EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY
INTRODUCTION
KHOJA AKHMET YASSAWI INTERNATIONAL KAZAKH-TURKISH UNIVERSITY (IKTU) CONSIDERS THE PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION AS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL ITS ACTIVITIES. THE UNIVERSITY IS COMMITTED TO CREATING A FAIR AND RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT BASED ON THE CONSTITUTION, LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN, AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. THIS POLICY AIMS TO ENSURE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF, ENABLING THEM TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.
PURPOSE OF THE POLICY
EQUALITY ENSURING EQUAL PROTECTION OF RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS.
DIVERSITY SUPPORTING THE REPRESENTATION OF DIVERSE CULTURAL, SOCIAL, AND ETHNIC GROUPS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY.
INCLUSION CREATING ADAPTED AND ACCESSIBLE CONDITIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO ENSURE EQUAL PARTICIPATION FOR EVERYONE.
NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTING THE DIGNITY OF EVERY PERSON AND PREVENTING ALL FORMS OF UNFAIR TREATMENT.
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
2.1 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
- GUARANTEES EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW AND PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.
- ENSURES EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL CITIZENS REGARDLESS OF RACE, GENDER, LANGUAGE, RELIGION, ETHNIC, OR SOCIAL ORIGIN.
2.2 "ON EDUCATION" LAW
- AFFIRMS EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL CITIZENS TO RECEIVE QUALITY EDUCATION.
- ENSURES ADAPTED EDUCATIONAL CONDITIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
2.3 "ON LABOR" LAW
- GUARANTEES EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORKPLACE.
- PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENDER, ETHNICITY, RELIGION, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS.
2.4 "ON THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE" LAW
- AIMS TO PROTECT VULNERABLE GROUPS AND SAFEGUARD THEIR RIGHTS.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
1. UN UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
- ESTABLISHES PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION.
2. UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
- GOAL 5 (GENDER EQUALITY) AND GOAL 10 (REDUCED INEQUALITIES).
3. UNESCO RECOMMENDATIONS
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY
- FOCUSED ON PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.
Our institution have a current Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policy
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Responsibilities of the Inclusive
Education Support Center (2025 year)
Responsibilities of the Inclusive Education Support Center
The main responsibilities of the Inclusive Education Support Center are as follows:
1. Implementing inclusive education policies: The center develops and implements programs aimed at fulfilling the standards and requirements of inclusive education.
2. Support services: Providing support for students with special needs, creating necessary conditions for their education.
3. Adapting the educational process: Adapting curricula and teaching methods for students with disabilities, utilizing adaptive technologies.
4. Providing services: Organizing consultations, training, and courses for teachers and students on inclusive education issues.
5. Coordination: Establishing partnerships with organizations, institutions, and communities working on the implementation of inclusive education.
6. Monitoring and evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of the inclusive education system, identifying successes and challenges in the educational process.
Below are images of the Inclusive Education Support Center.
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Director of the Center for Sustainable
Development and Scientific Research Tulkinzhon Gaipov
Disability Support Office
Each campus of Akhmed Yassawi University is equipped with accessible facilities for people with disabilities. The university buildings feature inclusive infrastructure, special access routes, elevators, and designated rooms. Additionally, the institution offers various support services for students with disabilities, making it easier for them to pursue their education.
Activities of the Inclusive Education Support Center at Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University for 2025
Inclusive education is a global issue that requires special attention, as the number of children with special educational needs (SEN) increases every year. At Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, this issue is actively addressed, as 56 students with disabilities (SEN) are currently enrolled. The university maintains records of individuals with special needs during the stages of admission, education, and employment.
The selection of educational technologies, teaching tools, and methods for implementing educational programs is based on the necessity for students to achieve planned learning outcomes. These are implemented while considering the individual capabilities of persons with special educational needs. Assessment forms for current, intermediate, and state final certifications (oral, written, computer-based testing, etc.) for students with special needs are determined based on their individual psychophysiological characteristics.
Key Events and Achievements in 2025:
1) In 2025, a seminar-practicum titled "Mechanisms of Socio-Pedagogical Rehabilitation of Children with Special Needs in the Educational Process" and "Aspects of Inclusive Education" was held for the university's teaching staff. More than 100 teachers participated in this seminar. Additionally, a seminar-practicum titled "Innovative Technologies in Teaching Children with Disabilities" brought together school and university teachers.
