The Day of the Last Explosion at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site

A roundtable dedicated to the Day of the Last Explosion at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site was held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. On October 20, 2025, activists from the youth organization at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University held a roundtable dedicated to the Day of the Last Explosion at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. The event was attended by students and leaders of the “Nevada-Semey” movement, which has been fighting for the cessation of nuclear tests in Kazakhstan and worldwide for over 36 years.

During the roundtable, historical facts and the consequences of nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk site were discussed, as well as the achievements and activities of the “Nevada-Semey” movement. Gulzhanat Bakytovna Tanabekova, head of the youth organization at KazNU, noted that despite extensive literature and research, the test site remains insufficiently studied, and expressed hope that young people will continue active scientific work in this direction.

Aigerim Berikovna Kerimkulova, deputy head of the youth wing of “Nevada-Semey,” told students about the international network WINCA, which deals with issues of biological, chemical, and radiation safety, emphasizing the importance of involving the younger generation in such initiatives.

As the famous Kazakh poet Olzhas Suleimenov wrote:
“If the world does not grieve — then you, Kazakhstan, do not be sad.
The world has been tested by you. Kazakhstan, if you can, forgive.
And long live the ban on tests!”

Members of the “Nevada-Semey” youth wing actively organize various events and closely cooperate with the international anti-nuclear movement. Their main goal is to raise awareness among youth about the necessity of ending the nuclear arms race and to promote ideas of a world free from nuclear weapons.

Leaders of the “Nevada-Semey” youth organization at KazNU:

Gulzhanat Bakytovna Tanabekova, Aigerim Berikovna Kerimkulova.