Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy
Navigating the Complexity of Policymaking: Challenges and Opportunities
The Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) at Nazarbayev University is honored to host the 9th International GSPP Conference on October 17–18, 2025
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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.
“Navigating the Complexity of Policymaking: Challenges and Opportunities”
October 17–18, 2025 | Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan | Hybrid Format
The Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) at Nazarbayev University is honored to host the 9th International GSPP Conference on October 17–18, 2025. The event will take place in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation. The conference will serve as a vibrant platform for scholars, practitioners, and policy experts to explore the complexities of policymaking in today’s dynamic and interconnected world.
This year’s theme, “Navigating the Complexity of Policymaking: Challenges and Opportunities,” aims to examine key questions around governance, sustainability, and innovation in the face of growing policy challenges. Participants will engage in two days of panel sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.
Conference Program
Day 1 | Friday, October 17
09:45 – 10:00
Conference Opening
Keynote Speech
Dr. Michael Mintrom | Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Monash Master of Public Policy, Monash University, Australia
"Digital Twins to Support Complex Decision-Making"
Dr. Michael Mintrom | Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Monash Master of Public Policy, Monash University, Australia
"Digital Twins to Support Complex Decision-Making"
11:15 – 12:45
Panel 1 - Navigating Governance: Networks, Resilience, and Sovereignty
Panel Chair: Dr Zhanibek Arynov
Dr Andrey Semenov | Nazarbayev University SSH - "Who is Responsible for Disaster Preparedness and Relief? Evidence from Survey in Kazakhstan"
Dr Dayashankar Maurya | GSPP — "Collaboration in Contexts with Conflict of Interest: Implementation Dynamics in Mandated Networks"
Zhanerke Kochiigit | National Center for Higher Education Development MSHE RK — "Navigating Complexity in Higher Education Governance: Multi-Level and Network Approaches in Kazakhstan"
Meirat Omarov | Abylaikhan University - "Multi-Vector Engagement and Network Resilience: Kazakhstan's Economic Diplomacy for Sovereign Security in the Times of Geopolitical Uncertainty"
Dr Mukhtar Sadykov | Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s office - "Rethinking Sovereignty in the Digital Age: State Control over Platforms, Data, and Algorithms"
Dr Andrey Semenov | Nazarbayev University SSH - "Who is Responsible for Disaster Preparedness and Relief? Evidence from Survey in Kazakhstan"
Dr Dayashankar Maurya | GSPP — "Collaboration in Contexts with Conflict of Interest: Implementation Dynamics in Mandated Networks"
Zhanerke Kochiigit | National Center for Higher Education Development MSHE RK — "Navigating Complexity in Higher Education Governance: Multi-Level and Network Approaches in Kazakhstan"
Meirat Omarov | Abylaikhan University - "Multi-Vector Engagement and Network Resilience: Kazakhstan's Economic Diplomacy for Sovereign Security in the Times of Geopolitical Uncertainty"
Dr Mukhtar Sadykov | Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s office - "Rethinking Sovereignty in the Digital Age: State Control over Platforms, Data, and Algorithms"
11:15 – 12:45
Panel 2 - Bridging Gaps in the Digital Era
Panel Chair: Dr Scott Valentine
Dr Hyesong Ha | GSPP - "Digitalization and Employee Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19"
Begim Kutym | GSPP - "Behind the Numbers: Overstated Digital Literacy in Kazakhstan"
Dr Asad Bokhari | GSPP - "Algorithmic Authoritarianism or Equitable Governance? AI, Ethics, and Stakeholder Exclusion in Kazakhstan’s Public Sector"
Dr Aigerim Amirova | Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan - "Governance in the Industry 5.0 Era: Designing AI-enabled Public Service for Social E-Participation"
