A Meeting on “The Tradition of Debates: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” Was Held

The event brought together the university’s administration, faculty members, members of the “SENATOR” debate club, students, and special guests — Abylai Kurmetuly, head of the Atyrau regional branch of the youth wing “Jastar Rýhy,” along with the university’s first alumni-debaters: Nurasyl Zharbasov, Kenzhetai Taishykov, Almas Nurgaliyev, Karlygash Talasbayeva, and Arman Azamatov.|
Debating is an intellectual game, a form of discussion held according to specific rules. It fosters logical and critical thinking, communication culture, public speaking skills, and contributes to the development of independent decision-making and the formation of future leaders.
“This meaningful meeting with our outstanding alumni, who laid the foundation for the debating tradition within our university, will undoubtedly have a positive impact on all participants, especially the younger generation. It is worth mentioning that our university students have been selected to participate in the television recordings of the unique intellectual debate program “Azamat”, offered by the “Khabar” TV channel. I consider this a major achievement,” said University Rector Salamat Idrissov in his opening remarks.
The rector also awarded a scholarship for the 2024–2025 academic year to outstanding debate student Bakdaulet Onertayev and presented a cash prize to Aruzhan Renatkyzy.
“I graduated from this institution in 2003. Thanks to the strong support of the university’s leadership at the time and our mentor, Saniya Kozhantaikyzy, we were able to achieve great success. I still remember when we took second place at the national debate competition held in Almaty in 2001. Debating is an environment that nurtures positive emotions and outstanding abilities. I want to express my endless gratitude and love for Atyrau University, which gave me such opportunities,” shared former debater and now entrepreneur Nurasyl Zharbasov, who also presented a gift on his behalf to the top student debaters.
At the end of the meeting, participants asked questions to the senior debaters, and an open discussion followed.