An informational and awareness-raising event dedicated to the prevention of religious extremism and terrorism among young people was held at the International Engineering and Technological University. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Social and Humanitarian Disciplines and World Languages and the University’s Youth Policy Department. The main objective of the meeting was to enhance students’ legal and religious literacy, explain the dangers of radical ideologies, and reinforce secular values within society.

The invited speaker, Bakhytzhan Zholdybayuly Saparov, a lawyer, PhD holder, member of the Almaty City Information and Outreach Group, and a scholar of the international “Bolashak” program, delivered a comprehensive lecture. The presentation began with an overview of the constitutional foundations of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a secular state and addressed issues of freedom of conscience and equality before the law. The speaker emphasized that secularism is not an anti-religious stance, but rather a legal framework aimed at ensuring peace, stability, and interfaith harmony.

Based on the presentation materials, clear legal definitions of religious extremism and terrorism were provided, along with explanations of their key characteristics and the threats they pose to society. Particular attention was paid to the objectives of extremist movements, which seek to undermine state authority, national security, and social stability. The speaker also reviewed the main legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan regulating counter-extremism and counter-terrorism efforts and outlined the criminal liability established for such offenses.

A significant part of the lecture focused on methods used to recruit young people into radical religious movements. Special emphasis was placed on online recruitment through social networks and digital platforms, as well as manipulative practices and the misuse of pseudo-religious narratives. The speaker highlighted the importance of obtaining religious knowledge exclusively from official and lawful sources and maintaining vigilance regarding personal and information security.

The event was attended by academic advisors and students from the Departments of Food Production Technology and Engineering, Economics and Business, and Biochemical Engineering, as well as college instructors and the university’s compliance officer. The meeting was conducted in an interactive format and concluded with a question-and-answer session. Students actively engaged by asking questions about identifying extremist content, early signs of radicalization, legal consequences, and appropriate actions in questionable situations. All questions received clear and detailed responses.