Women leadership and new economic challenges – Satbayev University experts participated in “Women in Business” forum

16^th “Women in Business” forum was held in Almaty, a dialogue platform that brought together the women's business community to discuss key issues of business environment development, small and medium-sized businesses. Forum brought together women leaders from various industries, representatives of the financial sector, international organizations and development institutions. Forum was organized by Akerkin Eraliyeva, Chairwoman of Women in Business Council, and Satbayev University supported this initiative.

Most of the forum was devoted to the economic challenges facing businesses today. Plenary session "Global trends and challenges: politics, economics and business" was moderated by Satbayev University’ Rector Meiram Begentayev, the US Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Julie M. Stafft, head of UN Women's Office in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Jeren Guven Gures, and Chairwoman of Halyk Bank Board, Umut Shayakhmetova, took part in the discussion. Opening the discussion, Meiram Begentayev stressed the importance of an open expert dialogue in the context of global economic transformation:

"Our world is going through a period of rapid and profound changes. Technology is changing industries and entrepreneurship in the global labor market. In these circumstances, it is especially important to understand where the economy is heading and what decisions need to be made today. It is symbolic that the given conversation is taking place at “Women in Business” forum, which brings together national and international experts," said Meiram Begentayev.

During the forum, participants discussed the impact of global political processes on the regional economy, transformation of the employment structure, development of artificial intelligence and its impact on the family economy, as well as issues of social and civic activism. Special attention was paid to supporting women's entrepreneurship and expanding women's economic opportunities as a factor of sustainable growth.

Madina Barmenshinova, head of Metallurgy and mineral processing department at Satbayev University, spoke at “Halyk Talks” session, presenting an expert view on the role of women in science and technology. In line with her, Kazakhstan demonstrates a high level of women's involvement in research – more than 50 percent, which exceeds the global figure and confirms that women's leadership in technical science is able not only to expand the boundaries of research, but also to create innovations in demand by the market.

Program included an award ceremony for the finalists of “Coca-Cola Belesteri” project, panel discussions, master classes, coaching sessions and practical business meetings. Participants had the opportunity to discuss applied business development tools, exchange experiences and establish professional contacts. Express consultations on topical business issues became an exclusive format.

Forum confirmed that investments in women's leadership, competence development, and increased access to financial and educational tools are becoming an important part of the modern economic agenda. “Women in Business” platform has once again demonstrated that the dialogue between business, government and international partners forms sustainable solutions for the economy’s future of Kazakhstan and the region.