Bridge of Trust

November 21, 2025

On November 18, 2025, a hybrid youth event entitled "Bridge of Trust: Almaty ↔ Astana" was held at the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty to mark World AIDS Day. The event aimed to unite the youth communities of Almaty and Astana through a dynamic, interactive teleconference, combining in-person and online participation. The discussion focused on friendship, trust, emotional well-being, stigma reduction, and HIV prevention. The discussion was presented in a youth-friendly and culturally appropriate format. Student representatives from Nazarbayev University participated in Astana.

Meirgul Alpysbayeva, National Education Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Almaty Cluster Office, delivered a welcoming speech. In her speech, she noted: "What unites art, courage, or honest conversation? The youth public talk "Bridge of Trust" is a place where we can finally talk without slang: about our bodies, growing up, relationships, HIV, the myths, fears, and stereotypes that prevent us from taking care of ourselves and others."

The event featured a performance of the theatrical production "Essay"—a story about how shame and taboos influence youth health and choices. The public talk featured medical experts, with no lectures, only lively peer-to-peer dialogue. Dermatologist Aliya Kaziyevna Utegenova, a medical expert, represented the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases. The event included interactive activities, a "Wall of Thoughts," and a "Charge of Inspiration for Action."

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