The International Student Forum titled “The Value of Education in Ensuring a Sustainable Future,” which brought together students from Abai University and Shanghai Normal University, created an opportunity for students from the two universities to jointly discuss current issues in education, conduct research, and establish new academic connections. The three-day international gathering broadened the professional perspectives of future educators and provided a platform for experience exchange between students from the two countries.

   During the forum, students not only discussed current trends in education but also explored each other’s research projects, participated in team-based activities, and engaged in intercultural dialogue. This, in turn, enabled them to exchange ideas freely in an academic environment, propose new approaches, and gain experience working in an international setting.

   One of the key areas of the forum was understanding the role of future educators in a rapidly changing educational environment. Student presentations addressed a wide range of issues, including the development of artificial intelligence, the integration of digital technologies into the learning process, consideration of students’ psychological characteristics, and the principles of sustainable development.

   What is the greatest legacy a teacher can leave to a student? The presentations delivered at the forum offered different perspectives on this question. Below are some of the notable presentations presented during the Student Forum.

   Zhang Runming, a representative of Shanghai Normal University, explored the essence of teaching through the lens of care in his presentation, “What Makes a Teacher Unforgettable? The Spirit of Chinese Educators: Care, Wisdom and Growth.” His presentation highlighted the profound educational significance of seemingly simple actions, such as knowing every student by name, building children’s self-confidence, and paying special attention to students who face difficulties. Shi Wenchao’s presentation, “The Best Gift on My Birthday,” focused on the spiritual impact a teacher can have on a student’s life. He shared how the sincerity, patience, and pedagogical wisdom he received from his teachers later became guiding principles in his own life. In his story, the “best gift” was not a material possession, but the trust, guidance, and spiritual legacy passed from teacher to student.

   Ma Meijing’s presentation, “The Image of a Chinese Educator: From the Perspective of Holistic Development,” also focused on the professional and personal development of future teachers. In her view, in order to educate others, teachers must continue learning, developing themselves, and striving for lifelong growth.

   The research presented by Kazakhstani students also addressed pressing issues in contemporary pedagogy. Adal Saulet, a third-year student at Abai University, raised the issue of preparing future teachers to meet the demands of a changing society. Yerassyl Talgatov, a first-year student of the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology, proposed a mechanism for integrating artificial intelligence tools into the self-directed learning process. Gulzhan Amangeldinova, a second-year student of the Department of Psychology, highlighted the importance of taking children’s psychological characteristics into account in the educational process.

   Another important aspect of the forum for students was the opportunity to gain experience presenting their ideas in an international environment. