CAAAE Development Strategy for 2026–2030
Development Strategy of the Central Asian Association for Accreditation of Education (CAAAE) for 2026–2030
1. Introduction
Given the accumulated experience, international recognition and the growing need of the Central Asian states to form unified approaches to quality assurance in education, the Khujand and Almaty Agreements designated CAAAE as the operator of the Central Asian Federation for Quality in Education (CAF) and of the Central Asian Register of Accredited Educational Programmes (CAF Register), integrated with European databases.
In today’s conditions, ensuring the comparability of educational programmes, mutual recognition of accreditation results, academic mobility of students and teachers, and the integration of national quality assurance systems is becoming one of the key factors of sustainable development of the region.
This Strategy defines the priorities, goals and directions of CAAAE’s development for 2026–2030, taking into account the state policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of education, the international obligations of the Central Asian states and European quality assurance standards.
Main strategic goal: the formation of a Common Educational Space of Central Asia through the development of a regional quality assurance system, mutual recognition of accreditation results, integration of national quality evaluation systems and enhancement of the international competitiveness of the region’s educational institutions.
2. Mission and Vision
Mission. To ensure and promote a culture of quality in education by implementing internationally recognised accreditation standards, developing regional cooperation and strengthening trust in the education systems of the Central Asian states.
Vision. By 2030, CAAAE is a leading internationally recognised accreditation body and coordinator of the regional quality assurance system, ensuring the functioning of the Common Educational Space of Central Asia integrated into the European Higher Education Area and the global educational community.
3. Values
- independence and objectivity
- academic integrity
- openness and accountability
- international cooperation
- innovation
- professionalism
- continuous improvement
- focus on the interests of learners and society
4. Key Principles of Strategy Implementation
- compliance with international standards and best quality assurance practices
- independence of expert evaluations and decisions
- openness and transparency of procedures
- evidence-based approach and objectivity
- partnership with stakeholders
- orientation towards sustainable development
- effectiveness and continuous improvement
5. Strategic Directions
Strategic Goal 1
Formation of a Common Educational Space of Central Asia
Objectives:
- developing unified approaches to quality assurance in education in the Central Asian countries
- improving the Central Asian Register of Accredited Educational Programmes
- developing mechanisms for mutual recognition of accreditation results between the states of the region
- coordinating the activities of the Central Asian Federation for Quality in Education (CAF)
- promoting academic mobility of students and teachers
- developing regional cooperation between universities, employers and accreditation agencies
Strategic Goal 2
Improvement of the External Quality Assurance System
Objectives:
- continuous updating of accreditation standards in line with the ESG, the requirements of international registers and associations, including ENQA, EQAR and ENAEE, as well as best international practices
- ensuring the independence, objectivity and transparency of accreditation procedures
- developing risk-oriented mechanisms of external quality evaluation
- improving the system for monitoring the quality of educational programmes
Strategic Goal 3
Development of Expert Capacity
Objectives:
- training experts of international level
- developing the Central Asian expert community
- introducing international certification of experts
- expanding the participation of employers, professional associations and students in external evaluation procedures
Strategic Goal 4
International Cooperation and Recognition
Objectives:
- maintaining CAAAE’s international recognition, membership and registration statuses in ENQA, EQAR and ENAEE
- expanding cooperation with international quality assurance networks
- participating in Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and other international initiatives
- promoting international quality labels, including the EUR-ACE Label
Strategic Goal 5
Digital Transformation of the Accreditation System
Objectives:
- digitalisation of accreditation procedures
- introduction of a unified CAF information platform
- development of electronic document management
- use of analytical tools for monitoring the quality of education
Strategic Goal 6
Institutional Sustainability
Objectives:
- improving corporate governance
- ensuring financial sustainability
- increasing openness and transparency of activities
- developing and improving CAAAE’s internal quality assurance system
Strategic Goal 7
Development of Research and Analytics in Quality Assurance in Education
Objectives:
- conducting research in the field of education quality
- preparing annual analytical reports
- developing analytical and methodological recommendations for state bodies, educational institutions and other stakeholders
- developing international comparative studies
- publishing scientific and analytical materials
6. Implementation Stages
Stage one — 2026–2027:
- institutional strengthening of CAAAE and CAF
- development of the Central Asian Register
- improvement of the regulatory, methodological and digital infrastructure
- formation of a regional expert community
Stage two — 2028–2029:
- expanding the participation of Central Asian states and educational institutions
- developing mechanisms for mutual recognition of accreditation results
- expanding international cooperation
- introducing digital and analytical tools
Stage three — 2030:
- comprehensive evaluation of the results of Strategy implementation
- assessment of the achievement of key indicators
- preparation of proposals for the further development of CAAAE
7. Risk Analysis
The main risks of Strategy implementation include changes in legislation and international requirements, limited financial resources, personnel risks, geopolitical factors and information security threats.
Risk mitigation is ensured through regular monitoring of changes, diversification of funding sources, development of a personnel reserve, strengthening of international partnerships and improvement of the information and cyber security system.
8. Key Performance Indicators
By 2030 the following results are expected to be achieved:
- expansion of the Common Educational Space of Central Asia
- an increase in the number of educational institutions recognising CAAAE accreditation results
- development of the Central Asian Register of Accredited Educational Programmes
- preservation of CAAAE’s international recognition (ENQA, EQAR, ENAEE)
- an increase in the number of educational programmes awarded international quality labels
- expansion of the expert community of the Central Asian countries
- growth of academic mobility owing to mutual recognition of accreditation results
- digitalisation of the main accreditation processes
9. Monitoring of Strategy Implementation
The Strategy is implemented through annual activity plans, a system of key performance indicators (KPI), internal monitoring, independent external evaluation and regular reporting to CAAAE’s governing bodies.
10. Final Provisions
This Strategy is the fundamental document defining the long-term directions of CAAAE’s development for 2026–2030.
The implementation of the Strategy will make it possible to form an effective regional quality assurance system, ensure the functioning of the Common Educational Space of Central Asia, strengthen the international recognition of the region’s educational institutions and increase their competitiveness in the global educational space.