Astana, November 7, 2026. L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University hosted the “Otandastar Meeting: Youth Forum,” organized by the Otandastar Qory NJSC. Held under the title “Youth. Opportunity. Future,” the event brought together more than 500 kandas students from Mongolia, China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and other countries who are currently studying in Kazakhstan. Structured around open dialogue, motivational sessions and networking, the forum aimed to introduce young people to the opportunities for education, employment and professional development available in Kazakhstan.

The forum seeks to help kandas students unlock their professional and personal potential, integrate successfully into Kazakh society and make the most of opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship. The central idea of the event was “You did not come to Kazakhstan just to study. You are Kazakhstan’s new wave!”, while its motto was “Dream. Set goals. Take action. Achieve results.”

At the opening ceremony, participants were welcomed by Yerlan Zhetibayev, representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Yryskali Daurenbek, President of the Otandastar Qory NJSC; and the leadership of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.

The forum program featured four motivational sessions:

• “Education. Values. Future” – speaker Yrysbek Mauit shared his thoughts on the role of education in a person’s life, national values and the competitiveness of young people;
• “From Dream to Result” – speaker Syrymbek Tau spoke about self-belief, goal setting, overcoming challenges and practical ways to achieve results;
• “Developing Yourself Shapes Your Future” – speaker Larisa Aldabergen addressed personal growth, leadership and responsibility;
• “The Young Entrepreneur’s Path: From Idea to Business” – speakers Saltanat Zhumakeldiuly and Aduyn Bakbol shared their experience and talked about the first steps of a young entrepreneur.

The sessions were followed by an open discussion between the speakers and students. Participants asked questions about education, employment, entrepreneurship and opportunities in Kazakhstan, and received practical advice from experienced professionals.

The forum concluded with an awards ceremony for the winners of the OQ-startup creative competition. Held in the run-up to the forum, the competition was designed to identify and support innovative, social and creative ideas among kandas students.