Former Prime Minister of the UK delivered a lecture at Nazarbayev University

In May 24 in the Senate Hall of Nazarbayev University former prime minister of Great Britain Tony Blair delivered a lecture titled “Challenges and opportunities in the global world” for the university students, faculty and staff. In his speech Mr. Blair said that Kazakhstan should be proud of celebrating the 20th anniversary of its independence under the leadership of President Nazarbayev. At the same time he thinks that Kazakhstan is now at a new stage in its development – economic, social and political.

Tony Blair said Kazakhstan had much to be proud of and also said:
“The status quo is not an option. There has to be the development of proper systems of democratic participation, with competitive political parties; a responsible but free press; adherence to its hard won reputation for religious tolerance; judicial and other reforms to enhance the rule of law; and an attack not just on corruption but on the systems in areas like public procurement that sustain it.”.

Within a half an hour, university faculty, staff and students asked their questions to the guest. Tony Blair said he sawthe students as future leaders and the elite of the country, and wished them successful in their studies. He talked about the importance of continuous learning i and striving for new knowledge.

In the Honorable Guest Book the British politician wrote: “I am delighted to come to this new and exciting place of learning. The future is in the education of young people for an open mind. Nazarbayev University can show how this is done in Kazakhstan”.

Department of Communication and Marketing of Nazarbayev University:
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