Addressing the audience, Nursultan Nazarbayev congratulated the graduating students, their parents, members of the Board of Trustees, as well as professors and university staff members with the first graduating class and expressed his appreciation of the sponsors’ support.
The President noted that the graduation ceremony is an important event not only for the university itself, but for the whole country.
“The first graduates of Kazakhstan’s leading university and the first world-class scientific and educational center are joining the ranks of its proud alumni community. Our country gets a new generation of young, fully trained and skilled professionals. This is especially important today, as we are embarking upon a path of reform based on the National Modernisation Plan,” he said.
The Head of State stressed that a powerful tool of global education has been formed due to the establishment of the university in Astana.
“The University will nourish our economy and social life with knowledge, scientific discoveries and innovation. It will change our people for the better, instill in them life-long learning skills, aspiration for professional growth, initiative and patriotism. All of this is done to ensure that Kazakhstan is a stable and well-developed country and that we build and strengthen our statehood, solidifying the country’s standing in the global arena. Giving you a head start in life, we have come one step closer to the cherished goal,” he added.
Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that the students were honoured to go down in history as the first graduates of the university.
“The university’s level of teaching will be judged according to your merits and deeds, which imposes a special responsibility. I expect maximum dedication and professionalism from each of you. Your study does not end with obtaining the degree. It is a process that will continue throughout your life. You will discover the real meaning of life only after you complete your studies. The ability to gain insight into life is the very thing you have been taught in the past five years. The things you have learned may quickly be forgotten in case your profession and work will not be your favourite occupation in life. A true professional not only has enough expertise but also knows how to turn knowledge into action. I believe that all university graduates will become true professionals,” he said.
The President expressed his hope that the graduates will not only have a deep knowledge of their field of expertise, but will strengthen the moral values of Kazakh society, show an example of service to the Fatherland and contribute to the promotion of spiritual, moral and cultural values.
The Head of State also mentioned a number of Kazakhstan’s achievements in the field of education.
“According to the World Economic Forum’s Human Capital Index Kazakhstan was ranked 37th, outperforming such OECD member states as Portugal, Greece, Spain, Chile, Mexico, Turkey, as well as Malaysia, China and Brazil. The literacy rate of Kazakhstan's population stands at 33rd place, while the quality of the country’s education system has grown by 9 points. Your University has contributed to these achievements as well,” he maintained.
Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed the graduates of the university will make the next generation of Kazakhstan.
“You will develop the country, steering people to happiness and prosperity. I know it is not an easy task. Today, in the context of globalization, you need to set even higher goals than just to maintain stability and the momentum of development. We must raise the bar above our heads, despite people will keep telling us “you can't bite off more than you can chew.” If you do not have bold ambitions today, it will be difficult to find enough strength to succeed tomorrow,” he said.
The President called on the holders of Nazarbayev University diplomas to demonstrate their working efficiency, proactiveness and mobility.
“The new generation of managers, civil servants, businessmen and community leaders is growing up. I believe that very soon Kazakhstani experts, and, above all, graduates of this University will show the world their creativity, competitiveness and will be in high demand. The history of the world’s best universities is primarily the success stories of their graduates. I am convinced that this University will have a history of great deeds of its graduates,” he added.
The Head of State noted that throughout these days thousands of Kazakh students receive their diplomas all over the country.
“I would like to convey my congratulations to all the graduates of our universities and wish them to take their rightful places in life, as well as luck and happiness. According to the UNICEF estimates, Kazakhstan holds 27th position in the Global Youth Development Index. The indicator is higher than that of France, Sweden and Turkey. Everything that we do today, we do for you and your future. Today, the whole world is open to you. You live in interesting times and grow together with the country, which is moving steadily forward into the future. All this has become possible due to the peace and stability in our society. Therefore, your main goal should be to strengthen the unity and harmony in the country. I wish all of you peace and prosperity,” he said.
The students and faculty members of the university, in turn, thanked Nursultan Nazarbayev for the conditions created in the University, noting they will focus their efforts on further development of the country.
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466 students made history as the first graduating class of the Nazarbayev University. The total number of students since the foundation of the University has grown up to 2,800 people. The applicants, who show the best entrance exam results, are awarded the scholarship that covers all expenses at the University. Each year 500 students are awarded the scholarship.
The majority of students choose to study at School of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as Graduate School of Business and Graduate School of Public Policy. The most popular professions among the students comprise computer science, mechanical engineering, robotics and mechatronics, education management, biological sciences, electrical and electronic engineering, along with construction engineering.
