What role do digital platforms play in international relations today, and how is artificial intelligence shaping society? Students at NU explored these questions and more with Lars Stefan Eriksson, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Kazakhstan, during a guest lecture titled “Sweden and Kazakhstan: Diplomacy in Practice”.
During the discussion, students asked about how diplomacy is evolving, prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market, education and information security. The Ambassador noted that digital platforms give diplomats new ways to engage with the public, complementing traditional diplomatic channels.
Speaking about bilateral relations, he outlined political, economic and cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and Sweden. According to the Ambassador, more than 30 Swedish companies operate in Kazakhstan across various sectors, including mining, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals. He also shared the story of the Kazakh community in the Swedish city of Västerås, where people continue to preserve their cultural traditions.
The lecture was held alongside the annual Scholarship Fair, organised by the NU Student Government. Representatives of the Bolashak programme and the embassies of ten countries took part, introducing students to international study opportunities, scholarships and research programmes.
