Gender, Work & Organization 2026
From 7–10 June 2026, Nazarbayev University welcomed more than 175 researchers, scholars, journal editors, and practitioners from around the world to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, gender equality, work, organizational studies, and social inclusion.
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Four Days That Shaped
Academic Discourse
Key facts from a landmark gathering of global scholars in Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • 30 academic and cultural sessions
  • First GWO Conference ever hosted in Kazakhstan
  • 175+ international participants
  • Participants from Europe, North America, Central Asia & the Middle East
What Made This Conference
Exceptional
  • International Recognition

    Nazarbayev University became the first institution in Kazakhstan to host the internationally renowned Gender, Work & Organization Conference.
  • Doctoral Plenary Day

    Dedicated workshops for doctoral students and early-career researchers covering:
    • Academic writing
    • Publishing
    • Research methods
    • Ethics
    • Career development
  • Global Scholars
    Internationally recognized professors, journal editors, and experts participated from universities across the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, the USA, UAE, and other countries.
  • Central Asia in Focus
    The conference highlighted research on women's entrepreneurship, cultural identity, family transformation, and organizational development across Central Asia.
  • Research Themes
    Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, Artificial Intelligence, Future of Work, Organizational Change, Decolonization, Sustainability, Central Asia Research.
  • Gaza Special Session

    A special discussion on the role of science and higher education during humanitarian crises brought urgent global perspectives to the conference.
Beyond the Conference Room
Participants experienced the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan through curated events and visits.
  • Traditional Kazakh Yurt
    A full-scale yurt was set up on campus, offering guests an immersive introduction to nomadic Kazakh life, architecture, and hospitality traditions.
  • Tamyr Bazar Exhibition
    Participants explored a vibrant exhibition showcasing Kazakh craftsmanship, traditional textiles, and artisanal goods that celebrate the nation's creative heritage.
  • ALZHIR Memorial Museum
    A guided visit to the ALZHIR Museum-Memorial Complex honored the memory of women who suffered political repressions, connecting history to the conference themes.
  • Astana Grand Mosque
    Delegates visited one of Central Asia's largest mosques, appreciating its stunning architecture and learning about interfaith dialogue in Kazakhstan.
Factoids
Key achievements and milestones from the conference.
  • New international partnerships

  • New collaborative research opportunities

  • Strengthened global visibility of NURCE

  • Enhanced academic mobility opportunities
175+
 international researchers
30+
academic sessions
First 
GWO Conference in Kazakhstan
Moments from the Conference
A visual journey through four remarkable days in Astana.