Almaty, Kazakhstan - March 26, 2024 - Economic Fundamentals Initiative (EFI), in collaboration with Narxoz University successfully hosted a one-day forum on Economic and Financial Literacy in Central Asia. The event brought together experts, professionals, and influencers in the field of financial literacy to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities for promoting economic and financial education in the region.
The forum commenced with opening remarks and a keynote address by the President of Narxoz University, Miras Daulenov, and the President of EFI, Professor Randall K. Filer. They emphasized the importance of financial literacy in fostering economic growth and stability in Central Asia.
The first panel discussion, "The State of Financial Literacy in Titular Languages of Central Asia," moderated by Dr. Esengali Oskenbayev of Narxoz University, featured influential speakers such as Erkebulan Aripbay, a social media influencer with Kazakh language content in finance; Dr. Alisher Shayxov, Ambassador Chairman of the Uzbekistan Managers Association; and Aisuluu Sydygalieva, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kyrgyzstan. The panelists highlighted the challenges and opportunities in economic and financial education in the region's titular languages and engaged in a lively Q&A session with the audience.
Following a networking lunch, the forum continued with a round table on "Fostering Economic and Financial Literacy through Education," moderated by Dr. Madina Junussova from the University of Central Asia. Participants discussed integrating financial literacy into educational curricula, sharing best practices and innovative approaches. The panel included Talgat Iglikov, author of the “Global Competencies” school textbook; Dr. Timur Makhkamov, Economics & Finance Lecturer at Westminster International University in Tashkent; Usmon Rakhimjanov, UNDP Project Manager in Uzbekistan; and Dr. Kadyrbek Sultakeev from the American University of Central Asia.
The afternoon sessions featured a panel discussion on "The Role of Social Media in Promoting Economic and Financial Literacy," moderated by Dr. Kemel Toktomushev from the University of Central Asia. Content creators and influencers shared their experiences in using digital platforms to educate the public on financial topics, emphasizing the impact of independent and sponsored projects. The panelists included Orken Dinasylov, founder of pfa.kz online school on financial literacy; Dr. Daulet Armanovich, a YouTube influencer and author of books on financial literacy; Daniyar Kozhabek, an expert from finmentor.kz; and Dr. Valijon Turakulov, Head of the International Business Department at Central Asia University in Uzbekistan.
The final panel discussion, "Private Banks and National Banks' Initiatives in Promoting Economic and Financial Literacy," was moderated by Dr. Nargiza Alimukhamedova from Westminster International University in Tashkent. Representatives from banking institutions and government agencies presented their ongoing initiatives in advancing economic and financial literacy and discussed collaborative efforts with educational stakeholders. The panel included Mukhamed Bagdatuly - chief specialist of the Department for Improving Financial Literacy of the Population, the Deparment of Consumer Protection of Financial Services, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market; Kubanychbek Musuraliev, Head of the Financial Literacy Department at the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan; Askar Sydykov, Executive Director of the International Business Council in Kyrgyzstan; Assel Shegebayeva, Deputy General Director of KMF Demeu corporate fund; and Aizhan Alibekova, Director of Analytics Department at Zhusan Bank.
