On 20 February 2026, a working meeting was held bringing together the National Erasmus+ Office in the Kyrgyz Republic, the National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan, Higher Education Reform Experts (HEREs) from both countries, and representatives of the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic. The meeting served as an important platform for policy dialogue and regional cooperation in the field of higher education development.
The central focus of the discussion was the process of adopting the Tokyo Convention in the Kyrgyz Republic. The Tokyo Convention (Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education) plays a significant role in facilitating the fair recognition of academic qualifications, promoting transparency, and enhancing mobility of students and graduates across countries.
As the Republic of Kazakhstan has recently ratified the Tokyo Convention, the Kazakh delegation shared first-hand experience regarding the national procedures, legislative adjustments, institutional coordination mechanisms, and awareness-raising efforts required for successful adoption and implementation. Particular attention was given to the alignment of national legislation with international standards, the role of recognition bodies, and inter-ministerial cooperation.
Participants engaged in a constructive exchange of views on the potential benefits and challenges associated with the Convention’s adoption in the Kyrgyz Republic. The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening national recognition systems, improving quality assurance mechanisms, and fostering trust and compatibility within the regional higher education space.
The meeting also reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to advancing higher education reform in line with international best practices. The Erasmus+ framework continues to provide valuable support for dialogue, expertise, and cooperation among stakeholders, contributing to sustainable reforms and enhanced regional integration.
The event concluded with an agreement to continue consultations and expert-level cooperation in order to support the Kyrgyz Republic in the next steps towards the possible adoption of the Tokyo Convention. Such collaborative initiatives further strengthen academic mobility, international recognition of qualifications, and the overall modernization of higher education systems in the region.
