see how important international accreditation is for ensuring the quality of education that meets the challenges of the 21st century. It is no coincidence that these events are taking place at Satbayev University, the flagship of engineering education in Kazakhstan. I am confident that this collaboration will lead to the creation of new opportunities for students and educational institutions in Central Asian countries.”.
At the ENAEE General Assembly, special attention was given to the re-election of Professor José Carlos Quadrado for a second term as President of the organization. This decision not only recognized his contributions to the accreditation of engineering educational programs but also served as a symbol for Central Asian countries, where Professor Quadrado is the driving force behind major projects aimed at developing higher education and ensuring quality. His re-election opens new opportunities for universities in the region and will continue the implementation of European accreditation standards, which in turn will enhance the quality of education and the career prospects of students.
After his re-election, Professor Quadrado thanked the members of the Assembly for their trust and emphasized the importance of continuing international cooperation. He noted that he would continue working on improving educational standards and accreditation, which will contribute to the development of engineering disciplines and the successful career growth of students.
During the event, Professor Quadrado was honored with the highest award of the National Academy of Sciences of the Higher School of Kazakhstan, the title of “Honored Figure of Higher Education of Kazakhstan.” This award recognized his significant contribution to the development of engineering education and the strengthening of international educational ties. Professor Quadrado expressed his gratitude for the award and noted that it inspires him to continue his work on improving educational standards and expanding international connections.
The ENAEE events played a key role in expanding cooperation between Europe and Central Asia, providing a platform for sharing experiences and addressing key issues in the field of accreditation. СAAAE continues to be the main driver of integration and the improvement of education quality in the region, opening new horizons for educational institutions and students in Central Asia.