Dr Hyesong Ha | GSPP - "Digitalization and Employee Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19"
Begim Kutym | GSPP - "Behind the Numbers: Overstated Digital Literacy in Kazakhstan"
Dr Asad Bokhari | GSPP - "Algorithmic Authoritarianism or Equitable Governance? AI, Ethics, and Stakeholder Exclusion in Kazakhstan’s Public Sector"
Dr Aigerim Amirova | Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan - "Governance in the Industry 5.0 Era: Designing AI-enabled Public Service for Social E-Participation"
11:15 – 12:45
Panel 3 - Building Social Wellbeing: Demography, Labor, and Policy
Panel Chair: Dr Clifford Frasier
Dr Vladimir Kozlov | GSPP - "Pro-natalist Policy and Birth Order Trends in Kazakhstan: Preliminary Evidence from Monthly Parity-Specific Data, 2010–2024"
Dilara Omirserikova | GSPP - "A policy analysis of pension reforms in Hungary and Kazakhstan"
Dr Svetlana Biryukova | Higher School of Economics - "Relationship Between (In)Stability in the Labor Market and the Pattern of Starting Life Events in Generations of Russians Born in 1960-1994: A Challenge for Social Policy"
Aidana Shaimerdenova | GSPP - "Child and family welfare in complex policy environments: Lessons from Kazakhstan"
Dr Vladimir Kozlov | GSPP - "Pro-natalist Policy and Birth Order Trends in Kazakhstan: Preliminary Evidence from Monthly Parity-Specific Data, 2010–2024"
Dilara Omirserikova | GSPP - "A policy analysis of pension reforms in Hungary and Kazakhstan"
Dr Svetlana Biryukova | Higher School of Economics - "Relationship Between (In)Stability in the Labor Market and the Pattern of Starting Life Events in Generations of Russians Born in 1960-1994: A Challenge for Social Policy"
Aidana Shaimerdenova | GSPP - "Child and family welfare in complex policy environments: Lessons from Kazakhstan"
12:45 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 15:00
Panel 5 - Sustainability in Policy and Practice
Panel Chair: Dr Peter Howie
Dr Aliya Assubayeva | GSPP - "Comparative Legal Analysis of Water Governance"
Saniya Soltybayeva, Dr Jessica Neafie | GSPP / NU SSH / UCA - "Who Supports the Energy Transition? Regional Attitudes and the Politics of Energy Reform in Kazakhstan"
Dr Lulu Silas Olan'g | SDU - "Enhancing Sustainable Development Through EID"
Dr Aigerim Bakhtiyarova | Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - "The Practice of Evidence-Based Policymaking in Kazakhstan: The Main Issues in the Way of Sustainable Development"
Dr Aliya Assubayeva | GSPP - "Comparative Legal Analysis of Water Governance"
Saniya Soltybayeva, Dr Jessica Neafie | GSPP / NU SSH / UCA - "Who Supports the Energy Transition? Regional Attitudes and the Politics of Energy Reform in Kazakhstan"
Dr Lulu Silas Olan'g | SDU - "Enhancing Sustainable Development Through EID"
Dr Aigerim Bakhtiyarova | Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - "The Practice of Evidence-Based Policymaking in Kazakhstan: The Main Issues in the Way of Sustainable Development"
13:30 – 15:00
Panel 6 - Strengthening Integrity and Effectiveness in Public Administration
Panel Chair: Dr Dayashankar Maurya
Zhomart Medeuov | GSPP - "Institutional memory issue in public administration of Kazakhstan"
Karlygash Dadenova | GSPP - "Government Effectiveness in Post-Soviet Countries: Panel Data Analysis"
Dr Meruyert Seidumanova | Almaty Management University - "Innovative Technologies and Inclusive Education: Addressing Foundational Barriers for Persons with Disabilities in Kazakhstan"
Mira Sabieva | Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s office - "Criminological Measures to Counteract the Embezzlement of Budgetary Funds in the Implementation of National Projects"
Zhomart Medeuov | GSPP - "Institutional memory issue in public administration of Kazakhstan"
Karlygash Dadenova | GSPP - "Government Effectiveness in Post-Soviet Countries: Panel Data Analysis"
Dr Meruyert Seidumanova | Almaty Management University - "Innovative Technologies and Inclusive Education: Addressing Foundational Barriers for Persons with Disabilities in Kazakhstan"
Mira Sabieva | Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s office - "Criminological Measures to Counteract the Embezzlement of Budgetary Funds in the Implementation of National Projects"
