Alliance of Asian Liberal Arts Universities
Annual Presidents' Forum 2026
Annual Presidents' Forum 2026
What Are Universities For?
Liberal Arts Education, AI, and the Human Question
American University of Central Asia (AUCA), Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
October 9−10, 2026
Liberal Arts Education, AI, and the Human Question
American University of Central Asia (AUCA), Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
October 9−10, 2026
About the Forum
Two-day forum bringing together university leaders, scholars, and practitioners from Central Asia, East Asia, and beyond to examine the purpose of the university in an age of artificial intelligence.
Program & Speakers
Download the Program
Scholarly Abstracts
Review the core ideas and research presented at the Forum. Detailed abstracts for all scholarly contributions are available for your convenience.
The program consists of seven academic sessions. These sessions trace a deliberate arc - from institutional governance and pedagogical practice, through human cognition and well-being, to regional context and foundational reflection.
Together, they ask not only what artificial intelligence can do for higher education, but what higher education must decide to remain human.
The program consists of seven academic sessions. These sessions trace a deliberate arc - from institutional governance and pedagogical practice, through human cognition and well-being, to regional context and foundational reflection.
Together, they ask not only what artificial intelligence can do for higher education, but what higher education must decide to remain human.
Organizing Institutions
- The Alliance of Asian Liberal Arts Universities (AALAU), established in November 2017, is a network of respectable liberal arts universities in Asia. All AALAU members share common values, a global vision and a commitment to educating future leaders.
- Founded in 1993, the American University of Central Asia is an international, multidisciplinary learning community in the American liberal arts tradition. AUCA is the first university in Central Asia to offer US-accredited degrees in liberal arts programs through a partnership with Bard College in the United States.
Venue and Location
- View DetailsThe Forum will be hosted by the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), located in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic.
AUCA is one of the leading universities in Central Asia, renowned for its academic excellence. The university's modern campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, creating an inspiring environment for intellectual exchange and collaboration.
Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, is nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan mountain range.
Join Us in Bishkek
7/6 Aaly Tokombaev Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Phone: +996 312 915 000 ext. 110
Email: president_office@auca.kg
Phone: +996 312 915 000 ext. 110
Email: president_office@auca.kg
American University of Central Asia
7/6 Aaly Tokombaev Street
Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 720060
Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 720060