Nazarbayev University hosts Youth Forum on ‘Meta-Silk Road’

From October 24^th-28^th 2022, Nazarbayev University (NU) hosts the international Asian University Alliance (AUA) Youth Forum on "Creating the Meta-Silk Road: Integrating Asian Cultures in a Real and Virtual Universe".

The AUA Youth Forum (AUAYF) is an annual flagship platform dedicated to jointly addressing developmental issues in the Asian region, enhancing youth empowerment, and promoting cultural and academic exchanges among AUA students.

Each forum focuses on a particular theme that corresponds to the concept of the AUA year. Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Asian Civilisations, and Future Habitats are at the centre of discussion this year.

The Youth Forum programme includes master classes from NU professors on topics such as: Research in AI, AR/XR/VR, data science, and computer graphics, AI in Environmental Health, Cyber Security and Blockchain, Data as the new oil, Preserving Silk Roads Heritage, and more.

Professor Ilesanmi Adesida, NU Provost, says, "We are happy to host students from our sister institutions in the AUA family as participants in the Forum on Meta-Silk Road. Artificial Intelligence and Smart Systems have become the infrastructure of life; this Forum will examine their intersection with the areas of business, finance, environment and their impact on culture in the heart of the Ancient Silk Road."

Established at the initiative of Tsinghua University in 2017, the AUA brought together 15 founding members with the mission of jointly addressing regional and global challenges, specifically related to higher education and economic, scientific, and technological development, by strengthening collaboration among member institutions. The AUA also acknowledges and promotes shared identity and values.

For students, the AUA provides unique opportunities to embrace diversity, develop critical mindset, enhance entrepreneurship skills and learn more about innovations, and understand new trends in human capital development.