Today, NU President Shigeo Katsu welcomed President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly Abdulla Shahid at the campus, showed him the University’s master plan, and gave him a brief tour of the campus. The honored guest was informed about research projects and visited the laboratorу at the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) and the Energetic Cosmos Laboratory.
While addressing NU students, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, said he is inspired by young people who often hold policymakers accountable.
He informed the audience about his initiative, a PGA youth fellowship program to support and invite eight promising young diplomats from underrepresented countries at the UN, to work in his office. There are also plans to create a UN Youth Office to promote more diverse and effective youth participation in the organization.
Abdulla Shahid noted that Kazakhstan has always been a strong and active partner in the work of the United Nations and multilateralism.
“Over the past years, Kazakhstan has undertaken several initiatives aimed at strengthening the work of multilateralism, evident in the wide-ranging scope of its global outreach and involvement. These initiatives help foster global peace and dialogue and contribute to our attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is my sincere hope that Kazakhstan’s younger generation stands ready to carry that important work forward,” – said Abdulla Shahid.
NU President Shigeo Katsu added that NU is the focal point for the Central Asia sustainable development solutions network under the auspices of the UN.
In the Q&A session, students asked questions about the UN’s role in peacekeeping, refugee assistance, sustainable development, and climate change issues. The guest stressed the active role of universities, institutions, and individual efforts in the peace-building process and in solving global challenges.
“You will be leaders, you will make the decisions, starting from now. Do not be frustrated, keep hope alive. Keep believing in yourself that each of you can make a difference. …As young people, you have so much energy and passion. That is what we need today. Keep believing in yourselves,” added Abdulla Shahid at the end of the session.
Abdulla Shahid is widely recognized as an exceptional politician and a seasoned diplomat. He has long served in the Government and legislative structures of the Republic of Maldives. Last year, he was elected President of the 76th session of UN GA.
The distinguished guest, completing his visit to NU, expressed his good wishes in the Book of Honorary Guests. In the end, the honored guest and attendees took a joint photo.
