From March 27 to 29, Nazarbayev University hosted its annual Integrity Forum, bringing together more than 300 students from across the country to discuss one of the most pressing topics of modern society — the culture of care. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the University’s leadership.
In her remarks, Vice Chair of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry, Akerke Abylaikhan, welcomed participants and guests on behalf of the Ministry: “At universities, we primarily provide academic knowledge, but it is equally important to understand that every young person receiving higher education should, in the future, become an upstanding citizen of their country. As our President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized, today’s youth should be well-rounded and integrated individuals — the ‘Tolyq Adam’ as conceptualized by Abai Kunanbayuly. We are working diligently to ensure that our universities graduate precisely such individuals.”
Participants included students from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Maqsut Narikbayev University, the Kazakh National University of Arts, Zhubanov University, and other higher education institutions. President of Nazarbayev University, Dr. Waqar Ahmad, noted: “Integrity is one of the core principles of our University. It goes beyond academic honesty and compliance with rules. It is reflected in our daily decisions, in how we treat one another, and in the kind of society we build. That is why this year’s theme — ‘Culture of Care: Personal and Community’ — is particularly relevant. It is also symbolic that we have gathered during Nauryz, a time of renewal, unity, and new opportunities.”
On the first day, students participated in a first aid workshop and a cultural program. On the second day, following the opening session, participants split into two tracks to attend panel discussions on personal care and community care. The third day featured a case championship with a prize fund of KZT 1 million. The competition aimed to provide students with an opportunity to transform theoretical ideas into practical solutions and develop actionable proposals to strengthen a culture of care within the university environment.
Out of 35 teams, 17 advanced to the final round and presented their solutions to the jury. The winners of the Integrity Case Championship were:
1st place: DALND, Nazarbayev University (KZT 500,000)
2nd place: Backbone, Nazarbayev University (KZT 300,000)
3rd place: Powerpuff Girls, Maqsut Narikbayev University (KZT 200,000)
The Forum reaffirmed the importance of fostering a culture of care among young people and served as a platform for exchanging ideas, developing initiatives, and building new connections among students from across the country.
