On October 7, 2026, the Board of Trustees of AlmaU elected Dinara Seijaparova, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Eurasia, as its new Chair. She succeeds Yerkin Nureldayuly Tatishev, who had served as Chair since May 2023.
Dinara Seijaparova has been a member of the AlmaU Board of Trustees since May 29, 2023. She is a graduate of Stanford University, where she earned an MBA. Before transitioning to the field of sustainable development, she built her career in the energy, finance, and aviation sectors. This experience shaped her professional interest in responsible business and the relationship between economic development and societal well-being.
Dinara Seijaparova currently heads the UN Global Compact Network Eurasia, a regional network that brings businesses together around the principles of responsible business conduct, sustainable development, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her work focuses on integrating ESG principles into corporate strategies, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and building a sustainable business environment across the region. As a member of the Board of Trustees, she contributes to advancing sustainable development and international cooperation. In April 2026, Dinara Seijaparova was also part of the AlmaU delegation that visited California for meetings with American partners.
Her election opens up new opportunities to strengthen AlmaU’s international partnerships and integrate sustainable development principles into the university’s strategy.
Yerkin Tatishev’s Contribution to AlmaU’s Development
Yerkin Tatishev, founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of KUSTO Group, had been a member of the AlmaU Board of Trustees since February 22, 2013. From May 2023 to October 2026, he served as Chair of the Board, making a significant contribution to the university’s development.
Supporting students and expanding access to quality education have been among the key priorities of Yerkin Tatishev’s work. Over the past several years, his support has enabled 48 AlmaU students to receive educational grants, opening up new opportunities for their studies and professional development.
Yerkin Tatishev has also made a significant contribution to the development of the university’s infrastructure by supporting the creation of Tatishev Wing, a modern educational space. These initiatives reflect his longstanding commitment to AlmaU and his dedication to creating an environment where students can realize their potential and confidently build their futures.
During Yerkin Tatishev’s tenure as Chair, the Board of Trustees welcomed new members from Kazakhstan and China. AlmaU’s international cooperation also continued to expand through visits by Board delegations to Hangzhou in 2024, Bremen in 2025, and Seoul in 2026.
AlmaU expresses its sincere gratitude to Yerkin Nureldayuly for his longstanding support, personal involvement, and contribution to the university’s development.
About the AlmaU Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is a collegial governing organization that participates in defining AlmaU’s strategic priorities and supports their implementation. As of October 2026, it comprises 11 representatives from the business community, international organizations, government, and academia in Kazakhstan, Singapore, and China, as well as the university’s founder and rector.
The Board’s key responsibilities include contributing to the development of the university’s strategy and monitoring its implementation; supporting fundraising and endowment development; supporting students and social initiatives; strengthening partnerships with businesses and international universities; and providing expert guidance for AlmaU’s educational, research, and digital transformation.