To further implement the consensus reached at the second China–Central Asia Summit, join hands in building a closer China–Central Asia community with a shared future, and take concrete actions to align with the SCO Summit in Tianjin, from September 25 to 27, the 2025 Forum of the Belt and Road Architectural University International Consortium (BRAUIC) was grandly held in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was hosted by BRAUIC and co-organized by Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA) and the KazGASA.
More than 500 government leaders, university presidents, experts and scholars, and entrepreneurs from over 40 universities and institutions across 10 countries including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Malaysia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan, gathered in Almaty for the BRAUIC 2025 Forum.
Venue of the BRAUIC 2025 Forum
Under the theme “Global Horizons: International Educational Partnership in Architecture and Construction in an Era of Transformations,” the Forum featured a series of sessions, including the preparatory meeting, the official 2025 general assembly, working meetings of six professional committee such as the Professional Committee on Urban and Rural Planning and Architectural Design, and talent development showcase and technical platform tour. Together, participants explored new cooperation mechanisms for innovation and development in architecture-related disciplines and universities.
On the morning of September 26, the BRAUIC 2025 Forum was held at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Distinguished guests attending the event included A. Serikkanov, Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; JIANG Wei, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty; Mr. Shakhanov, Deputy Mayor of Almaty City; Prof. ZHANG Dayu, Chair of BRAUIC and President of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture; Aigazy Kussainov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA); Margarita Imandossova, Academic Advisor on Academic Affairs of KazGASA; Bakhtiyar Sabdenaliyev, Rector of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA); Prof. Nargiz Abdullaeva, Vice-Rector for International Relations of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction; Prof. YANG Ke, Vice-President of Anhui University of Architecture and Civil Engineering; Prof. CHENG Qiang, Vice-President of Shandong Jianzhu University; Prof. YAN Bing, Vice-President of Tianjin Chengjian University; Dr. Cigdem Turkyilmaz, Rector of the Samarkand University of Architecture and Civil Engineering; Prof. Sherzod Uzokov, Vice-Rector of the Samarkand University of Architecture and Civil Engineering; Dr. YAN Lijin, Chairman of China Silk Road Group Co., Ltd.; as well as representatives from Beijing City University, University of Civil Engineering and Geodesy (Bulgaria), CSCEC International West Africa Company, Hebei University of Architecture, Nanchang University, Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina), São Paulo State University (Brazil), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia), and University of Novi Sad (Serbia), among others. In total, more than 500 participants, including representatives of BRAUIC member universities, partner institutions, faculty members, and students from both China and abroad, attended the conference. As the Executive Chair of the BRAUIC 2025 Forum, Bakhtiyar Sabdenaliyev, Rector of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), presided over the meeting.
In his address, Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized the significance of holding this forum in Almaty for Kazakhstan. He noted that the gathering of representatives from over 40 universities across 10 countries, along with experts and scholars from various sectors, fully demonstrated the influence of BRAUIC as a global platform for educational cooperation. Minister Nurbek highlighted that the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), as Kazakhstan’s representative within BRAUIC, had successfully undertaken the responsibility of hosting this year’s forum. He expressed sincere appreciation to Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA) for its long-term contribution as the founding institution of BRAUIC, and expressed the hope that this forum would serve as an important starting point for nurturing new ideas, advancing practical cooperation, and opening a new chapter in Belt and Road educational collaboration.
Mr. Serikkanov, Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivering a speech on behalf of Academician Akhylbek Kurishbaev, President of the Academy.
Mr. A. Serikkanov, Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a speech on behalf of Academician Akhylbek Kurishbaev, President of the Academy. He underscored the high-level nature and significance of the BRAUIC 2025 Forum held in Almaty. Since its inception by BUCEA in 2017, BRAUIC has brought together over one hundred universities and institutions from more than 30 countries, becoming a key platform for promoting cooperation in architectural education, research, and joint projects. Mr. A. Serikkanov stressed that the architecture and construction sector is closely linked to people’s quality of life, urban sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation. This forum, he said, provided a valuable opportunity for face-to-face dialogue and would greatly contribute to cross-sectoral cooperation in areas such as smart cities. He further conveyed the strong intention of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to join BRAUIC, with the hope of deepening collaboration in scientific research and national development. He believed that this grand event would mark a new starting point for advancing urban development in Kazakhstan and deepening international cooperation, leaving all participants with a profound and memorable impression of Almaty.
