Visually-impaired version 
On November 27, 2024, Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted a guest lecture by the European Union’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, H.E. Aleška Simkić. The event drew the attention of students and faculty, focusing on key issues such as freedom of speech, human rights, and EU-Kazakhstan cooperation.
H.E. Ambassador Simkić highlighted the importance of fostering progress based on Kazakhstan’s unique values while meeting international commitments, particularly in media freedom and human rights. She noted the challenges some media outlets face when expressing opinions different from official narratives and stressed the significance of upholding commitments to freedom of speech.
In discussing human rights, the Ambassador praised Kazakhstan’s adoption of domestic violence legislation as a positive step. However, she emphasized the need for careful implementation to ensure that family values do not overshadow protections for victims. She stressed the importance of prioritizing victims’ rights and safety, highlighting that most cases of domestic violence occur within families.
The Ambassador also addressed EU-Kazakhstan relations, emphasizing strong cooperation in trade, connectivity, and transportation, while acknowledging room for further dialogue on human rights.
The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students posed questions about European foreign policy and global geopolitics. Ambassador Simkić’s insights provided a valuable perspective on the importance of fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between the EU and Kazakhstan. As a gesture of appreciation, Maqsut Narikbayev University presented H.E. Aleška Simkić with a beautifully crafted notebook to thank her for her time and invaluable insights.
This event marked another milestone in the university’s commitment to bringing global perspectives to its students and fostering dialogue on pressing international issues.