2) From January 6 to January 17, 2025, 103 faculty members from the Turkistan campus and 114 faculty members from the Shymkent campus underwent professional development. Starting from January 2025, the "Professional Development Center" organized a 72-hour, 2-week course titled "Content of Teaching Skills in Inclusive Education," in which more than 800 faculty members participated.
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Goal of the course:
● To assist listeners in creating conditions for students with disabilities to receive an education in general educational institutions and to provide conscious support for their development.
● To eliminate any discrimination against students, ensure equal treatment for all people, and create special conditions for children with special learning needs.
● To create a comfortable environment for students with special educational needs.
The university is always open to individuals accompanying students of this category. The Inclusive Resource Center has been operating at the university since 2020. In order to comply with Paragraph 38 of Order No. 595 of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated October 30, 2018, which states that "special educational conditions shall be created for persons with special educational needs," and based on University Order No. 1/243 dated February 24, 2022, the center is led by Head of the Center: Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, Regional Trainer Gulsara Tolebekovna Tokkulova and Pedagogue-Psychologist: Candidate of
Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, Trainer Maria Botaikovna Jazdykbaeva.
3) May 2025: Experience exchange at Gazi University in Ankara, Republic of Türkiye.
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4) October 21-24, 2025: Participation in the conference "Using Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive Education: A Scalable Model for the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Region" in Shymkent.
⮚ Within the framework of the Address of the Head of State, Kassym Jomart Tokayev, to the people of Kazakhstan titled “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Current Issues and Their Solution through Fundamental Digital Transformation,” a joint international scientific event titled “Using Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive Education: A Scalable Model for the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Region” was organized on October 21–24, 2025.
⮚ G. Tokkulova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Head of the Center for Support of Special (Inclusive) Education at Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University in Turkistan, participated in the scientific event.
⮚ The scientific seminar was ceremonially opened by Zh. Zhilbayev, Member of the Board and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Utebayev Zhanibekov South Kazakhstan Pedagogical University.
⮚ Among the participants were G. Zharassova, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Steven (Hao) Lin, representative of the CAREC Institute, as well as domestic and international scholars and experts including A. Nurzada, Andone Diana-Maria, Younes Bensouda Moutti, Huseyin Atakan Varol, Ana Skledar Matijevic, Petr Saloum, Simon Thompson, and others.
⮚ During the scientific event, issues related to artificial intelligence in inclusive education were discussed, and workshops, small-group sessions, and project presentations were conducted.
⮚ At the end of the scientific seminar, certificates were awarded to the participants.
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5) The concept of the "Inclusive Assembly" project by the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan was discussed, and the "Inclusive Assembly" was subsequently established.
The main topic of the meeting was inclusion and the formation of a new culture. Shavkat Abdollauly delivered a presentation using slides and shared his views with the participants. During the meeting, G. Tokkulova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, emphasized the importance of the Inclusive Assembly and highlighted the work being carried out in this direction in the region and at the university. E. Zhangaziyeva also presented proposals to strengthen activities within the “Inclusive Assembly” direction of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and invited participants to collaborate on the project. Sultanbek Malik, PhD, noted the significance and sustainability of the project and expressed gratitude to the organizers and honored guests. In addition, Asel Bimyrzaeva, author of the “Dreams Come True” project for children with special needs, shared her suggestions. The meeting was attended by members of the Regional Councils of Elders and Mothers, the Mediation Council, ethnocultural associations, Assembly Youth of Kazakhstan, and the Student Assembly, who shared their opinions
and ideas. The “Inclusive Assembly” project aims to promote unity in Kazakhstan, ensure equality among different ethnic and social groups, and provide opportunities for all citizens to express their views.
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6) In cooperation with the "Yntymak" public association of the Turkistan region, a large-scale event titled "Respect for Language, Respect for the Country" was held at the House of Friendship with the participation of the Inclusive Assembly and representatives of various ethnic groups.
