Published: 26 November 2014 г.
Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, 22 November 2014 – Mr Amanbay Kayipov, Governor of Naryn Oblast and Mr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Head of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Representation, Kyrgyz Republic met to review and discuss the University of Central Asia (UCA) and potential investments in the oblast.
Kassim-Lakha, who is also the Executive Chairman of UCA Board Executive Committee, was in Naryn to review progress at the University’s Naryn campus. In preparation for the upcoming winter season, the University plans to ensure construction continues through the season as it did last year.
“The University is an anchor investment for AKDN programmes in Naryn. Currently, 500 people are employed in construction, evidence of AKDN’s economic development strategy and UCA’s commitment to ensure the timely completion of the campus, for the first set of undergraduate students to begin in September 2016,” noted Kassim-Lakha.
Following His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Naryn on 3 November and discussions with Naryn leaders on AKDN investments to improve quality of life in the region, Kassim-Lakha and Kayipov discussed ways in which the oblast could further contribute to and benefit from the University’s development.
The University’s first phase of construction includes a 14,000 m2 facility comprised of a three storey academic building, housing a library, classrooms, laboratories, a dining hall, administrative and faculty offices and faculty housing; two residential dormitories, and international standard sports facilities
AKDN is a network of development agencies with mandates that include health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise, the revitalisation of historic cities and the environment. AKDN agencies conduct their programmes without regard to faith, origin or gender of beneficiaries.