Within the framework of the approved activities of the Ministry of Science and Higher
Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Department of International Relations and
International Law organized the Annual 18th Republican Student Subject Olympiad (RSSO) in
the field of “International Relations and Diplomacy” among students of higher educational
institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event took place on April 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University in Shymkent. The theme of the Olympiad
was: “Digital Diplomacy and Artificial Intelligence as New Instruments of Foreign Policy.”
The purpose of the Olympiad was to develop students’ theoretical knowledge and practical skills
in analyzing contemporary transformations of foreign policy in the context of digitalization, to
form a systematic understanding of the role of digital diplomacy and artificial intelligence
technologies in international relations, as well as to stimulate research interest in current
challenges and opportunities related to the application of digital tools in diplomatic practice and
to encourage engagement in academic and practical activities.
The Olympiad was held in both team and individual categories and consisted of four
rounds. Each round had a designated language of participation:
Round 1 – “Introduction Video” (remote format): participants could choose one of the specified
languages. They were required to prepare and record a video presentation (1.5 to 3 minutes)
introducing their team and project. The evaluation criteria included content quality and
originality.
Round 2 – Project presentation in the state language (Kazakh): in-person participation of teams
that passed Round 1. Teams presented and defended a research project on a given topic. The
evaluation criteria included relevance, innovation, uniqueness, and practical applicability.
Round 3 – Case study analysis: teams analyzed a case and presented an oral defense in Russian.
Round 4 – Q&A session in English based on the subjects “Diplomatic and Consular Service”
and “Theory of International Relations.”
In this round, team leaders were required to demonstrate their level of preparation through
the speed and clarity of their responses. Each round had a strict time limit.
A total of 11 teams from 11 higher educational institutions participated in the Olympiad.
The THINK TANK AIU team from Astana International University was represented by the
following students:
1. Maulen Abdulov – “International Relations; MO23B” (3rd year, team captain)
2. Yerkezhan Zhamash – “International Relations; MO24A” (2nd year)
3. Meruert Sagidolla – “International Relations; MO24A” (2nd year)
The team demonstrated strong performance, and Maulen Abdulov was awarded the
nomination “Best Diplomat.”
Team supervisor: Aliya Kairkeldyievna Yessenguzhina, Master of Philological Sciences,
Senior Lecturer at the Higher School of Arts and Humanities.
Following the results of the Olympiad, the winners were awarded special certificates,
commemorative gifts, and a letter of appreciation addressed to the Rector of our University,
Anar Bazarovna Myrzagaliyeva.
We congratulate our students on their достойное participation and wish them continued
success in all their academic and research endeavors!