JIANG Wei, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty, delivering remarks
In her remarks, Ms. JIANG Wei, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty, stated that under the guidance of President XI Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between China and Kazakhstan have deepened steadily, with higher education and scientific research playing a pivotal role as bridges and links. She commended the tangible outcomes achieved during this forum, including the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding among Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the launch of the Global Platform for Digital Preservation and Innovative Application of Architectural Heritage. She noted that these initiatives would inject new momentum into knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and cultural heritage protection. Consul General JIANG also spoke highly of the inauguration of the Luban Global School (Almaty Branch), emphasizing that the craftsmanship and innovative spirit represented by the Luban brand would provide a new platform for talent cultivation and technical exchange in Central Asia. She affirmed that the Consulate General would continue to support China–Kazakhstan cooperation in education, science, and culture, promote high-quality Belt and Road development, and bring more tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.
Mr. Shakhanov, Deputy Mayor of Almaty, delivering remarks
Mr. Shakhanov, Deputy Mayor of Almaty, extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Almaty City Government to all experts and scholars attending the meeting and forum. He noted that Almaty, a city where Eastern and Western cultures blend harmoniously with modern life, is increasingly becoming an important international platform for dialogue on architecture and urban development, thanks to its magnificent natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. He emphasized that architecture is not only an integral part of a city, but also a vital vessel for preserving history. Focusing on key themes such as smart city development and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among young professionals and students, this forum, he said, is dedicated to fostering new partnerships and driving innovation in the industry through strategic dialogue. He called on all parties to work together in building an international community for integrated development in education, science, and business, expressing the hope that this forum would become a symbol of inspiration and progress, and wishing all participants fruitful outcomes and a memorable experience in Almaty.
Mr. Aigazy Kussainov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), delivering remarks
Mr. Aigazy Kussainov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), extended a warm welcome and heartfelt appreciation to Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and all distinguished guests. He pointed out that this forum holds milestone significance for Kazakhstan’s architecture sector and its international cooperation, providing a valuable platform for exchange among universities, enterprises, and government agencies from various countries. He stressed that, against the backdrop of green transformation and the new era of development, the forum serves not only as a hub for knowledge exchange, but also as an important opportunity to advance future scientific research collaboration and university-industry partnerships. Mr. Kussainov expressed special gratitude to the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and other supporting institutions, voicing the hope that all sides would take this opportunity to build closer, long-term partnerships and jointly promote innovation and sustainable development in the field of architecture.
