Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy
Reimagining Governance: Power, Policy, and the Public Good in a Fractured World
The Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) at Nazarbayev University is honored to host the 10th Anniversary International GSPP Conference on October 16–17, 2026
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About NU GSPP conference
NU GSPP Conference is an annual event that is aimed to provide attendees of academic and professional political communities with quality educational and networking opportunities focused on a various areas of public policy and public administration. It is a communication platform designed for academics, young scholars, practitioners and researchers.
“Reimagining Governance: Power, Policy, and the Public Good in a Fractured World”
October 16–17, 2026 | Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan | Hybrid Format
The Graduate School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev University invites scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to submit abstracts for its 2026 International Annual Conference on October 16 - 17, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the event. At a moment of intensifying geopolitical fragmentation, democratic backsliding, and technological disruption, this conference asks a foundational question: what does good governance look like and for whom in a world increasingly defined by division?
Reimagining |
Topics and tracks of the conference
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Public Administration and Governance - AI Governance, Innovation and Technology Policy
- Economic Policy and Development
- Social Policy and Human Capital
- Environmental Policy and Climate Change
General Registration is Open!
Join and be part of the conversation at
the GSPP Conference 2026
the GSPP Conference 2026
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Katarína Staroňová
Dr. Katarína Staroňová
"Navigating Loyalty and Competence: Executive Control, Bureaucratic Autonomy, and Modern Governance"
Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration at Comenius University. Her research focuses on civil service, politico-administrative relations and comparative public administration. She is co-founder of the Master of Public Policy Program at Comenius University. Previously, she was a junior scholar at Woodrow Wilson Research Center in Washington, D.C., USA and a number of applied research and consultancy work with UNDP, WB and European Commission. Katarina holds a PhD in Theory of Politics from Comenius University and Master Degree in Public Administration from New York University and Central European University.
GSPP Conference 2026 – Programme
16–17 October 2026 · Graduate School of Public Policy, Nazarbayev University, Astana · All times Astana time (GMT+5)· *program can change till October 10
Conference Workshop Series
The workshop will be held on October 17th
- DataLab Workshop I: Getting Started with MAXQDA - A Practical Introduction to Qualitative Data Analysiswith Dr Zarina Adambussinova
Head of Science Unit: Research,
Evaluation and International Development
Almaty Children's Science MuseumZarina Adambussinova is a social anthropologist and Head of the Science Unit at the Almaty Children’s Science Museum, where she leads research, evaluation, and international development. She holds a PhD in Central Asian Studies from Humboldt University of Berlin and was a postdoctoral fellow at the American University of Central Asia in collaboration with Bielefeld University (2021–2024). Her research explores heritage, memory, and socio-economic transformation in Central Asia.
Venue: C3, room 1010 - DataLab Workshop II: Conducting Focus Groupswith Dr Marya Bekova
Qualitative Research Methodologist, MAXQDA Trainer
& NVivo Certified ExpertParticipants will learn the fundamentals of using MAXQDA to organize, code and analyze qualitative data. To receive the prerequisites, please fill out the form.
Venue: Online (MS Teams), see the link in the schedule above - NU Library Workshop: Introduction to Project Managementby Diana Baidollinova, Teaching and Learning Librarian, Nazarbayev UniversityDiana Baidollinova holds an MPA and is a Certified Project Manager. She has successfully completed and passed the Project Management certification exam based on ST RK ISO 21502-2022. Credential ID: F01344.
Participants will learn how to:
- turn ideas into clear objectives, outcomes, and deliverables;
- identify and engage key stakeholders;
- structure activities, priorities, resources, and timelines;
- identify risks, constraints, and dependencies;
- plan, monitor, and evaluate project effectiveness;
- apply basic project management approaches to their own work.
Venue: C3, room 2004
When you arrive
Campus Access
The Conference ensures access to campus for all registered participants. There are two main entrances to the university: Turan Avenue entrance and Kabanbay batyr Avenue entrance. Please refer to the campus map.
Taxi Information
Official taxis can access campus via Turan Avenue entrance.
Internet Access
The public Wi-Fi "NU Guest" network is open and free to use.
Accomodation
The public Wi-Fi "NU Guest" network is open and free to use.
Dining Options
Below is a list of on-campus dining facilities:
The Conference ensures access to campus for all registered participants. There are two main entrances to the university: Turan Avenue entrance and Kabanbay batyr Avenue entrance. Please refer to the campus map.
Taxi Information
Official taxis can access campus via Turan Avenue entrance.
Internet Access
The public Wi-Fi "NU Guest" network is open and free to use.
Accomodation
The public Wi-Fi "NU Guest" network is open and free to use.
