National Kurultai: uniting the nation

National Kurultai: uniting the nation

On 31 March 2025, the Philological Faculty of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University had the privilege of hosting a curatorial session titled "The national kurultai – uniting the nation". The event was conducted within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions" and 17 "Partnerships for the Goals." The primary goal of the educational session was to explain the significance of the national Kurultai, increase students' interest in socio-political changes, and create a platform for open dialogue.

During the event, it was noted that the 4th session of the national Kurultai, held in Burabay on March 13-14, 2025, addressed important issues aimed at the socio-economic and cultural development of the country. The Kurultai’s contribution to shaping the nation’s future and its role in strengthening the connection between the people and the government were especially emphasized. The students engaged in extensive discussions on the purpose and role of the national Kurultai and its impact on Kazakh society. To this end, a role-play exercise was conducted, where participants acted as members of different sections, presenting their proposals. The topics that the students focused on included "Education and Science," "Social Development," and "Culture," and it was suggested that these could be the way forward in dealing with some of the issues that are currently being experienced. It was heartening to see that foreign students studying in Kazakhstan participated actively in the event. They shared experiences from their countries, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and cooperation in a multicultural society and achieving sustainable development goals. The importance of friendship among peoples and intercultural understanding was highlighted.

During the event, students were asked the following questions, leading to a lively discussion:
    1.    What do you think is the main goal of the national Kurultai?
    2.    What pressing issues in today’s society should necessarily be discussed at the national Kurultai?
    3.    What steps should be taken to strengthen national unity in Kazakhstan? What are the three most important values for Kazakhstan’s development?
    4.    How can young people contribute to the work of the national Kurultai?
    5.    Can the national Kurultai improve the relationship between the people and the government? Why or why not?
    6.    If you were to speak at the national Kurultai, what proposals would you make?

The discussion took place in an open dialogue format. Students shared their views on strengthening national identity, developing the state language, fostering patriotic education for young people, and addressing economic and social issues. In particular, ways for young people to actively participate in the country’s development and promote and preserve national values were discussed. For feedback, students used the "Exit Ticket" method, writing down the three most important ideas they took away from the session. This method was found to be a useful tool for evaluating their impressions and understanding of the new knowledge.

The session fostered critical thinking, open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. By the end of the discussion, students recognised the national Kurultai's potential to serve as a bridge between the government and society, ensuring inclusive decision-making and sustainable development. The event allowed students to deepen their understanding of national values and appreciate the importance of the national Kurultai. Students openly expressed their views and suggested solutions to pressing societal issues. The event was productive and insightful, highlighting the national Kurultai’s contribution to the country’s development.

It is suggested that events such as this one can play a crucial role in promoting youth involvement in governance, fostering national unity, and reinforcing democratic values. Through active participation, students demonstrated their commitment to the cause.

Department of Foreign Philology and Translation Studies

Senior Lecturers Azimbayeva I.K.

Iskakova G.

1st-Year Master’s Students

R. Bekenova, A. Kairat