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Главная Студентам Студенческие новости International Forum on Global Student Leadership
27 February 2025                  871
International Forum on Global Student Leadership

On February 27, the International Forum of Student Leaders on the topic "Global Student Leadership: Development, Impact, Action" was held at the International Engineering and Technology University (METU). The forum began with the performance of the national anthem.

In her welcoming speech, the Rector of METU, Associate Professor, and Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Engineering of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Gulnar Sarsenbekova, stated:
*"The goal of the forum is to create a platform where young people in the global world not only understand each other but also discuss the key steps of student leadership towards harmonious development.

What kind of environment is necessary for the development of leadership in the future of education? How important are graduate attributes for competitiveness in the international labor market? What role can students play in the new science model? Will spiritual values remain in the shadow of material progress? How can we balance ecological sustainability and economic development? How should artificial intelligence be used and developed, and what skills are needed for youth and humanity?

These and other questions will be discussed during the forum,"* said the Rector.

According to Gulnar Sarsenbekova, the forum speakers were former student self-governance leaders who have now achieved success not only professionally but also personally, including young professionals, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

The forum was attended by guests from the USA, UK, Turkey, China, and Russia. METU also has international students from 15 countries, including Egypt, Mongolia, China, Turkey, Russia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and others, who participated in the forum dedicated to the Year of Student Self-Governance.

Developing Leadership Skills in Students

Forum participants shared advice with young people on developing leadership and personal qualities.

PhD Nazira Boltyrikova from the University of Southern California (Los Angeles), who was the first head of the Republican children`s and youth organization "Zhas Ulan," shared her experience in student leadership:
*"When I was a student, I thought everything would start later—I would first graduate, then work, then focus on projects. I always thought life would begin `tomorrow.` But in reality, tomorrow starts right here and now. Wherever you are, try to improve that place. Leave behind changes.

When we were students, we also had self-governance. At first glance, it seemed like endless discussions with no results. But over time, we realized that this organization had a huge impact on our future. We learned not just to discuss but to influence university decisions: food services, dormitory conditions, and social issues affecting students. The key is—if you see a problem, don’t wait, act,"* said Nazira Boltyrikova.

She also gave students some advice:

  • Start taking action immediately.
  • Be brave.
  • Think big.
  • Don’t be afraid to think globally.
  • Success comes from simple habits: quality sleep, clean water, and exercise.

In her opinion, technology without values is meaningless, and it is important to understand how it benefits humanity. She also emphasized that if you want to change the world, you should not fear making mistakes.

Forum Speakers and Topics

Speakers and moderators of the forum included:

  • Mati-Korley Isaac Opar (Student, Ghana),
  • Dr. Bakyt Tolegenov, Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, Adam Smith Business School (UK),
  • Professor Tatyana Danilchuk from the Russian Biotechnological University (ROSBIO),
  • Almasbek Nugman, former leader of the "Zhasyl El" student construction brigades, now Chairman of the Maslikhat of Kegen District,
  • Didar Dildabek, member of the Almaty Political Council, head of the youth policy department,
  • Shakhmurad Khasanov, head of private client services at Bereke Bank,
  • Sandugash Baimukhambetova, senior officer of the Almaty Emergency Department,
  • Seitjan Konarbayev, head of HR and payroll management at Intergaz Central Asia,
  • Shyryn Tlenchiyeva, member of the International Society for Quality of Life Studies (ISQOLS),
  • Arailym Omirbekova, journalist and psychologist,
  • Ulan Toktarkul, director of PROPANEL,
  • Aknazar Kazymbetov, blockchain technology specialist,
    as well as METU faculty members and active students.

The plenary sessions covered the topics:

  • "Global Leadership in the Future of Education"
  • "Attributes of a Competitive Graduate"
  • "The New Model of Science"

Panel discussions included topics such as:

  • "The Global Future and the Spiritual World"
  • "The Global Future and the Green Economy"
  • "The Global Future and Intellectual Capital"
  • "The Global Future and Artificial Intelligence"
  • "The Global Future and Next-Generation Science"

The Year of Student Self-Governance at METU

In support of the initiative of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who declared 2025 the "Year of Working Professions," METU has designated the current year as the "Year of Student Self-Governance."

New Initiatives from the Forum

  • Launch of the "METU Life" magazine.
  • Implementation of the "Social GPA" assessment tool.
  • Opening of a "Book Exchange Corner."
  • Publication of the "Home Reading" book in English for students.
  • Companies issued "Job Offers" to students.
  • Establishment of named scholarships.
  • Creation of a student construction brigade.

Thus, the international forum became a significant platform for experience exchange, discussion of current student leadership issues, and the introduction of new initiatives for youth development.