Today, the capital of Kazakhstan hosted the closing
ceremony of the «AIU 2026 – In the Heart of the Capital»
International Summer School. To mark the conclusion of the project, a festive
gala evening was held at the Astana International University. Young people from
all corners of the globe took to the stage in their traditional national
attire, showcasing the rich diversity of their cultures. Participants of the
project – which united several distinct cultures and built bridges between
nations – expressed their absolute delight. Organized for the very first time,
this highly acclaimed initiative is widely expected to return next year.
Since July 5, students from various countries—including China, Germany, Italy, Vietnam, Russia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Cambodia and Nepal—have been staying in our capital to get a closer look at Kazakh national traditions. Over the course of the 10 planned days, they learned the basics of the Kazakh language and enthusiastically engaged in traditional crafts. During this time, the young men and women learned how to make bracelets and embroider national patterns.
The foreign guests were able to deeply experience the
unique charm of nomadic life. They sampled traditional cuisine in an authentic
yurt and were captivated by Kazakh equestrian games. Furthermore, in such a
short span of time, the students successfully mastered the rules of the
national games Asyk Atu, Toguzkumalak, even organizing a mini-tournament.
According to the participants, these traditional games brought them closer
together and strengthened their bonds of friendship. Fully embracing the nomadic
spirit, the foreign guests emphasized that every single day spent at the
International Summer School was unforgettable.
Lorenzo Dalmani, a participant from Italy, expressed
confidence that this project will serve as an enduring bridge between different
countries in the future: «Initiatives like this bring the world's youth together
and channel diverse cultures into a single, shared flow. Since the languages,
geography, and traditions of Italy and Kazakhstan are so vastly different, this
journey has left an extraordinary impression on me. I was deeply touched by the
sense of camaraderie and unity in Kazakh national games. Whichever team game
you look at, they are built on harmony and solidarity rather than fierce
rivalry. Moreover, the fact that all the game equipment is crafted solely from
natural materials is incredibly fascinating. Next time, I would love to explore
other regions of Kazakhstan and connect even deeper with its culture. The
traditions of the nomadic people have truly opened the door to a whole new
world for me.»
The genuine admiration of the foreign guests for our
national values warms the heart and fills us with a sense of pride. It is also
worth noting that the festive evening was attended by representatives of
various diplomatic missions, who came to support their fellow citizens and
shared warm feedback about the project.
As a reminder, this initiative was co-organized by the
Astana International University and the Kazakhstan-China Institute of Economics
and Trade at the University of International Business and Economics, with the
comprehensive support of other foreign partner universities. We sincerely
believe that this noble endeavor, which fosters friendship among nations and
celebrates our traditions on the global stage, has a long and successful future
ahead.