INCLUSION ISSUES DISCUSSED AT AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY

Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Human-Centered Organization: Theoretical and Applied Aspects of Inclusion as a Mechanism for Enhancing Competitiveness.”

The event brought together researchers, education specialists, representatives of business and government institutions from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Germany, and Malta.

The conference served as the final event of research project No. AP23489784, implemented with grant funding from the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project is aimed at developing a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion in Kazakhstani organizations. The project is led by Natalia Ladzina, Doctor of Psychological Sciences and Professor at the Department of Psychology and Correctional Pedagogy.

In her welcoming remarks, The Chairman of the Board – Rector Gulzhan Jarassova emphasized the importance of the principles of inclusion and equal opportunities in education, research, and the implementation of social responsibility.

Today, 24 students with special educational needs study at the University. In 2023, the Ergopedagogy and Early Support Pedagogy educational programs were launched, and in 2025, an interdisciplinary program in occupational therapy and ergorehabilitation was introduced jointly with Semey Medical University. The University also operates the DanaBala Center for Continuing and Inclusive Education.

“Developing an inclusive culture is not only a matter of social responsibility. It is an important condition for the sustainable development of organizations, improving the quality of human capital, and strengthening the competitiveness of society,” noted Gulzhan Jarassova.

During the plenary session, Kazakhstani and international experts presented reports on inclusive policy, human capital development, acceptance of cultural diversity, and psychological support within organizations. Yerzhan Domalatov, Director of the Department of Academic Policy and Educational Program Management at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, focused on the importance of inclusive policy in the development of human capital.

During the breakout sessions, participants also discussed organizational culture, inclusive education, professional training, and digital transformation.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants received certificates. The meeting became a platform for exchanging experience among representatives of science, education, business, and government institutions and confirmed the importance of inclusive approaches for the sustainable development of organizations and enhancing their competitiveness.