KazGASA Hosts BRAUIC 2025
On 26 September, Gylym Ordasy — the headquarters of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan — hosted the main day of the international BRAUIC 2025 forum. The forum took place in Almaty from 25 to 27 September at the venues of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA) and the National Academy of Sciences. This world-class event brought together leading universities of architecture and construction from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as representatives of public institutions, research centres and businesses from 39 countries.
The agenda focused on strategies for the sector's sustainable and digital development, the launch of joint projects and investment initiatives. The event was particularly important for the CIS countries: participants in Almaty developed a shared understanding of standards and practices relating to BIM, digital twins, green codes and regulation; aligned approaches to joint educational pathways and academic mobility; and outlined Smart City pilot projects and ways to expand the export potential of educational services offered by the region's universities and engineering schools.
A key event of the day was the signing of a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA), and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
«Our mission is to unite the efforts of universities, business and government in order to agree on new development priorities. The forum in Almaty has become not only a platform for exchanging ideas, but also a starting point for specific projects and alliances.»
Aigazy Kussainov, Chair of the IEC Supervisory Board
«Kazakhstan is becoming a centre for international dialogue in science, education and innovation. BRAUIC's four tracks — digital architecture; green technologies and sustainable construction; Smart City; and a new model of education — are the foundation of tomorrow's world.»
Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan
«Our goal is simple but ambitious: to transform Almaty and its agglomeration into a sustainable, smart and comfortable region where technology serves people. We must not only build the future, but also preserve the past.»
Akhylbek Kurishbayev, President of the National Academy of Sciences
«Almaty has brought together those who are shaping the global agenda for sustainable development, digitalisation and innovation in architecture and construction. It is particularly gratifying that KazGASA, one of our city's leading universities, is chairing the forum in 2025.»
Beibut Shakhanov, Deputy Akim of Almaty
The BRAUIC consortium comprises 91 universities from 39 countries. Delegations from China, Azerbaijan, Russia, Thailand, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Peru, Malaysia, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and other countries worked in Almaty, including leaders of universities, research centres, relevant government agencies and companies.
Two strategic initiatives were presented during the forum — the international platform Luban Global School, combining craft heritage, digital tools and global partnerships in architectural and construction education, and a global digital platform for the preservation and practical use of architectural heritage.
The forum was held under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, jointly with KazGASA — the only Kazakhstani member of BRAUIC. Following its accession to the consortium in 2024, KazGASA was appointed Chair of the BRAUIC 2025 Conference and selected to host the event in Almaty.