UN Special Representative Visits MNU

Maqsut Narikbayev University welcomed Najat Maalla M’jid, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, who delivered a guest lecture at the university.

During the lecture, the Special Representative highlighted the importance of addressing all forms of violence against children within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She emphasised the significance of the Sustainable Development Goal aimed at ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against children. The event was also attended by Ombudspersons for Children from Central Asian countries.

“Protecting children from all forms of violence is not only a matter addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals. It is a cross-cutting issue that affects all the Goals, as poverty, discrimination, health and living conditions are interconnected and can increase children’s vulnerability to violence,” Najat Maalla M’jid emphasised.

The lecture was followed by a Q&A session, during which students discussed international approaches to addressing social challenges and current issues related to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Najat Maalla M’jid answered students’ questions and shared her professional experience. Participants also had the opportunity to explore MNU’s modern campus facilities.

It is worth noting that the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative arrived in Astana on a working visit. Earlier, she participated in the Second International Forum of Ombudspersons for Children of Central Asian Countries, met with the Vice President and heads of several ministries, and visited a number of educational institutions.