Astana Hosts Closing Ceremony of International Summer School

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 over ten countries, including China, Germany, Italy, Vietnam, Russia, and Uzbekistan, have been guests in our capital, immersing themselves in Kazakh national traditions. Throughout the ten-day program, the students learned the basics of the Kazakh language and eagerly engaged in traditional crafts. During this time, the young participants learned how to forge metal 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.