Kazakhstan President Names Talented Youth 'Heroes of Our Time'

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has lauded the nation's talented youth as the "heroes of our time," emphasizing their crucial role in driving innovation and national development. Addressing young laureates and compatriots, Tokayev declared 2024 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, positioning the youth at the forefront of these transformative processes. He stressed that in a rapidly changing world, knowledge, self-belief, and hard work are constants that lead to success, but only nations focusing on human potential and technological advancement will lead the future.

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The world is changing so rapidly that no one can say for certain what it will look like even in the most immediate, foreseeable future. But some things remain constant: knowledge, self-belief, and hard work lead to success in any era.

Tokayev urged the youth to be patriotic, erudite, and hardworking, expressing his belief in their potential and support for volunteers. He highlighted education, science, innovation, and advanced technologies as essential tools for progress in an era of global competition. The President also extended profound gratitude to the teaching community for their dedication in nurturing and uncovering the talents of the younger generation. He specifically recognized the selfless work of educators and mentors, stating that their efforts deserve deep respect and would not go unnoticed by the state, issuing a directive to the government and regional governors to honor them.

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Only one thing can be said with confidence about the coming reality: the countries that lead will be those that have focused on developing human potential and implementing new technologies in the economy and all spheres of society.

Following the speech, President Tokayev upheld tradition by presenting certificates for cash prizes to medalists of international Olympiads. Gold, silver, and bronze medalists received prizes equivalent to 1,500, 1,000, and 500 monthly calculation indices, respectively. Furthermore, teachers and mentors of the winners were honored with high state awards, including the Order of "Kurmet" presented to Meyramgul Kenzhekhanova and Irina Nesterenko for their outstanding achievements and service to Kazakhstan. The event underscored the state's commitment to fostering and recognizing intellectual talent as a cornerstone of the country's accelerated development.

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I consider you to be the true 'heroes of our time.'