The event, aimed at strengthening stability, Kazakhstani identity, and unity in the country, was attended by members of the Regional Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, representatives of regional ethnocultural associations, members of the Turkistan regional branch of Assembly Youth of Kazakhstan, and international students representing various ethnic groups within the “Inclusive Assembly” initiative. Before the meeting began, an exhibition was organized for guests and participants, where students from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tuva Republic, Yakutia, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey presented their national dishes and offered them to visitors. The diverse cuisine and traditional foods of each nation attracted great interest from the guests. The festive event was moderated by Gulsara Tokkulova, Chairperson of the Council of Mothers under the Turkistan Regional Assembly and Head of the Center for Inclusive Education Support at Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh Turkish University. The opening speech was delivered by Nursultan Seitjanov, Deputy Head of the Turkistan Regional Department of Public Development, followed by Edil Tolegenov, Vice-Rector for Social and Cultural Development of the university, who congratulated the students on the occasion and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and brotherhood. The celebration continued with a concert program performed by international students, where representatives of various ethnic groups appeared on stage in their national costumes, performing traditional dances and folk songs. The vibrant cultural expressions and artistic performances of each nation created a joyful atmosphere and became a clear symbol of friendship and unity. At the end of the event, representatives of ethnocultural associations and members of the Assembly who contribute to strengthening unity in the country were awarded letters of appreciation on behalf of Elmira Zhangaziyeva, Head of the “Public Consent” institution under the Turkistan Regional Department of Public Development.
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Access schemes for people with disabilities such as mentoring or other targeted support
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY
INTRODUCTION
KHOJA AKHMET YASSAWI INTERNATIONAL KAZAKH-TURKISH UNIVERSITY (IKTU) CONSIDERS THE PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION AS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL ITS ACTIVITIES. THE UNIVERSITY IS COMMITTED TO CREATING A FAIR AND RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT BASED ON THE CONSTITUTION, LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN, AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. THIS POLICY AIMS TO ENSURE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF, ENABLING THEM TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.
PURPOSE OF THE POLICY
EQUALITY ENSURING EQUAL PROTECTION OF RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS.
DIVERSITY SUPPORTING THE REPRESENTATION OF DIVERSE CULTURAL, SOCIAL, AND ETHNIC GROUPS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY.
INCLUSION CREATING ADAPTED AND ACCESSIBLE CONDITIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO ENSURE EQUAL PARTICIPATION FOR EVERYONE.
NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTING THE DIGNITY OF EVERY PERSON AND PREVENTING ALL FORMS OF UNFAIR TREATMENT.
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
2.1 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
- GUARANTEES EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW AND PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.
- ENSURES EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL CITIZENS REGARDLESS OF RACE, GENDER, LANGUAGE, RELIGION, ETHNIC, OR SOCIAL ORIGIN.
2.2 "ON EDUCATION" LAW
- AFFIRMS EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL CITIZENS TO RECEIVE QUALITY EDUCATION.
- ENSURES ADAPTED EDUCATIONAL CONDITIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
2.3 "ON LABOR" LAW
- GUARANTEES EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORKPLACE.
- PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENDER, ETHNICITY, RELIGION, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS.
2.4 "ON THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE" LAW
- AIMS TO PROTECT VULNERABLE GROUPS AND SAFEGUARD THEIR RIGHTS.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
1. UN UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
- ESTABLISHES PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION.
2. UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
- GOAL 5 (GENDER EQUALITY) AND GOAL 10 (REDUCED INEQUALITIES).
3. UNESCO RECOMMENDATIONS
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY
- FOCUSED ON PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.
4. OECD STANDARDS
- ENSURING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INCLUSION PRINCIPLES.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTER
THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTER ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. IMPLEMENTING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION POLICIES: THE CENTER DEVELOPS AND IMPLEMENTS PROGRAMS AIMED AT FULFILLING THE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION.
2. SUPPORT SERVICES: PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, CREATING NECESSARY CONDITIONS FOR THEIR EDUCATION.
3. ADAPTING THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS: ADAPTING CURRICULA AND TEACHING METHODS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, UTILIZING ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES.
4. PROVIDING SERVICES: ORGANIZING CONSULTATIONS, TRAINING, AND COURSES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION ISSUES.
5. COORDINATION: ESTABLISHING PARTNERSHIPS WITH ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS, AND COMMUNITIES WORKING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION.
