Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) successfully hosted the Republican Debate Tournament “EKTU CUP–2026,” bringing together university students from across Kazakhstan at one of the country's largest intellectual forums. The tournament featured a rich program, a high level of organization, and meaningful discussions addressing contemporary social and legal issues.
The event was held in the context of the updated Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which upholds the principles of the rule of law, protection of citizens' rights and freedoms, social harmony, and civic responsibility. The tournament was guided by the national concept of "Law and Order" (Zań men Tártip), aimed at strengthening legal awareness and fostering responsible citizenship among young people.
The tournament was organized with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in close cooperation with the Prosecutor's Office and the Department of Economic Investigations. This interagency collaboration not only ensured a high standard of organization but also enriched the event with practical content focused on improving legal literacy and preventing youth-related offenses.
From the opening hours, the EKTU campus became a vibrant hub for intellectual exchange and discussion. Teams from leading universities across Kazakhstan participated, including Alikhan Bokeikhan University, Astana IT University, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Turan University, S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Semey Medical University, and several other higher education institutions.
The opening ceremony set the strategic direction of the tournament. Akerke Abylaikhan, representing the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, addressed participants online, emphasizing the importance of promoting the values of Kazakhstan's updated Constitution through higher education. Representatives of the East Kazakhstan Regional Prosecutor's Office, the Department of Economic Investigations, and the university's Compliance Service also delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting the importance of legal culture, the rule of law, civic responsibility, cybersecurity, and the protection of citizens' rights.
The debate rounds were conducted in the British Parliamentary format, requiring participants to demonstrate strong analytical thinking, persuasive argumentation, and public speaking skills. Discussions focused on topics such as digital surveillance, balancing public security with human rights, and the respective roles of government and society in maintaining law and order.
An important educational component of the tournament included visits to the university's Luban Workshop and research centers, where participants explored advanced engineering technologies, digital solutions, and innovative research projects developed at EKTU.
The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony, during which the Rector of EKTU praised the participants' high level of preparation, noting that debate serves as an effective tool for developing responsible citizenship, a culture of dialogue, and respect for the rule of law.
The ceremony was also attended by G.A. Yelemesova, Head of the Educational Institutions Relations Department of the KAZZINC Corporate University, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the university and industry in supporting youth development and educational initiatives.
Main Division Winners: Faction "Mauletkhan Daniyel" — Nursultan Kadyrgazyev (Alikhan Bokeikhan University), Zhiger Sarsenbayev (S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University).
Finalists: "Vanda" (Alikhan Bokeikhan University), "Aqiqat A" (A. Margulan Pavlodar Pedagogical University), "M0nesy" (Semey Medical University).
Best Speaker: Nursultan Kadyrgazyev (Alikhan Bokeikhan University), Best Adjudicator: Akbota Abilmazhinova.
Youth Division Winners: "Insan" (Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University).
- Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University expresses its sincere appreciation to KAZZINC, its long-standing strategic partner, for its continued support of student initiatives and its contribution to the development of educational and civic engagement projects.
The successful organization of EKTU CUP–2026 demonstrated the effective integration of education, legal culture, and civic engagement. The tournament once again confirmed that intellectual platforms such as debate competitions play a vital role in shaping a new generation of young leaders committed to the principles of justice, the rule of law, and responsible citizenship.
