The youth of the Turkic world gathered in KazNU

The grand opening of the First International Youth Forum of the Turkic world took place at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

More than 200 young people from 25 countries, including the USA, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkiye, Romania, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria and Azerbaijan, gathered at the large-scale meeting organized by the TURKSOY International Organization in cooperation with KazNU.  During the event, an exhibition "TURKSOY" was organized, dedicated to the culture and national dishes of representatives of other nationalities.

The Forum provided a great opportunity to unite representatives of the younger generation of Turkic states. The goal is to strengthen fraternal and friendly relations between the Turkic–speaking peoples and to develop historical, cultural and scientific cooperation.

The opening ceremony of the forum was attended by Secretary General of the International Organization TURKSOY Sultan Raev, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Darkhan Akhmet-Zaki, Secretary General of TurkPA Mehmet Sureya, Chairman of the Board – Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Managing Director of the Department of International Cooperation Otandastar Kory Yerzhan Mukash, Head of the Youth Policy Department. Almaty city politicians Aziz Kazhenbek, as well as famous writers of the Turkic world and active students.

Sultan Rayev opened the event with a welcoming speech, highlighting the work carried out by the TURKSOY International Organization for the benefit of the youth of the Turkic world.

"Holding an international forum for young people in Kazakhstan has its own special significance. Because Kazakhstan is the ancestral homeland of the Turks, the sacred "kara shanyrak". Our roots go back deeply to the ancient Turks. The Turkic world has its own rich history and culture. Modern youth should know their ancestors. Also, using all the possibilities, we must think about the development of the Turkic world. Today's forum is of great importance for the implementation of joint work",- Sultan Raev said.

In turn, Zhanseit Tuimebayev noted the importance of holding a forum of youth of the Turkic world in KazNU. In his speech, the rector stressed that Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pays special attention to young people and places great hopes on them.

"President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at the summit of the Organization of Turkic States: "All Turkic peoples are connected by historical origins and common interests. It is necessary to create opportunities to unlock the potential of talented youth. It is necessary to expand the scope of cooperation in the field of science and education." When we come together for a common goal, we can achieve much more than each one individually. Today, young people have a special responsibility for the development of relations between the Turkic countries. The 21st century is a time of modern technology and scientific progress. The driving force behind creative ideas and new beginnings is youth. The meeting of the intellectual youth of the Turkic world shows the importance of today's forum",- Zhanseit Tuimebayev said.

During the event, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Darkhan Akhmet-Zaki read out a congratulatory letter from Sayasat Nurbek. The letter stated: "The Forum provides a unique opportunity to discuss issues and share knowledge among young people in the fields of education, science, innovation and culture. The youth of the Turkic world is our common heritage. Currently, various social, economic and cultural changes are taking place in the world. Therefore, it is very important to educate conscious, competitive youth who meet the demands of the times. The Ministry has created all conditions for building interuniversity partnership between the Turkic countries, sharing experiences and strengthening the relations of young people with each other".

Abai Muratuly from Mongolia, who came to KazNU specifically to participate in this event, considers it right and necessary to hold such international forums and conferences bringing together Turkic youth.

"The forum is being held at a high level. At the three-day event, we had the opportunity not only to exchange views with the youth of other countries, but also to get acquainted with the history of the Turkic world. I believe that such forums should be held regularly. The future of every country is youth. Representatives of the younger generation of Turkic countries should be on the same wavelength",- Abai Muratuly said.

As part of the forum, the TURKSOY Media Education and Research Center was opened at the Faculty of Journalism. It explores current issues in the field of information and communications, and conducts research. In the future, scientific and practical round tables, press conferences, scientific and methodological meetings will be organized here to bring together representatives of the media of the Turkic world.

During the three-day event, round tables and discussion meetings for the youth of the Turkic world will be held and guided tours of the sights of Almaty will be organized.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University