An NU student has been named a “Volunteer of the Year”

NU SSH third-year student Dilyara Begalykyzy has been named a “Volunteer of the Year” in the category “Leaders of the Sustainable Development Goals,” awarded in honor of the 50th anniversary of the UN Volunteer Program.

“Volunteer of the Year” is an international award which aims to encourage individuals and groups of volunteers who have contributed to resolving social and public issues. The award was established on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The contest consisted of two stages: an open online vote on the Internet platform qazvolunteer.kz, then an evaluation of the participants who had received the most votes by the contest committee. Applicants from all over the world were able to take part in this competition. 

Dilyara is a third-year undergraduate student in political science and international relations and the president of the Model UN Club, in which they conduct different discussions and events. At the moment Dilyara is working on the UN campaign “16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”.

“As for me, being a Volunteer of the Year means being an altruist and thinking about the society in which we live. My main focus is the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I am working to achieve the 17 goals that the UN has set for solving the global problems of humanity,” says Dilyara.

2021 was a fruitful year for Dilyara. She was awarded the title of “Honorary citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, as well as the title of “Activist of Society – the Best Leader.” 

“All these awards show appreciation for my activities, so next year I’m planning to continue my volunteer work in this area and launch new projects involving more young people. I have found my true purpose as a volunteer!” explained Dilyara.