On April 8, 2026, the international scientific student conference "Continuity of historical figures and national values: the role of youth in Kazakh society" was held at the Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages named after Ablai Khan.
The scientific conference became an important milestone in the implementation of the scientific and educational strategy of the university and was organized within the framework of the fundamental scientific project of the Department of History of Kazakhstan "Tulgany kalyptastru: ulttyk kundylyktar negizinde tarbiye zhane bilim beru", which provided a deep conceptual link between academic research and the tasks of educating a new generation.
The official part of the conference demonstrated the unity of the academic and educational vectors of the university. Opening the plenary session, Vice-rector for Research and Innovation, Doctor of Economics, Professor Maira Uspanova, voiced an official greeting on behalf of the acting rector of the University, Dana Anuarbekovna Kunanbayeva. In her address, the Vice-Rector stressed that in the era of globalization, modernization does not mean abandoning the past, but requires the ability to adapt the national code to the requirements of modernity. Tatiana Vladimirovna Serezhkina, Vice-Rector for Educational and Social Work, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Professor, also played a key role in the opening of the event. T.V. Serezhkina's greeting, which was delivered in the official language, set the tone for the entire event, emphasizing KazUIR and WL's commitment to the principles of multilingualism and respect for the spiritual roots of the nation.
The invited guests joined the discussion of topical issues of national consciousness formation. Special attention was paid to the speeches of Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Professor Khairullayeva Venera Khibadullayeva, as well as scientists of the Institute of Oriental Studies named after R. B. Suleimenov, candidates of Historical Sciences, leading researchers Yernar Muratuly Uzhkenov and Bolat Kudaibergenuly Smagulov. The special status of the conference was emphasized by the participation of representatives of relevant departments, in particular, cadets and staff of the Border Academy of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, whose reports on the spiritual heritage of the intelligentsia and mechanisms of value transfer aroused the keen interest of the audience. The participation of representatives from various fields – history, philosophy and national security, students of different fields, confirmed the interdisciplinary status of the event.
In her speech, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor G.A. Shotanova noted that " History is not just a collection of static facts, but a living experience that should serve as a foundation for young people in a world of information overload." She emphasized that the university bears the name of the great Ablai Khan, a symbol of unity, and it is today's youth who takes responsibility for shaping new meanings. Encouraging the participants to an open discussion, G.A. Shotanova wished everyone fruitful work and constructive dialogue.
The scientific agenda was developed during the breakout sessions. Under the guidance of leading scientists – Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor K.K. Chatybekova, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Professor N.T. Zhanakova and Associate Professor B.N. Zhuztaeva – students from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan presented research covering a wide range of topics: from the legacy of al-Farabi and Akhmet Baitursynov to the impact of artificial intelligence on educational transformation.
The high level of organization of the conference was the result of the well-coordinated work of the staff of the Department of History of Kazakhstan. Summing up, moderators Z.M. Karabayeva and G.A. Shotanova noted the scientific maturity of the reports. At the end of the work, the participants adopted a Resolution, according to which it was decided:
- To ensure the release of an electronic collection of materials that will serve as a platform for testing student initiatives.
- Initiate the creation of an interdisciplinary discussion platform together with the Youth Committee to strengthen horizontal ties between the faculties.
- To introduce elective courses into the educational process aimed at studying the role of personality in the history of Kazakhstan and the integration of national values into the higher education system.
- To develop the Olympiad movement in social and humanitarian areas as a tool to support talented youth.
The conference confirmed KazUIR and WL's status as a center for intercultural dialogue, successfully integrating traditional values into the context of global development.
Shotanova G.A., Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor
Karabayeva Z. M., Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor
Kargaev K.A., Senior Lecturer, Master of Political Science
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