Dear distinguished guests, dear Otandas scholars, dear colleagues,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Nazarbayev University for the inaugural Forum of Otandas Scholars. We are truly honored to host more than 40 distinguished scholars from abroad and over 100 participants from across Kazakhstan for this important and timely gathering.

This forum goes beyond academic exchange. It stands at the intersection of knowledge, identity, and national development. It brings together outstanding minds who, regardless of where they currently live and work, remain connected by a shared heritage and a commitment to the future of Kazakhstan.

The Forum of Otandas Scholars has a clear and strategic purpose: to showcase the achievements of our compatriot scholars on the global stage, to strengthen collaboration between them and Kazakhstan’s scientific community, to share key developments in national science and innovation policy, and to build long-term bridges for joint research, technology transfer, and academic mobility.

Today, we are witnessing the power of intellectual connectivity across borders. Scholars joining us from Germany, the United States, Japan, Turkey, Korea, Mongolia, and many other countries reflect the truly global reach of Kazakh talent. The topics you will address — from artificial intelligence and green energy to digital medicine, public health, innovative materials, and sustainable pastoral practices — are not only academically significant, but vital for the future development of our country.

As a flagship research university, Nazarbayev University is committed to supporting Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a regional leader in science, technology, and innovation. We see our role not only as an institution of higher learning, but as a national platform for global scientific engagement.

Through international partnerships, joint research programs, and initiatives such as the “100 Scientists” Project and the Qazaq International Science and Technology Association, we are working to create a dynamic scientific ecosystem where knowledge flows freely and where global Kazakh scholars play an active role.

Let me emphasize clearly: our university’s doors are always open to you — for collaboration, research, teaching, mentorship, and joint innovation.

This forum is not just an event. It is the beginning of a sustained and strategic engagement with our global scholarly community. It represents a new chapter in how Kazakhstan connects with its intellectual diaspora and how we leverage global Kazakh talent for national progress.

Your experience, your networks, and your perspectives are essential to shaping the next phase of our country’s scientific and technological development.

On behalf of Nazarbayev University, I extend my sincere gratitude to all of you for joining us today. Your presence here sends a powerful message about the strength of our global academic community and its commitment to Kazakhstan.

I wish you a productive and inspiring forum, rich in dialogue and meaningful in outcomes. May your discussions lead to lasting collaborations and impactful initiatives.

Welcome to Nazarbayev University, and thank you.