DKU.talks

From March 23–28, 2026, the Kazakh-German University hosted the second Summer School on social cohesion and public policy in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Funded by the VolkswagenStiftung and led by Technische Universität Dortmund, the project brings together Crossroads Central Asia, Deutsch-Kasachische Universität (DKU), University of Georgia, and Ilia State University. Following Bishkek (September 2025), the Almaty school focused on research development and regional exchange.

Lectures included:
• Why Epistemology Matters - Kuat Akizhanov
• Subjective Wellbeing in Central Asia- Dina Sharipova
• How to Write Effective Policy Papers- Serik Orazgaliyev
• Science and its Environment- Natalia Jung
• Regional Policy and Social Cohesion in Mining Regions- Madina Junussova

Workshops: Serik Beimenbetov, Zarina Adambussinova, Aizhan Sharshenova, Shairbek Dzhuraev, Shalva Dzebisashvili, Nora Becker, Elbey Babayev, Murodjon Sultanov, Aliia Maralbaeva.

Mentors: Gabriele Rasuly-Paleczek, Zukhra Halimova.

Participants also had the opportunity to engage with practitioners during a visit to CAPS Unlock Policy Center, which featured an insightful panel discussion with Nargiz Kassenova (Co-founder), Zukhra Halimova (Senior Advisor), Tlegen Kuandykov (Program Coordinator), Aida Aidarkulova (Executive Director), and Peter Leonard (Communications Director).
Special thanks to all speakers, mentors, organizers, partner institutions, and the Volkswagen Foundation for their invaluable support and for making this initiative possible.