Prof. ZHANG Dayu, Chair of the BRAUIC and President of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, delivering a speech
Prof. ZHANG Dayu, Chair of BRAUIC and President of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, extended a warm welcome to all presidents and distinguished guests attending the conference and related activities on behalf of the consortium’s chairing institution. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the International Educational Corporation for its dedicated efforts in organizing the event. He emphasized that since its establishment nine years ago, BRAUIC has adhered to the principles of voluntarism and equality, openness and sharing, cooperation and mutual benefit, and innovative development. By uniting universities and enterprises in architecture and related fields worldwide, BRAUIC has built a multi-level and multi-dimensional international cooperation network, injecting strong educational and technological momentum into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past year, BRAUIC has continued to expand its network of partners, welcoming ten new member institutions. It has achieved remarkable outcomes in talent cultivation through extensive inter-university exchanges and collaborations, and made notable progress in joint innovation—particularly in the fields of heritage preservation, technological protection, and cultural dissemination. These achievements have provided new models and paradigms for promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, and for advancing the joint construction and shared benefits of the Belt and Road. Prof. ZHANG stressed that in the face of global consensus on green and low-carbon development and digital transformation, BRAUIC will further deepen cultural exchange and mutual learning, improve cooperative mechanisms, and strive to build a demonstration platform for education and scientific cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing professional expertise to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Bakhtiyar Sabdenaliyev, Rector of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA) and Executive Chair of the BRAUIC 2025 Forum, delivering remarks
Prof. Bakhtiyar Sabdenaliyev, Rector of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA) and the Executive Chair of the BRAUIC 2025 Forum, stated that it was a great honor for the university to host the BRAUIC 2025 Forum. He noted that this forum holds profound historical significance, bringing together leading universities, government representatives, and industry experts from ten countries to explore international cooperation in architectural and construction education during a time of transformation. As a bridge between East and West, Kazakhstan is striving to become an important hub for scientific and educational collaboration. Prof. Sabdenaliyev highlighted that the discussions focused on key areas such as digital architecture, green technologies, smart cities, and academic mobility, and that several substantive cooperation initiatives—such as the launch of the overseas branch of the Luban Global School—were inaugurated during the event. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture for initiating BRAUIC and advancing its shared mission. He stressed that Kazakhstan is not only a learner, but also an active partner in the global scientific community. Prof. Sabdenaliyev expressed the hope that this forum would open up new ideas, foster new partnerships, and contribute positively to urban development and the well-being of humanity.
Prof. ZHANG Dayu being interviewed by local media outlets including Kazakhstan World TV and 24.KZ
Before the forum, Prof. ZHANG Dayu, Chair of the BRAUIC and President of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, was interviewed by several local media outlets, including Kazakhstan World TV and 24.KZ. In the interview, he highlighted the solid achievements and fruitful cooperation of BRAUIC over the past nine years since its establishment. He expressed his hope to further deepen collaboration with partners in Kazakhstan and beyond, jointly cultivate high-caliber professionals in architecture, and inject new momentum into global sustainable development.
New steps in strategic cooperation: tripartite memorandum of understanding signed
BUCEA, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA) signing MoU
During the conference, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This milestone marks the establishment of a long-term and stable strategic partnership among the three parties in scientific research, technology transfer, and high-level talent cultivation, aimed at achieving complementary advantages and resource sharing. The collaboration will bring together top academic and research resources, inject fresh impetus into regional sustainable development and technological innovation, and vividly embody the core principles of integrated education and coordinated development under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Advancing cultural heritage: first overseas branches of Luban Global School officially inaugurated
Inauguration ceremony of the overseas branches of Luban Global School
During the conference, the Kazakhstan Branch and Uzbekistan Branch of the Luban Global School were officially unveiled. The overseas branches will focus on key priorities such as the protection, inheritance, and innovation of architectural cultural heritage; the integrated digital and green transformation of the construction industry; and the localized cultivation of professionals in architecture and civil engineering. They aim to build a comprehensive educational and practical platform integrating traditional craftsmanship, urban innovation, and international talent development, thereby realizing a model of “localized technological implementation, targeted talent incubation, and project-oriented collaboration.” This initiative will provide intellectual support for deepened cooperation among China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in the fields of architecture and urban development.
Technology empowering heritage conservation: launch of the Global Platform for Digital Preservation and Innovative Application of Architectural Heritage
Launch ceremony of the Global Platform for Digital Preservation and Innovative Application of Architectural Heritage
Led by BRAUIC, the Global Platform for Digital Preservation and Innovative Application of Architectural Heritage was officially launched, co-developed by Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, China Silk Road Group Co., Ltd., the Survey Department of Sri Lanka, the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), and the Samarkand University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, among other BRAUIC members. The platform harnesses cutting-edge digital technologies to enable accurate documentation, in-depth research, and innovative application of cultural heritage across multiple countries. As a model of deep integration between science, technology, and the humanities, it will play a vital role in ensuring the lasting preservation and revitalization of architectural heritage, contributing an innovative “BRAUIC solution” to promote mutual learning among civilizations and safeguard the shared heritage of humankind.
