December 9, 2025 – Astana. Saken Kalkamanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects (IGTIC), participated in an open dialogue session with fourth-year students of the Faculty of Journalism and Political Science at the Eurasian National University, Department of Television, Radio and Public Relations. The meeting offered future media and communications specialists the opportunity to engage directly with leaders of national companies and practicing industry experts.
The session also featured remarks from Ayna Zadabek, Chair of the Management Board of Qazcontent JSC, and Assel Gabbasova, PR Manager of the GCIP Kazakhstan program. The speakers discussed the role of PR professionals in the industry, the realities of today’s media landscape, strategic communications in the public and quasi-public sectors, as well as the practical challenges and opportunities within the profession.
During the meeting, Saken Kalkamanov announced that the Regional Environmental Summit scheduled for April 2026 would serve as a key platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing environmental initiatives, and engaging youth in sustainability projects. He emphasized the critical role of the media in advancing Kazakhstan’s green agenda, noting that participation of young journalists in such events provides valuable professional development opportunities.
A notable outcome of the meeting was an agreement that the core team of the Press Center for the 2026 Regional Environmental Summit will be formed from the most highly trained PR graduates of the Eurasian National University. This initiative will allow young specialists to contribute to a major international event and gain hands-on experience in a real communication environment.
Students involved will have the opportunity to develop skills in working with international media, preparing effective press releases, organizing high-level events, and operating within fast-paced communication settings.
Saken Kalkamanov, Chairman of IGTIC and a member of the PR Club, underscored the importance of integrating theory and practice in the training of future communications professionals. He supported the initiative to introduce regular guest lectures for ENU students, highlighting that a strong practical communication foundation is essential for developing highly qualified industry experts.
Students actively asked questions about career prospects and the skills most in demand in today’s PR industry, and many expressed a desire to undertake internships in government and quasi-government organizations. The speakers welcomed this interest and stressed the importance of involving young professionals in the communications field. The meeting concluded with an informal discussion on trends in journalism, PR, and environmental communication in Kazakhstan.
