Global Diplomacy and Sustainable Development: International Relations Professionals of KazNU Celebrate UN Day with UNESCO Representatives

On 19 October 2026, the Faculty of International Relations at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted an international roundtable to mark United Nations Day.

The event was opened by Zhuldyz T. Sairambaeva, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of the United Nations in strengthening international cooperation and maintaining international peace and security. She also emphasised the importance of educating and training a new generation of professionals in international relations.

The keynote speaker and guest of honour, Mr. Amir Piric, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty and UNESCO Representative to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, joined the event online. He underscored the importance of international cooperation under the auspices of the United Nations and highlighted UNESCO’s key role in building peace through education, science, culture, and respect for diversity. He encouraged students to develop critical thinking, dialogue skills and a strong sense of responsibility for the future of the international community, with particular emphasis on the importance of regional cooperation in Central Asia. In conclusion, he stressed that peace begins with mutual understanding and that the younger generation has a vital role to play in building a more just, inclusive and sustainable future.

A welcoming address was also delivered by Ms. Gaukhar Balgarina, Assistant to the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty. As an alumna of the Faculty of International Relations at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Ms. Balgarina shared her professional experience and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing the goals and objectives of the United Nations and UNESCO.
 

As part of the roundtable, a presentation was delivered on the key areas of the United Nations’ activity and its significance for Kazakhstan. Participants also reviewed the country’s major achievements and initiatives in promoting international cooperation and advancing the UN agenda.

The event highlighted the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

A special highlight of the programme was its interactive component, which included a quiz entitled “What Do You Know About the United Nations?” The event also featured a lively dance performance to the song “Don’t Worry” by Madcon, adding a vibrant and engaging element to the celebration.

The roundtable provided an opportunity to raise students’ awareness of the role of the United Nations in promoting peace, security and international cooperation, particularly in education, science and culture. It also highlighted the UN’s unique role as a global platform for dialogue and collective action on shared challenges.

In her closing remarks, L. F. Delovarova, Director of the Academic Regional Resource Centre for UN Information Support, thanked the distinguished guests and participants and announced the launch of a student creative competition entitled “What Would the 18th Sustainable Development Goal Be?”

The roundtable was organised with the support of the Academic Regional Resource Centre for UN Information Support at the Faculty of International Relations of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Responsible faculty member L. F. Delovarova.