Uniting global strength: BRAUIC membership surpasses 100 institutions
Since its establishment in October 2017 at the initiative of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, BRAUIC has grown steadily over the past nine years, with its membership now exceeding 100 institutions. At the conference, ten new member institutions were reviewed and approved for admission to the consortium. They include the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Beijing Society of Urban Planning, China Academy of Building Research Co., Ltd., City University of Macau, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Tuvan State University, Tashkent University of Information Technologies, and the Federal University of Santa Maria. With these additions, BRAUIC now encompasses 101 member institutions across 33 countries and regions, marking a new milestone in its development. This expansion highlights BRAUIC’s growing influence as a key platform for educational cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and its tangible contributions to building an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial global education cooperation ecosystem.
BRAUIC flag handover ceremony
Conference representatives unanimously agreed that Shandong Jianzhu University will host the BRAUIC 2026 Conference. During the flag handover ceremony, Prof. CHENG Qiang, Vice-President of Shandong Jianzhu University, extended a sincere invitation to all member institutions, expressing his hope to meet again in the beautiful city of Jinan in 2026.
Prof. CHENG Qiang, Vice-President of Shandong Jianzhu University, delivering remarks
Deepening Professional Collaboration: Three Forums Discuss a New Chapter of Development
Prof. Mehribanu Glaudinova, Head of the "UNESCO" Department at the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), delivering a keynote report
Dr. YAN Lijin, Chairman of China Silk Road Group Co., Ltd., delivering a keynote report
Nargiz Abdullaeva, Vice-Rector for International Relations at Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, delivering a keynote report
Evgeny Tsoy, Founder of Metropolis International Architecture Bureau, delivering a keynote report
During the conference, four experts delivered keynote speeches: Prof. Mehribanu Glaudinova, Head of the “UNESCO” Department at the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA); Dr. YAN Lijin, Chairman of China Silk Road Group Co., Ltd.; Prof. Nargiz Abdullaeva, Vice-Rector for International Relations of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction; and Evgeny Tsoy, Founder of Metropolis International Architecture Bureau. Their presentations — “Innovations in the Architecture of Kazakhstan: History and Modernity,” “Digital Augmentation of Heritage, Synergy for Urban Civilization: BRAUIC Experience and Vision,” “The Architectural-Landscape Role of Engineered Structures in Shaping the Environment” , and “Architectural Concept of the Aport Garden Resort Project—A Synthesis of Tradition and Innovation”— focused on key topics such as revitalizing cooperation momentum and deepening technological collaboration and innovation. The speakers reached broad consensus on fostering synergy and charted practical pathways for advancing resource sharing and jointly building a Belt and Road architectural education community in the next stage of cooperation.
Academic Report
Representatives of consortium member institutions delivering academic presentations at the forum
On the afternoon of September 26, Associate Professor ZUO Jie from Beijing City University, Prof. DONG Jie, Dean of the School of Civil Engineering at Hebei University of Architecture, Associate Professor Natalya Sineeva, Dean of the School of International Relations at Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and Prof. GU Kangkang, Dean of the School of Architecture and Urbanism at Anhui University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, delivered academic presentations titled “Potentially Suitable ‘Smart’ Construction Methods for Kazakhstan’s Remote Regions,” “Developing Practical Skills in Civil Engineering Programs at Regional Universities,” “Architecture and Construction Universities in the Era of Green and Sustainable Development,” and “Searching for Innovative Models of Architectural Education at Regional Higher Education Institutions.”
