From 2 to 3 February 2026, Ualikhanov University hosted the two-day Kick-off Meeting of the Erasmus+ CBHE DIANA international project: “Empowering Women through the Development and Implementation of Entrepreneurship in Rural Tourism in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.”
The DIANA project aims to expand the economic opportunities of women living in rural areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan by developing entrepreneurial competencies in rural tourism - one of the priority sectors for sustainable development in Central Asia. The project is designed for a 36-month implementation period.
For Ualikhanov University, the DIANA project represents a strategically significant milestone, as the university serves as a grant holder of an Erasmus+ European project for the first time, ensuring overall project management, coordination of the international consortium, and organization of key project activities. The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The international consortium of the DIANA project includes the following universities and partner organizations:
➢ Kazakhstan: Ualikhanov University, East Kazakhstan Technical University, Kazakh Academy of Sports and Tourism, Kozybayev University, Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Akmola Region.
➢ Uzbekistan: Nukus State Technical University (NSTU), The International Agriculture University, SABR National Center for Socio-Economic Development, Silk Road International University of Tourism.
➢ Portugal: Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique (UPT).
➢ Germany: Hochschule Wismar – University of Applied Sciences (HSW).
Key areas of the DIANA project include:
• Capacity building and investment in human capital through the implementation of modern educational programs at partner universities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan aimed at the effective development of entrepreneurial activities in rural tourism;
• Exchange of European best practices - sharing expertise from Portugal and Germany to implement innovative and sustainable approaches in the rural and eco-tourism sectors.
• Development of professional networking and establishment of effective collaboration mechanisms with entrepreneurial organizations and relevant governmental bodies.
During the Kick-off Meeting, project teams approved the roadmap for project implementation for 2025–2028, established the governance structure, defined partner interaction mechanisms, and agreed on administrative, financial, and communication procedures.
On the second day, a networking session with women entrepreneurs from rural regions facilitated direct dialogue between the academic community and representatives of the real economy.
The implementation of the DIANA project is expected to contribute to job creation, the development of domestic tourism, and the strengthening of human capital by enhancing women’s professional and entrepreneurial competencies. The project is also anticipated to make a significant contribution to promoting gender equality, social protection, and women’s economic independence, as well as to fostering leadership potential.
The DIANA project fully aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG, quality education (SDG 4), reduction of social and economic inequalities (SDG 10), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).
