On February 25, Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages officially launched the national project “I Am Here. 1001 Stories”, aimed at uniting citizens across the country and setting a Guinness World Record for the largest number of signatures collected on a single vehicle.
The initiative was introduced to the university community, students, and guests as a large-scale expedition across Kazakhstan, during which anyone could leave their signature and become part of this nationwide project. The launch at the university carries symbolic significance: the institution has long served as a platform for intercultural dialogue, civic initiatives, and professional collaboration, bringing together students and faculty from different regions of the country. It was here that the first signatures were applied to the vehicle, marking the start of the expedition’s journey across Kazakhstan.
The project was conceived and is led by university professor, journalist, and public figure Madina Ashilova. According to her, the main goal of the initiative is not only to set a record but also to create opportunities for active participation for residents from all regions: “It is important that the project includes not only major cities but also small towns and rural communities. We want every person to be able to say, ‘I am here,’ and feel connected to the country’s shared history.”
The opening ceremony featured university officials, including Tatiana Vladimirovna Seryozhkina, Vice-Rector for Educational and Social Affairs, and Olga Yakovlevna Kim, Head of the Department of International Communications. The legendary Kazakh ensemble Dos-Mukasan supported the initiative with their presence and creative contribution. Other participants included Alexey Nikulin, director from the Russian Geographical Society, journalist Roza Aidirova from Silk Way Today, and blogger Maigul Burghebaeva, as well as representatives from Kazakh national television and other media outlets. Students - future journalists and specialists in the field of journalism-played an active role in organizing and preparing the event.
Over the course of the year, the project vehicle will travel across Kazakhstan- from Turkestan to North Kazakhstan and from Mangystau to East Kazakhstan -visiting both regional centers and smaller towns, as well as rural communities. Participation is expected from well-known Kazakh figures, including Dimash Kudaibergen and figure skater Mikhail Shaidorov, alongside thousands of residents from diverse professions, age groups, and social backgrounds.
All signatures are documented according to international standards. In line with Guinness World Records rules, they are applied with special markers and cannot be protected with additional coatings, which requires careful planning of the routes and meeting conditions for participants in each region.
The project’s media partner is Turan TV, who’s General Director Roman Beydalievich Botabekov attended the launch and highlighted the initiative’s social significance and it’s potential to unite the regions of the country.
The “I Am Here. 1001 Stories” project is designed as an open civic initiative that strengthens connections between regions and fosters a sense of national unity. By participating, individuals can record their presence in the country and become part of a collective story.
The expedition will continue with meetings across Kazakhstan, visiting new cities and settlements, collecting thousands of signatures and personal stories. The journey, which began at Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, will proceed across the country, bringing people together around the spirit of active participation and shared experience.
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