Working meetings of BRAUIC Professional Committees
During the conference, working meetings of BRAUIC Professional Committees were successfully convened. The consortium currently comprises six professional committees, focusing respectively on: Urban and Rural Planning and Architectural Design; Civil Engineering and “Smart” Technologies; Resources, Ecology and Renewable Energy; Smart City and Intelligent Transport; Robotics and Artificial Intelligence; and Digitization of Cultural Heritage. The representatives of the lead institutions—XU Ying, Director for Academic and Methodological Work at Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture; Zhangazy Moldamuratov, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation of the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA); Uzokov, Vice-Rector of Samarkand University of Architecture and Civil Engineering; CHENG Qiang, Vice-President of Shandong Jianzhu University; YAN Bing, Vice-President of Tianjin Chengjian University; and YUE Ting, Deputy Director of the Digital Technology Research Institute at China Silk Road Group—delivered specialized reports on behalf of the six major professional committees, presenting updates on preparatory progress and recommendations for future development. According to BRAUIC’s operational framework, each committee will adopt mechanisms such as rotational co-leadership among partner institutions, open project funding, and cross-border academic exchange programs to promote deep integration between universities and industries, strengthen resource sharing, and accelerate the transformation of research outcomes. The full-scale launch of these professional committees not only provides strong academic and technical support for addressing common challenges in urbanization and sustainable development among Belt and Road countries, but also injects new momentum into building an open, long-term, and high-quality international cooperation platform in architectural education.
Prof. ZHANG Dayu, Chair of BRAUIC and President of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, chairing the preparatory meeting of the BRAUIC 2025 Forum
On September 25, the Preparatory Meeting for the BRAUIC 2025 Forum was held, chaired by Prof. ZHANG Dayu, Chair of BRAUIC and President of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture. On behalf of BRAUIC, Prof. ZHANG presented a summary of BRAUIC’s 2025 work and outlined the work plan for 2026. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on BRAUIC’s future development and next year’s work agenda. The meeting reviewed and approved applications from ten new member institutions, the Proposal on Leading Institutions for Six Professional Committees (including the Professional Committee on Urban and Rural Planning and Architectural Design), the agenda of the BRAUIC 2025 Forum, and the venue of the next annual conference.
President ZHANG Dayu holding talks with relevant organizations
During the conference, ZHANG Dayu, President of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, held multiple rounds of bilateral talks with relevant participating ministries, government agencies, and universities. The discussions focused on key areas including talent development models, the joint establishment of high-level laboratories, and collaborative cutting-edge scientific research, leading to a series of cooperative agreements.
To recognize President ZHANG Dayu’s long-standing contributions to the development of BRAUIC, particularly his pivotal role in establishing and deepening the strategic partnership between Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), a ceremony was held by the Kazakh side, during which President ZHANG was conferred the title of “Honorary Professor by KazGASA.
Four member universities from China signing inter-institutional cooperation agreements with the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA)
During the meeting, four Chinese member universities — Anhui University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Beijing City University, and Hebei University of Architecture — signed inter-university cooperation agreements with the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA), marking a new stage of collaboration among consortium members. Moving forward, all parties will take these agreements as a new starting point to explore innovative models of cooperation, including joint curriculum development, collaborative research, and faculty and student exchange programs, with the goal of building demonstration projects for inter-university cooperation and jointly building a stronger Belt and Road architectural education community.
Group photo of leadership attending the forum
Since its inception, BRAUIC has been committed to serving the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, leveraging the disciplinary strengths and collective advantages of architectural universities to build an open, inclusive, pragmatic, and efficient international cooperation platform. By promoting deep integration among member institutions in talent cultivation, research collaboration, and cultural exchange, BRAUIC has effectively enhanced resource connectivity and capacity building in education and science among participating countries. It has also provided strong support for urban sustainability, cultural heritage conservation, and technological advancement in engineering across Belt and Road regions, demonstrating the vital role of international professional alliances in fostering connectivity and shared development.
Looking ahead, BRAUIC will build upon the achievements of this forum, further strengthen top-level planning, and enhance the sustainability of its flagship programs and the stability of its cooperation mechanisms. It will continue to assist member institutions in expanding access to high-quality global resources, creating shared opportunities, and achieving common success, while striving to establish a deeply integrated, multi-stakeholder Belt and Road architectural education community that contributes even more to urban sustainability and cultural exchange among Belt and Road countries.
