UNICEF and Alikhan Bokeikhan University Launch Youth Hub in Semey
A new platform for developing volunteerism, social initiatives, and youth leadership has opened in the Abai region.
SEMEY, 13 March 2026 — UNICEF and Alikhan Bokeikhan University (ABU) have officially launched a Youth Hub in the Abai region, based at the university. The new space will serve as a center for developing volunteerism, social initiatives, and leadership skills among the region’s young people.
The signing of a memorandum of cooperation between UNICEF and Alikhan Bokeikhan University was a key ceremonial highlight. The event brought together Meirlan Rakhanov, UNICEF representatives in Kazakhstan, and Rector Alexander Koichubayev, as well as volunteers and young leaders.
The hub’s opening forms part of efforts to support the International Year of Volunteering, announced at the initiative of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The project aims to strengthen youth policy, expand the volunteer movement, and engage young people in addressing social issues in the Abai region.
Meirlan Rakhanov emphasized the initiative’s importance:
“Volunteering is not just about doing good deeds – it reflects social responsibility and patriotism. The opening of the UNICEF Youth Hub in our region provides young people with unique tools for self-development and learning. We are proud of our active youth and will continue to support initiatives that contribute to the development and well-being of our region.”
Rector Alexander Koichubayev noted:
“We are creating not just a modern space but a true hub for youth engagement. Here, our students and schoolchildren will be able to implement their ideas, develop leadership skills, and make a real contribution to society through volunteering.”
Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan, highlighted:
“This hub will become a center of opportunities for young people in Semey, where projects aimed at improving children’s quality of life will emerge. We are pleased to join efforts with the academic community, represented by ABU, to unlock young people’s potential.”
The event especially emphasized volunteerism, where participants were introduced to the national digital platform ‘UNICEF Zhastary’. This dedicated platform supports volunteer training, coordination, and empowerment. It provides young people with access to online courses and tools to develop their own initiatives focused on child well-being and families.
The hub’s opening in Semey marks another step towards building a sustainable ecosystem for youth engagement in the Abai region.
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About Alikhan Bokeikhan University
Alikhan Bokeikhan University is the largest multidisciplinary higher education institution in the region. The university offers education through state grants and tuition-based programmes in Kazakh and Russian. It provides 32 bachelor’s programmes, 20 master’s programmes, and 6 PhD programmes.
About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
For more information, visit www.unicef.org.