Dining Options
Below is a list of on-campus dining facilities:
- Tamyr - located in block C3, 1st floor
- Kunde - located in block C2, Mezzanine floor
- Green food - located in block 4, 2nd floor
- Health Project - upper atrium between blocks C2 and C4
- Espresso day - upper atrium between blocks C2 and C3
- Daily cup - lower atrium between blocks C2 and C3
- Pablo - lower atrium between blocks C3 and C4
How to get to the venue
Astana offers a reliable public transportation system.
Taxi Services
If you opt for a taxi, expect a journey of around 20–45 minutes to the city, with fares starting from 2 000 KZT. Payment methods include cash or linked credit/debit cards on apps like YandexGo. Note that physical card terminals are not commonly available in Kazakhstani taxis.
Public Transportation
Alternatively, public transport is available. From the airport, catch bus № 10, alighting at Nazarbayev University. Buses operate every 10 or 15 minutes from 6 am to 11 pm. Please be aware that cash is not accepted on buses. Payment must be made through designated apps (details provided below).
LRT
The LRT provides a convenient connection between the airport and Nazarbayev University. Trains operate daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, with a fare of 200 KZT per trip. Passengers can pay easily by tapping a bank card or using other contactless payment methods.
The LRT offers a fast and affordable alternative to taxis and buses for travel between the airport and the university campus.
Refer to online maps, the Astra Bus app, or 2gis.kz for bus; LRT routes and schedules.
Taxi Services
If you opt for a taxi, expect a journey of around 20–45 minutes to the city, with fares starting from 2 000 KZT. Payment methods include cash or linked credit/debit cards on apps like YandexGo. Note that physical card terminals are not commonly available in Kazakhstani taxis.
Public Transportation
Alternatively, public transport is available. From the airport, catch bus № 10, alighting at Nazarbayev University. Buses operate every 10 or 15 minutes from 6 am to 11 pm. Please be aware that cash is not accepted on buses. Payment must be made through designated apps (details provided below).
LRT
The LRT provides a convenient connection between the airport and Nazarbayev University. Trains operate daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, with a fare of 200 KZT per trip. Passengers can pay easily by tapping a bank card or using other contactless payment methods.
The LRT offers a fast and affordable alternative to taxis and buses for travel between the airport and the university campus.
Refer to online maps, the Astra Bus app, or 2gis.kz for bus; LRT routes and schedules.
Book your Conference stay
We understand the importance of comfortable and convenient lodging during your stay in Astana. ASYR offers convenient on-campus accommodation across 21 block.
To book your room, email to salessales@asyr.kz or visit their website. You can use promo code "univer26" for a 10% discount.
Alternatively, we recommend the following hotels near the Conference venue:
To book your room, email to salessales@asyr.kz or visit their website. You can use promo code "univer26" for a 10% discount.
Alternatively, we recommend the following hotels near the Conference venue:
- Hilton Astana - Approximately 1 km from the venue, located at the EXPO territory near Mega Silkway mall.
- Wyndham Garden Astana - Approximately 1.5 km from the venue, conveniently located to the new Astana International Airport (7 min).
- Neos Hotel - Approximately 3 km from the venue, located near the Botanical garden and sport stadiums like «Barys Arena», «Astana Arena», «Alau» and «Saryarka» Velodrome.
Know more about past NU GSPP Conferences:
Year | Date | Conference Title | Key Topics |
2024 | October 4 | Collaborative Governance in Transitional States | Governance transition, policy reforms, institutional development |
2023 | May 29 | Shifting Boundaries in Global and Local Governance | Government performance, international cooperation, local governance, migration, integration, polarization |
2022 | June 7 | Public Policy and Good Governance in a Changing World | Policy adaptation, governance transformation, global challenges |
2021 | October 15-16 | Policy Change and Sectoral Reforms in Eurasia | Policy shifts, sectoral challenges, governance innovations |
2020 | October 15-16 | Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia and the Challenges of COVID-19 | Pandemic impact, sustainability, regional cooperation |
2019 | October 10-12 | Risk, Rationality and Resilience | Risk management, policy decision-making, resilience strategies |
2018 | October 5-6 | Contemporary Issues in Public Administration in Post-Soviet Eurasia | Public administration, governance challenges, Eurasian policies |
2017 | August 17-19 | Good Governance and Economic Diversification in Resource-Rich Economies | Governance quality, economic diversification, policy strategies |
NU GSPP Conference Organizing Committee
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Dina Sharipova
Chair of the Conference
Email: dina.sharipova@nu.edu.kz
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Aziz Burkhanov
Organizer of the Conference
Email: aziz.burkhanov@nu.edu.kz
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Vladimir Kozlov
Organizer of the Conference
Email: vladimir.kozlov@nu.edu.kz
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Hyesong Ha
Organizer of the Conference
Email: hyesong.ha@nu.edu.kz
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Amina Akhmetbekova
Organizer of the Conference
Email: amina.akhmetbekova@nu.edu.kz
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General Inquiries
Organizer of the Conference
Email: gsppconference@nu.edu.kz
Media Partner