13:30 – 15:00
Panel 7 - Social Protection and Health in Changing Societies
Panel Chair: Dr Vladimir Kozlov
Dr Vasiliy A. Anikin | Higher School of Economics - "The Impact of Social Transfers on In-Work Poverty in Russia: Evidence from RLMS-HSE (2018–2022)"
Aisha Mukasheva | GSPP - "Public Health Communication Challenges in Post-Soviet States: During and Beyond COVID-19"
Dr Vasiliy A. Anikin | Higher School of Economics - "The Impact of Social Transfers on In-Work Poverty in Russia: Evidence from RLMS-HSE (2018–2022)"
Aisha Mukasheva | GSPP - "Public Health Communication Challenges in Post-Soviet States: During and Beyond COVID-19"
13:30 – 15:00
Panel 8 - Environmental Security and Collective Action
Panel Chair: Dr Hyesong Ha
Bakhytkul Tokbergenova | Kazakh-German University - "Evolving Sustainability in Central Asian Cities: Civic Environmental Initiatives"
Mukhtar Amanbaiuly | University of Tsukuba - "Youth and Environmental Security: Perspectives from Central Asia"
Basit Gulzar | GSPP - "Network Analysis of Multi-Level Governance: Assessing Kazakh Government’s Response Levels to 2024 Floods Using Natural Language Processing"
Bakhytkul Tokbergenova | Kazakh-German University - "Evolving Sustainability in Central Asian Cities: Civic Environmental Initiatives"
Mukhtar Amanbaiuly | University of Tsukuba - "Youth and Environmental Security: Perspectives from Central Asia"
Basit Gulzar | GSPP - "Network Analysis of Multi-Level Governance: Assessing Kazakh Government’s Response Levels to 2024 Floods Using Natural Language Processing"
15:00 – 15:15
Break
15:15 – 16:45
Panel 9 - Sustainable Economic Transformation
Panel Chair: Dr Asad Bokhari
Dr Peter Howie | GSPP - "Using the Multi-Level Perspective framework to identify the challenges of a mineral-rich developing country entering the metals additive manufacturing global value chain"
Dr Scott Valentine | GSPP - "The Circular Economy as a Strategic Framework for Guiding Economic Transition: Policy, Innovation, and Governance Pathways"
Yuliya Sheiko - "Assessment of the Efficiency of Agriculture in Kazakhstan and its Impact on Sustainable Development"
Dr Simeon Nanovsky | GSPP - "Monetary Policy Evaluation in Kazakhstan using a Simplified New Keynesian Model"
Samreen Ramzan | GSPP - "Aligning Behavioral Assumptions in Urban Waste Management Policies: Evidence from Urban Pakistan"
Dr Peter Howie | GSPP - "Using the Multi-Level Perspective framework to identify the challenges of a mineral-rich developing country entering the metals additive manufacturing global value chain"
Dr Scott Valentine | GSPP - "The Circular Economy as a Strategic Framework for Guiding Economic Transition: Policy, Innovation, and Governance Pathways"
Yuliya Sheiko - "Assessment of the Efficiency of Agriculture in Kazakhstan and its Impact on Sustainable Development"
Dr Simeon Nanovsky | GSPP - "Monetary Policy Evaluation in Kazakhstan using a Simplified New Keynesian Model"
Samreen Ramzan | GSPP - "Aligning Behavioral Assumptions in Urban Waste Management Policies: Evidence from Urban Pakistan"
15:15 – 16:45
Panel 10 - Engaging Citizens in Governance and Reform
Panel Chair: Dr Lisa Lim
Dr Gulnur Makulbayeva | Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan - "Social capital and public participation in rural governance of Kazakhstan"
Aidana Akessina | Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - "Depoliticizing Digital Participation: The Case of E-Petitions in Kazakhstan"
Dr Saltanat Janenova | National Analytical Centre - "Citizen Participation in the Policymaking: the Case of the National Qurultay"
Dr Clifford Frasier | GSPP - "Pursuing the Dream of Democracy: Understanding Election Processes in Kazakhstan in Light of Electoral Reforms"
Wazir Arif Hussain | GSPP - "From values to virtue: Uncovering the role of ethical leadership in subordinate outcomes in the public sector"
Dr Gulnur Makulbayeva | Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan - "Social capital and public participation in rural governance of Kazakhstan"
