Students of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aktau actively participated in an interregional environmental forum dedicated to World Environment Day, where they presented youth environmental initiatives and volunteer projects.

During this significant regional event, members of the “EcoLeader” Volunteer Club showcased their environmental protection activities and shared their experience. The forum section titled “Developing the Eco-Volunteer Movement and Supporting Youth Initiatives” focused on the role of young people in fostering environmental awareness, promoting volunteerism, and enhancing public environmental responsibility. The session was moderated by Bakytgul Zhaksylykova, Ecology Coordinator at Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aktau and Head of the EcoLeader Volunteer Club.

In her speech, Bakytgul Zhaksylykova noted that, at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, this year has been declared the Year of Volunteers.

“President Tokayev regards volunteerism as one of the key pillars for building a Just Kazakhstan and fostering a progressive society. Volunteer work should not be a temporary campaign but an important value and an integral part of everyday life,” said Bakytgul Zhaksylykova.

The event, organized by the Mangystau Region Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management and the Department of Ecology for the Mangystau Region, was officially opened by Deputy Akim of the Mangystau Region, Abat Orisbayev. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of developing environmental culture and encouraging public participation in environmental protection.

The session was attended by eco-blogger Gulaiym Kibassova, diver Kanat Abdiev, Daniyar Akimzhanov, Director of the Mangystau Regional Branch of the Qazaq Balyq Association, as well as active members of the EcoLeader Club.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants who had made significant contributions to environmental development were honored with awards. Bakytgul Zhaksylykova received the “Distinguished Environmental Professional of the Republic of Kazakhstan” badge, while Nurai Dzhumabaeva, President of the EcoLeader Volunteer Club, was awarded a bicycle. Other active club members received certificates of appreciation.

The forum provided an important platform for supporting youth environmental initiatives, promoting a culture of volunteerism, and strengthening interregional cooperation in environmental protection.