NU GSPP Research / Global and Local Partnerships

Graduate School of Public Policy

Purpose and Vision

At the Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) at Nazarbayev University, we believe that collaboration is key to addressing complex policy challenges in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and beyond. Our global and local partnerships enhance our academic programs, research initiatives, and policy impact, connecting us with leading institutions and organizations to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and leadership development.

Alignment with Mission

These partnerships align with GSPP’s mission to improve the quality of life in Kazakhstan and Central Asia by training leaders to promote good governance. Through strategic alliances, we provide our students and faculty with access to global best practices, cutting-edge research, and regional expertise, ensuring our graduates are equipped to drive impactful change.

Global Partners

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Since GSPP’s launch in 2012, we have maintained a strategic partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), ranked 1st in Asia and 11th globally in the 2019 QS World University Rankings. LKYSPP has played a pivotal role in designing and developing GSPP’s programs, ensuring alignment with international standards. This partnership offers exchange opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, including 2-3 weeks of study in Singapore for master’s students and up to 3 months for PhD candidates.
KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea

Offers student exchange programs for a full semester, enhancing exposure to Asian public policy perspectives and fostering cross-cultural learning.

Tsinghua University, China

Collaborates with GSPP to provide semester-long exchange opportunities, enabling students to engage with China’s public policy landscape and broaden their global perspective.
Hertie School, Germany

Partners with GSPP to offer academic mobility programs, allowing students to explore European public policy frameworks and enhance their understanding of global governance.

Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Global Network

GSPP hosts SDSN Kazakhstan, approved in January 2022 as a National Network under the global SDSN framework, with an official launch on June 8, 2022. SDSN promotes applied research and policy initiatives to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in areas like education (SDG 4), energy (SDG 7), and climate action (SDG 13).

Local Partners

Kazakhstani Universities and Research Institutions

GSPP collaborates with leading institutions such as Narxoz University, Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications (AUES), Atyrau State University (ASU), Suleyman Demirel University (SDU), Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University (KAU), M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University, and Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU). These partnerships focus on sustainable development and governance research, addressing regional priorities like education, energy, and climate.
Local NGOs and Associations

GSPP partners with organizations such as the Coalition for a ‘Green’ Economy and Development of G-Global and the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK). These collaborations promote sustainable development and environmental governance, engaging stakeholders to achieve SDGs like SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).