FESTIVAL OF FRIENDSHIP OF THE PEOPLES OF KAZAKHSTAN: UNITY IN DIVERSITY

On November 10, 2026, the Department of Economics of the Higher School of Economics and Business at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University organized a vibrant cultural and educational event at the university level – the “Festival of Friendship of the Peoples of Kazakhstan”. The festival aimed to strengthen intercultural dialogue, promote tolerance, and foster the values of peace, friendship, and mutual understanding among young people. The event was organized in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

The festival brought together students from four faculties of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University: the Higher School of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, the Faculty of Information Technology, and the Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare. This broad participation created an excellent opportunity for students from different academic backgrounds to interact, exchange experiences, and strengthen relationships within the university community.

The participation of students from 12 countries – Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Bangladesh – created a unique atmosphere and added a special international dimension to the celebration. Representatives of each country had the opportunity to introduce their homeland, sharing its history, culture, traditions, and national identity. The diversity of participants reflected the international character of the university and highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in modern higher education.

As part of the festival, students prepared colourful presentations about their countries, showcased traditional national costumes, performed folk songs, and presented traditional dances. Each performance became a journey into the cultural heritage of different nations, allowing participants to learn more about one another, appreciate the diversity of national traditions, and recognize their shared human values. The performances also provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, artistic talents, and pride in their cultural heritage.

One of the most memorable and emotional highlights of the event was the performance by Daniyar Zhumadilov, who sang a song dedicated to national unity in ten languages of the world. His performance became a powerful symbol of friendship, mutual respect, solidarity, and unity among people, regardless of their nationality, cultural background, or language.

The festival once again demonstrated that a university is not only a place for acquiring knowledge and developing professional skills but also an important platform for intercultural communication, fostering civic responsibility, promoting cultural awareness, and strengthening international cooperation. Such initiatives contribute to creating an inclusive and welcoming academic environment in which every student feels respected and valued.

Initiatives of this kind contribute to educating young people in the spirit of respect for cultural diversity, openness to the world, and commitment to constructive cooperation. After all, the strength of Kazakhstan lies in the unity of its people, while the richness of modern society lies in respecting the unique identity of every culture. Unity in diversity is the foundation of friendship, mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, and a sustainable future.

Friendship knows no borders, and unity begins with mutual respect!

Organizers: S.Yessengaziyeva, G.Ilyashova, I.Kuliyev, D.Turarov, Zh.Antayev, D.Beizhanova, A.Sagynbay, S.Abilda.