Aidana Akessina | Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - "Depoliticizing Digital Participation: The Case of E-Petitions in Kazakhstan"
Dr Saltanat Janenova | National Analytical Centre - "Citizen Participation in the Policymaking: the Case of the National Qurultay"
Dr Clifford Frasier | GSPP - "Pursuing the Dream of Democracy: Understanding Election Processes in Kazakhstan in Light of Electoral Reforms"
Wazir Arif Hussain | GSPP - "From values to virtue: Uncovering the role of ethical leadership in subordinate outcomes in the public sector"
15:15 – 16:45
Panel 11 - Governance Innovation in a Complex World
Panel Chair: Dr Riccardo Pelizzo
Chiamaka Iheanyi & Akan Aisin | GSPP - "Exploring the employment challenges and wellbeing implications of People With Disabilities in Kazakhstan"
Charles M. Ntaiya | GSPP - "Navigating Policy Complexity in Devolved Systems: The Role of Network Brokers in Kenya’s Health Sector"
Nurzhan Sabitbek | NU SSH - "Navigating Complexity in Policymaking: Pathways to Kazakhstan’s International Competitiveness"
Zaid Mohammad | GSPP - "The Role of International Environmental Law in Achieving Net-Zero Emissions: A Critical Analysis of the Paris Agreement and Its Legal Effectiveness"
Chiamaka Iheanyi & Akan Aisin | GSPP - "Exploring the employment challenges and wellbeing implications of People With Disabilities in Kazakhstan"
Charles M. Ntaiya | GSPP - "Navigating Policy Complexity in Devolved Systems: The Role of Network Brokers in Kenya’s Health Sector"
Nurzhan Sabitbek | NU SSH - "Navigating Complexity in Policymaking: Pathways to Kazakhstan’s International Competitiveness"
Zaid Mohammad | GSPP - "The Role of International Environmental Law in Achieving Net-Zero Emissions: A Critical Analysis of the Paris Agreement and Its Legal Effectiveness"
15:15 – 16:45
Panel 12 - Governance Challenges in the Era of Digitalisation
Panel Chair: Dr Bakhytzhan Kurmanov
Dr Radha Gupta & Dr Brajesh Kumar | University of Delhi - "Sustainable Digital Economy and Policy Framework in India: Opportunities and Challenges"
Reymark-John A. Macapanas | University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – Villanueva Campus - "Governing Campus Noise through Predictive Analytics: A Smart Policy Prototype for Anticipatory Environmental Management"
Dr Kuat Akizhanov | CAREC Institute - "Stuck in development and economics orthodoxy: Will shift ever happen for the Kazakh technocrats?"
Dr Radha Gupta & Dr Brajesh Kumar | University of Delhi - "Sustainable Digital Economy and Policy Framework in India: Opportunities and Challenges"
Reymark-John A. Macapanas | University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – Villanueva Campus - "Governing Campus Noise through Predictive Analytics: A Smart Policy Prototype for Anticipatory Environmental Management"
Dr Kuat Akizhanov | CAREC Institute - "Stuck in development and economics orthodoxy: Will shift ever happen for the Kazakh technocrats?"
16:45 – 18:00
Networking Reception
Day 2 | Saturday, October 18
10:00 – 11:30
Panel 13 - Policies for Inclusive and Resilient Societies
Panel Chair: Dr Dina Sharipova
Dr Andrey Tkachenko | NU SSH - "Pro-social rule breaking: evidence from public procurement"
Dr Irina Starodubrovskaya | Narxoz University - "Crisis of anti-radicalisation policies - reasons and ways out"
Dr Aleksey Oshchepkov | Freie Universität Berlin - "The impact of immigration on the native population: Learning from the influx of Ukrainian refugees to Russia in 2014"
Dr Anna Mironova | Higher School of Economics - "The Role of Private Transfers in Supporting Families with Minor Children as group at Increased Risk of Poverty"
Dr Andrey Tkachenko | NU SSH - "Pro-social rule breaking: evidence from public procurement"
Dr Irina Starodubrovskaya | Narxoz University - "Crisis of anti-radicalisation policies - reasons and ways out"
Dr Aleksey Oshchepkov | Freie Universität Berlin - "The impact of immigration on the native population: Learning from the influx of Ukrainian refugees to Russia in 2014"
Dr Anna Mironova | Higher School of Economics - "The Role of Private Transfers in Supporting Families with Minor Children as group at Increased Risk of Poverty"
10:00 – 11:30
Panel 14 - Security Strategy and Sovereignty
