“United Nation Wins!” Contest: A Celebration of Youth Honoring the Spirit of the Great Victory

The award ceremony began with the solemn entrance of the State Flag.

On May 8, 2025, the awarding of winners of the 5th International Video Materials Contest, titled “United Nation Wins!” took place at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.

The event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the 15th anniversary of the university's Faculty of Journalism.

This year’s contest was held under the theme “A Generation that Glorifies the Great Victory with a Strong Spirit!” and attracted over 100 creative submissions from students, master’s and doctoral candidates from universities in Kazakhstan, the USA, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Russia, and Central Asian countries.

Initiated in 2020 by Professor Ulbosyn Yesenbekova—a professional TV journalist and laureate of the “Daryn” State Prize—the contest aims to instill respect for history, foster patriotism among youth, and contribute to the development of national media in the digital environment.

The award ceremony was held for the fifth time in the university’s Academic Council Hall. It was opened by University Vice-Rector Beisenbay Ardak Bakytuly, who delivered the first congratulatory address.

Members of the Parliament of Kazakhstan—Kazbek Zhyrylkasynuly Isa, a recipient of the “Parasat” and “Kurmet” Orders, and Zhanarbek Sadikanuly Ashimzhanov, an honorary Cultural Worker of Kazakhstan, Presidential Award winner, and member of the Writers' Union—spoke at the ceremony, along with prominent public figures and media representatives.

Kazbek Isa highlighted the educational and spiritual significance of the contest:

“This contest is not just a creative competition—it reflects the spiritual growth and love for the country of the younger generation. Its theme speaks to young hearts, and its content is a vital step in reviving national ideology.”

Zhanarbek Ashimzhanov stressed the conceptual depth of the contest, noting:

“The title ‘United Nation Wins!’ is more than poetic—it is a powerful slogan that inspires confidence in the nation’s future. The theme, 'A generation that glorifies the Great Victory with a strong spirit,' reinforces historical memory and nurtures national consciousness.”

MPs wished the future journalists creative success and stressed the importance of such projects for the country’s information future.

The second-place winners were awarded by Nurzhan Kuantayuly Kuantaev, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Social Sciences, who praised the participants’ creativity and highlighted the contest’s significance for both the university and national journalism.

The third-place winners received their diplomas and prizes from Professor Kairat Omirbayuly Sak, Director of the Journalism Research Institute, who stated:

“Through the video content glorifying the spirit of Victory, we saw the intellectual potential and worldview of future journalists. We thank the students and their supervisors for their efforts.”

The Grand Prix went to Fariza Baurzhankyzy Baurzhan (ENU).

First place – Akbilge Kutym (Nazarbayev University);

Second place – Ayazhan Akylbekova (M.H. Dulaty Taraz University), and Nuray Sagatova, Tomiris Abdykadyrov, and Kydyrali Kozhabay (IITU);

Third place – among them were Sabina Bolatova (H. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University), Kasymzhomart Eginbayev, and Karakat Amanzhol (M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University), along with other talented youth.

Special nominations such as “Best Idea”, “Best Directing”, “Best Cinematography,” and “Best Editing” were also awarded. Honors named after Kultegin, Sagat Ashimzhanov, Sherkhan Murtaza, Lyaziza Aymasheva, and Akseleu Seidimbek were presented by well-known professors, TV journalists, editors, and cultural figures.

Among those who participated in the award ceremony were Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Egemen Kazakhstan newspaper Kuat Auesbay, Managing Director of Turkistan TV Zhanna Aldabergenova, Professors Serik Takhan and Saule Tapanova, as well as Associate Deans Gulmira Ashirbekova and Gulzhaukhar Bolatova and department heads Amangeldi Shurentayev and Dana Baigozhina and PhDs Muratbek Toktagazin and Galiya Akseit.

Prominent media manager, TV journalist, and PhD holder Iskak Duisenbayuly Egemberdiyev joined the ceremony online from the USA.

The founder, leader, and inspirational figure behind the “United Nation Wins!” International Video Contest is Professor Ulbosyn Meirbekkyzy Yesenbekova.

She proposed the idea during the pandemic in 2020 and has since shown unparalleled dedication and creative energy in implementing it. With the support of university leadership, she laid the foundation for a platform that is now crucial for the future of national media.

In her address, Professor Yesenbekova highlighted the contest's key goal:

“Our main goal is to present Kazakh media to the world in the era of artificial intelligence and digital upheaval. We aim to create a platform that nurtures smart, eloquent Kazakh journalists who can thrive in the technological environment.”

Each year, the contest grows in relevance and scale. The fifth season is a testament to this progress. The connection between youth and historical memory and the presentation of national spirit in modern formats were evident in every student’s work.

She described the contest as a convergence point of national spirit and global thinking:

“Today’s winners are not just prize recipients—they represent a generation that believes in peace, unity, and spiritual integrity. They are the future leaders of media.”

Professor Yesenbekova also wished students new ideas and inspiration, expressing confidence in the next season of the contest. Under her leadership, the contest has become not just a competition but a spiritual bridge connecting national consciousness with a creative future.

During the ceremony, the youth’s spirit, professionalism, and civic responsibility were highly praised. The winners expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying the contest greatly motivated them.

First-place winner Akbilge Kutym from Nazarbayev University said:

“This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to the professors and loved ones who supported me. Participating in a contest dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory is an honour and a serious responsibility.”

The “United Nation Wins!” international contest is becoming a large-scale global platform year by year. Through the voices and creativity of youth, peace, historical memory, and national spirit were powerfully celebrated.

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt video titled I Am Kazakh, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

New names and new ideas will surely emerge in the contest’s next chapter.

The future of a united nation lies in the hands of spirited, responsible, and innovative youth!