Nazarbayev University hosts event celebrating African history and culture

On the 24th June, Nazarbayev University hosted a celebratory event in the Kazakh capital, paying tribute to Africa’s history and rich culture.

The event was organised by the Embassies of Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, and the Chargé de Affairs of Libya in Kazakhstan. Visitors of the event were able to learn about these countries’ rich history, culture, and cuisine.

Africa Day is observed each year to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963, later transformed into the African Union. The Ambassador of Egypt, Ambassador of Morocco, and the Provost of NU opened the event. In his greeting speech, Professor Ilesanmi Adesida, Provost of Nazarbayev University, gave some historical background:

“In 1963, great gentlemen and intellectuals came to Addis Ababa to form the Organization of African Unity. Their names are Gamal Abdel Nasser, Haile Selassie, and Kwame Nkrumah. What they built in terms of the principles is still very germane today. And it also flows into the theme of today – strengthening resilience in nutrition and food security on the African continent.”

The African Union’s theme for 2022 is strengthening resilience in nutrition and food security within the African continent. The union aims to improve agricultural and food systems, attract investment in nutrition, and accelerate social and economic development through strengthening health and social protection systems.

As an international research university in Eurasia, Nazarbayev University welcomes those from all around the world and prides itself on the diversity of its faculty and students. Today the University has about 150 international students from 30 countries, including many throughout Africa.