6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION: ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM, IDENTIFYING SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS.
BELOW ARE IMAGES OF THE INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTER
EQUIPMENTS OF THE SUPPORT CENTER
WALKERS; CRUTCHES; AUDIOCLUSTERS; NECK BRACE; BRAILLE; THE WHEELCHAIR; LIFTS WITH TACTILE LABELS; PANTOS
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KEY AREAS
EQUALITY - ALL INDIVIDUALS, REGARDLESS OF GENDER, RACE, ETHNICITY, RELIGION, AGE, OR PHYSICAL CONDITION, HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS.
DIVERSITY - THE UNIVERSITY SUPPORTS THE REPRESENTATION OF VARIOUS ETHNIC, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL GROUPS.
INCLUSION - CREATES ADAPTED CONDITIONS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION - IMPLEMENTS A ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY FOR DISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENDER, ETHNICITY, RELIGION, OR OTHER CHARACTERISTICS.
MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION
TRAINING AND SEMINARS: REGULAR TRAINING FOR FACULTY AND STAFF ON EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION.
MONITORING SYSTEM: ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH EQUALITY AND INCLUSION PRINCIPLES WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY.
COMPLAINT MECHANISM: PROVIDING ANONYMOUS AND SECURE COMPLAINT SUBMISSION CHANNELS.
REPORTING: PREPARING AND PUBLISHING AN ANNUAL REPORT ON POLICY IMPLEMENTATION.
RESPONSIBILITIES
ALL STRUCTURAL UNITS OF THE UNIVERSITY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION.
STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF MUST COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS POLICY.
CONCLUSION
KHOJA AKHMET YASSAWI INTERNATIONAL KAZAKH-TURKISH UNIVERSITY IS COMMITTED TO UPHOLDING AND PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION. BY FOSTERING AN ENVIRONMENT BASED ON RESPECT AND FAIRNESS, WE ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
FOR ADDITIONAL INQUIRIES OR SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE RELEVANT UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT.
Our university has a policy or strategy that outlines the reasonable adjustments and provisions for people with disabilities, including adequate funding
A SCIENTIFIC SEMINAR ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS WAS HELD
A scientific seminar on Sustainable Development Goals was held at our educational institution, organized by the Sustainable Development Research Center, with the participation of research institutes.
https://ayu.edu.kz/kz/haberler/412
The seminar was conducted within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on the themes of “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure,” “Responsible Consumption and Production,” “Life on Land,” and “Partnerships for the Goals.”. The main objective was to explain the Sustainable Development Goals and their key directions to the participants. In addition, the seminar demonstrated how to align the scientific research and publications of institute staff with the SDGs, including the proper use of relevant keywords. During the meeting, it was emphasized that the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals are continuously monitored by representatives of the United Nations and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Furthermore, all 17 core SDG areas set to be achieved by 2030 were discussed in detail.
Participants were provided with information on the relevance and importance of each topic. The staff also learned how to incorporate the above-mentioned SDG areas into their scientific research and academic writing. At the end of the seminar, participants exchanged views and received answers to their questions.
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A Scientific Seminar on Sustainable Development Goals Was Held in Shymkent
A Scientific Seminar on Sustainable Development Goals Was Held
At the Shymkent campus of our educational institution, a scientific seminar on Sustainable Development Goals was organized by the Sustainable Development Research Center for the staff of the Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Education.
The seminar was conducted within the framework of the themes “Linking Sustainable Development Goals to Education and Research Projects,” “Good Health and Well-being,” and “Partnerships for the Goals.” The main objective was to explain the Sustainable Development Goals and their key directions to the participants, as well as to demonstrate how faculty members can align their scientific research and publications with the SDGs and effectively use relevant keywords.
During the seminar, the importance of linking Medicine with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was widely discussed. In addition, the significance of connecting the university’s internal IP ranking, scientific projects, publications, and events to the SDGs was also emphasized.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are globally recognized objectives aimed at eradicating poverty, combating inequality and injustice, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all people.
Seventeen main goals have been set to be achieved by 2030. It was thoroughly explained that the implementation of these goals leads to the sustainable development of all key sectors of life in the country and addresses global issues affecting every individual in the world.
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