The 2026 International Leadership Academy Launches at KAFU

On May 26, 2026, the Kazakhstan-American Free University officially opened the International Leadership Academy, a large-scale international educational program that brought together students, faculty members, and university partners from Kazakhstan, the United States, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines.

The joint project of KAFU and the international organization Co-Serve International (Portland, USA) united 27 participants around the idea of leadership as service to society. The Academy includes representatives of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU, USA), the organization “Resource Exchange International,” a partner university from Uzbekistan, as well as students and faculty members of KAFU.

On the first day of the program, a meeting was held between the heads of KAFU departments and the participants of the Academy. Among the participants of the meeting were Zh.E. Baikenov, D. Ballast, Yu.A. Gavrilova, B.I. Umitchinova, Yu.V. Novitskaya, S.M. Abilov, N.M. Shefer, G.A. Menzyuk, and other representatives of the university administration.

During the meeting, participants learned about the history of KAFU, the university’s mission, values, and culture of leadership. Special attention was given to an open Q&A session, which allowed guests to gain a deeper understanding of the educational environment of KAFU and the university’s international initiatives.

Over the course of two weeks, participants of the Academy will not simply study — each day of the program will become a practical lesson in leadership, intercultural interaction, and social responsibility. The Academy will serve as a space where theory meets practice and dialogue leads to personal transformation. Young leaders will develop skills in intercultural communication, reflection, teamwork, and self-awareness. The central theme of the program is the understanding of leadership not as power, but as the ability to inspire, unite, support, and change the world for the better.

As part of the program, participants will visit key organizations of Eastern Kazakhstan, including a crisis center for women, a children’s social services center, the East Kazakhstan Regional Library named after A.S. Pushkin, a youth time club, the regional museum of history and local lore, and other institutions of the region.

The participants will also take part in cultural events, volunteer and social projects, and meetings with children and young people facing difficult life circumstances. These activities will help participants better understand that true leadership begins with openness, empathy, and a willingness to serve society.