The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Naryn campus hosted a distinguished graduation ceremony honoring the achievements of 26 graduates in Computer Science and Media and Communications. Over 250 guests attended the event in Naryn to celebrate their success. Meanwhile, a parallel ceremony took place at UCA’s Khorog campus in Tajikistan, where 27 students graduated in Earth and Environmental Sciences and Global Economics.
The Chief Guest at the Naryn event was Ms. Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Minister thanked the University’s Founder His Highness Prince Aga Khan for establishing UCA that is imparting exceptional education, a “golden key, a rare opportunity”. The Minister asked the graduates to “fly high, reach great heights, and return. Never forget your country, as you are needed here. Your success should contribute to the development of Kyrgyzstan and humanity”. The Minister also encouraged the graduates to be critical thinkers and work for global peace and stability, especially in the areas of water conservation, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan, serving as a UCA Trustee, delivered a virtual address to congratulate the graduates and extend well wishes on behalf of UCA’s Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan. In her remarks, Princess Zahra expressed gratitude to UCA’s faculty, staff, parents, donors, volunteers, and global partners. She also acknowledged the supportive role of UCA’s Founding States in creating an environment conducive to the university's ongoing success. Emphasizing the graduates' pivotal role, she encouraged them to actively contribute to nurturing a dynamic and inclusive global knowledge society while urging them to maintain a lifelong dedication to learning.
Ali Velshi, Chief Correspondent of MSNBC and former anchor and correspondent for Al Jazeera and CNN, delivered the keynote address. He praised UCA students as intelligent, inquisitive, and diligent. He urged the graduates to commit themselves to serving others, emphasizing that improving the lives of those around them would contribute to global betterment. Velshi encouraged starting with small actions, believing that each accomplishment would build their capacity to tackle larger challenges effectively.
Speakers at the graduation underscored UCA’s and the Aga Khan Development Network’s ongoing efforts to transform Naryn into a modern university town equipped to excel in the knowledge society era. The event showcased UCA’s role in advancing human capital development in the Kyrgyz Republic and across Central Asia. Many UCA graduates have gained admission, with several receiving full scholarships, to prestigious international universities such as Brown, Duke, Michigan, the University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, the University of Cambridge, and the National University of Singapore.
UCA demonstrates its dedication to high academic standards through collaborations with renowned global universities such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, and the University of Technology Sydney. Admission to UCA is based on merit and leadership potential, irrespective of financial circumstances, with significant scholarships provided to deserving students.
