Astana, November 7, 2026–The Youth Forum of Compatriots entitled“Youth. Opportunities. Future,”organized by the Otandastar Foundation, took place today at the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
The event brought together more than 500 ethnic Kazakh students who arrived in Kazakhstan to pursue their higher education from Mongolia, China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries.
During the opening ceremony, Yerlan Zhetybayev, Chairman of the International Information Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered welcoming remarks. He emphasized that strengthening ties with compatriots abroad and preserving their spiritual and cultural bonds with their historical homeland remain among Kazakhstan's core foreign policy priorities. Yryskali Daurenbek, President of the Otandastar Foundation, also addressed the participants, highlighting the importance of empowering young compatriots and supporting their constructive initiatives.
The forum featured panel presentations by prominent speakers, including entrepreneur and philanthropist Syrymbet Tau; Yrysbek Mauit, founder of the Zerdeli network of schools and educational centers; Larisa Aldabergen, Head of the Astana Branch of the International Kazakh Language Society; as well as Saltanat Zhumageldiuly and Bakbol Aduyn, founders of the Salem Alem and Salem School educational projects.
The speakers-ethnic Kazakhs who relocated to Kazakhstan at various times-shared their personal experiences regarding adaptation, integration into Kazakhstani society, professional advancement, and civic engagement. They outlined various projects aimed at contributing to the ongoing development of Kazakhstan.
The speakers offered practical guidance to the students, underscoring the significance of active civic participation, the preservation of national values, and the effective utilization of opportunities available to the younger generation in Kazakhstan. Interactive question-and-answer sessions and open exchanges sparked significant interest among the attendees, fostering a dynamic and practical dialogue.
The event concluded with an award ceremony honoring the winners of the OQ-startup competition, which is designed to support innovative, social, and creative initiatives proposed by students from compatriot communities.
The forum served as a vital platform for strengthening solidarity among young compatriots, facilitating the exchange of best practices, expanding opportunities for professional growth, and deepening their enduring ties with their historical homeland.
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