Speaking to the ceremony participants, the Head of State notes that the current year more than 140 thousand students across the country will graduate from universities and become holders of well-deserved diplomas.
- We are going to wish a good journey today to the pupils of the best educational institution in Kazakhstan. On the day of the fourth commencement of Nazarbayev University, sincerely I would like to congratulate you and all the graduates of the country! - said the President of Kazakhstan.
Nursultan Nazarbayev made specific mention of importance and role of research universities in forming knowledge-based economy and innovation-driven development, and underscored that within a short period of time the University became a symbol of renewal, the key to the growth of the country's scientific, research, innovation and personnel potential.
- Scientists of Nazarbayev University have given to the world more than 1,700 publications in top-rated international media. 36 patents have been obtained. More than 40 grants have been allocated for scientific research by corporate sponsors. The University has become the basis for the successful formation of an innovative cluster. 21 projects have gained support as part of commercializing the results of scientific and technical activities, the President of Kazakhstan said.
The Head of State noted that the University’s further successful development will contribute to the growth of the country's human capital and will allow formation of a full-fledged educational hub in Kazakhstan throughout Central Asia.
To achieve the goals, Nursultan Nazarbayev instructed to intensify the University’s activities by concentrating advanced intellectual and scientific resources in this university, orienting the training programs on an innovative culture of production and entrepreneurship, and developing a distance education platform.
- The University is set to become an attraction centre for "clear intellects" not only of our country, but also of near and far abroad, a real platform for joint implementation of youth projects, as well as an educational Internet platform similar to the online courses of Harvard, Coursera, Khan Academy, the President of Kazakhstan said.
Touching upon the issue of five megatrends of global changes announced at Astana Economic Forum, Nursultan Nazarbayev has drawn particular attention to the role of the younger generation in carrying out large-scale national economic, political and spiritual modernization.
- You are the personification of renewed Kazakhstan, the generation of a new breed, who will materialize that. Your energy, initiative, mind and creativity are the key to the successful development of our Motherland. You have to go your own unique way of life. I am proud of each of you!, the President of Kazakhstan concluded.
During the presentation of diplomas with honours, the Head of State congratulated the faculty and graduates of Nazarbayev University and wished them fruitful implementation of the ideas.
