Head of Press and Communications,UN in Kazakhstan office

Elnara Bainazarova is a media, communications and international relations specialist focusing on multilateral and public diplomacy.

She currently manages the press and communications of the UN office in Kazakhstan. Her current focus is on improving joint communications within the UN activities, advancing the 2030 Agenda, including public awareness through digital channels.

Prior to joining the UN, she was the Head of the Center for International Studies at the Institute of World Economy and Politics of the Kazakhstan President Foundation, Press Officer of the OSCE Program Office in Astana, and the Press Officer of the European Union Delegation in Kazakhstan. Elnara holds degrees of PhD in International Relations (Al-Farabi KazNU), Master of Management  (University of International Business), and Specialist in International Relations (Al-Farabi KazNU).

In 2010, she graduated from the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (Honolulu, USA). In 2019 she became the winner of the national project "100 New Names of Kazakhstan". In media dimension she is author and TV host of several documentaries on EU-Kazakhstan cooperation and the TV program "Ten Facets of Europe". In 2020 and 2023 was the master of ceremony of the Volunteer Forum events held with participation of the President of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev, as well as the Central Asian Media Forum.

Elnara Bainazarova is a specialist in media, communications, and international relations, with a focus on multilateral and public diplomacy. She currently manages press and communications for the UN office in Kazakhstan, with her main focus on enhancing joint communications within UN activities and advancing the 2030 Agenda, including raising public awareness through digital channels.

Before joining the UN, she served as the Head of the Center for International Studies at the Institute of World Economy and Politics of the Kazakhstan President Foundation, the Press Officer for the OSCE Program Office in Astana, and as the Press Officer for the European Union Delegation in Kazakhstan. Elnara holds a PhD in International Relations from Al-Farabi KazNU, a Master of Management from the University of International Business, and a Specialist degree in International Relations from Al-Farabi KazNU.

Memories of the University:

Student life is a time when every day brings something new: knowledge, experiences, meetings, and friendships. Here at KazNU, I've learned to appreciate various points of view and respect the diversity of cultures. KazNU has given me not just academic training, but also valuable life lessons, enhancing my ability to negotiate and communicate in a diverse environment.

Looking back, I am grateful for every minute spent at the University, for the kindness of my fellow students, and for every piece of advice from mentors. The past years at KazNU have laid the foundation for my professional and personal development. Happy 90th anniversary to KazNU! I wish for the University to continue being the best place for training students, encouraging them to strive for education and meet high professional standards.

Nurbek Nurzhan