Guest Lecture by the UN Representative in Central Asia

A guest lecture by Mahir Safarli, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Central Asia, was held at Kazakh-American University. The event was held with the support of the Astana Diplomatic Club.

Mahir Safarli oversees UNHCR operations across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and has more than 23 years of experience in international humanitarian work.

During the lecture, the speaker addressed current issues related to refugees, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the concepts of “refugee” and “migrant.” Special attention was given to international approaches to protecting the rights of forcibly displaced persons, as well as the role of international organizations in responding to humanitarian challenges.

A separate part of the lecture focused on recommendations for future professionals planning careers in international relations and humanitarian fields. Opportunities for internships and professional development within UN structures were also discussed.

In an open dialogue format, students had the opportunity to ask questions, including those related to current international developments and regional issues.

The lecture generated significant interest among participants and served as an important platform for professional exchange, knowledge expansion, and a deeper understanding of global humanitarian processes.