Dr. Kuat Akizhanov Delivers Keynote Lecture at International Summer School on Social Cohesion and Public Policy in Almaty

Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, Deputy Director Two of the CAREC Institute, participated in the second session of the International, Interdisciplinary and Practice-Oriented Summer School. The session is themed “Social Cohesion and Public Policy in Central Asia and the Caucasus: Problem Identification and Structuring in Transdisciplinary Research.” This three-session summer school series brings together early-career researchers, doctoral students and scholars from the CAREC region, as well as experts from leading international universities and think tanks.

The second session was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from 23 to 29 March 2026. Dr. Akizhanov delivered a keynote lecture titled “Why Epistemology Matters: Neoclassical Economics, Neoliberal Policies, Heterodoxy, and Social Cohesion in Central Asia and the Caucasus”. In his address, he underscored the importance of critically rethinking dominant economic paradigms and emphasized that methodological approaches shape both research outcomes and policy directions in the region. He also highlighted the need to explore new and emerging research areas relevant to the CAREC region, particularly those addressing inequality, social cohesion, and sustainable development.

Dr. Akizhanov encouraged young scholar participants to adopt innovative interdisciplinary methodologies and diverse research tools to tackle the complex regional challenges in Central Asia and the Caucasus, and to understand its social and economic transformations that extend beyond traditional frameworks.

Dr. Akizhanov’s lecture at the event reflects the growing recognition of the CAREC Institute as a leading knowledge hub for regional cooperation and development. By engaging with young researchers, the Institute advances high-quality, innovative and policy-aligned research across the CAREC region, supports the nurturing of young regional research talents, and contributes to evidence-based policy dialogue on key issues in the region.