President of Slovenia Delivers Guest Lecture to Students at Nazarbayev University

On March 31, as part of her official visit to Kazakhstan, the President of Slovenia, Ms. Nataša Pirc Musar, visited Nazarbayev University, where she delivered a lecture on the topic «The Decline of Multilateralism – Myth or Reality?». The event was attended by more than 200 students, faculty, and staff members of the university.

The guest was welcomed by the Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhaslan Madiyev, the Vice Presidents of NU, Kadisha Dairova and Asel Uvalieva, as well as the Vice-Provost, Loretta O'Donnell. Prior to the lecture, Ms. Pirc Musar left a message in the university’s book of distinguished guests.

In her speech, the President of Slovenia addressed crucial global issues, such as peacebuilding policies, water resources, human rights protection, environmental preservation, artificial intelligence, and gender equality. She emphasized that all of these topics require collective efforts on the international stage, highlighting the special importance of gender justice.

«I would like to discuss gender equality and gender equity. The difference between them is this: equality is giving everyone the same pair of shoes, while equity is providing everyone with a pair that fits their foot. Gender equity requires many political steps. Slovenia actively defends women’s rights, particularly their representation in leadership positions. I am the first female president of Slovenia, and in the Slovenian parliament, 36% of the members are women. These numbers are gradually increasing, but there is still much work to be done», Ms. Pirc Musar emphasized.

The President of Slovenia also expressed confidence in the potential for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Slovenia, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and water resource management.

«I believe that Kazakhstan and Slovenia are lands of opportunities. I hope that our business communities will confirm these words», she noted.

After the lecture, a Q&A session was held, during which students had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss important aspects of international politics and social development.

Before her visit to NU, the President of Slovenia held talks with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and also participated in a briefing for media representatives, where President Tokayev stated that the Jožef Stefan Institute of Slovenia is interested in establishing a partnership with NU. In turn, Kazakhstan is ready to expand cooperation with universities and research centers in Slovenia.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sci/press/news/details/967412?lang=kk