Panel Chair: Dr Aziz Burkhanov
Ukasha Ismail | GSPP - "Security Challenges and the Crisis of Policing in Nigeria: A Case for Comprehensive Reform"
Aidana Abi | GSPP - "Strategically Narrating the ‘Turkic World’ in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkiye"
Bakyt Tolegenov | Maqsut Narikbayev University - "Unintended consequences of policymaking: The Case of Kazakhstan’s Strategic Decisions in relation to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative"
Nazym Ussina | "Navigating Trade: Analyzing Kazakhstan’s Trade Volume and Customs Dynamics within the Eurasian Economic Union"
Ukasha Ismail | GSPP - "Security Challenges and the Crisis of Policing in Nigeria: A Case for Comprehensive Reform"
Aidana Abi | GSPP - "Strategically Narrating the ‘Turkic World’ in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkiye"
Bakyt Tolegenov | Maqsut Narikbayev University - "Unintended consequences of policymaking: The Case of Kazakhstan’s Strategic Decisions in relation to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative"
Nazym Ussina | "Navigating Trade: Analyzing Kazakhstan’s Trade Volume and Customs Dynamics within the Eurasian Economic Union"
10:00 – 11:30
Panel 15 - Gender Equality and Wellbeing
Panel Chair: Dr Aliya Assubayeva
Dr Anna Chervyakova | Higher School of Economics - "Childbearing in the period of professional education in Russia – new trend or rare exception?"
Gulaiym Tnymbergen | GSPP - "Gender Gap in Labor Market of Kazakhstan: Evidence from Labor Force Surveys"
Dr Yusuke Jinnai | International University of Japan - "Gender inequality in the labor market during COVID-19: New evidence from Vietnam"
Dr Andrey Semenov | NU SSH - "How Do the Legislators Discuss Women’s Rights? Quantitative Analysis of Kazakshtani Majlis"
Dr Anna Chervyakova | Higher School of Economics - "Childbearing in the period of professional education in Russia – new trend or rare exception?"
Gulaiym Tnymbergen | GSPP - "Gender Gap in Labor Market of Kazakhstan: Evidence from Labor Force Surveys"
Dr Yusuke Jinnai | International University of Japan - "Gender inequality in the labor market during COVID-19: New evidence from Vietnam"
Dr Andrey Semenov | NU SSH - "How Do the Legislators Discuss Women’s Rights? Quantitative Analysis of Kazakshtani Majlis"
10:00 – 11:30
Panel 16 - Power Politics and Governance Across Borders
Panel Chair: Dr Zhanibek Arynov
Dr Dana-Marie Ramjit | St. Mary’s University - "Postinternational Governance and the Evolution of Multiscalar Authority"
Dr Zeynab Farhadi | Hong Kong Chu Hai College - "Great Power Competition and Policymaking Challenges in Southeast Asia"
Dr. Sebastian Mayer | OSCE Academy in Bishkek - "Anti-Chinese Popular Reactions in Central Asia: Explaining (Non-)Protest"
Dr Dana-Marie Ramjit | St. Mary’s University - "Postinternational Governance and the Evolution of Multiscalar Authority"
Dr Zeynab Farhadi | Hong Kong Chu Hai College - "Great Power Competition and Policymaking Challenges in Southeast Asia"
Dr. Sebastian Mayer | OSCE Academy in Bishkek - "Anti-Chinese Popular Reactions in Central Asia: Explaining (Non-)Protest"
11:30 – 11:45
Closing Remarks
Conference Workshops
12:00 – 13:00
12:00 – 13:00
Dr Shazim Ali Memon
Vice Dean for Research, Professor,
School of Engineering and Digital Sciences
School of Engineering and Digital Sciences
"Generative AI and the Future of Research Publishing: Benefits, Risks, and Responsibilities"
12:00 – 13:00
12:00 – 13:00
Dr Vladimir Kozlov
Associate Professor,
Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy
"Open access databases in Kazakhstan. What research we can do with them?"
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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Riccardo Pelizzo
Organizer of the Conference
Email: riccardo.pelizzo@nu.edu.kz
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Dayashankar Maurya
Organizer of the Conference
Email: dayashankar.maurya@nu.edu.kz
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Amina Akhmetbekova
Organizer of the Conference
Email: amina.akhmetbekova@nu.edu.kz
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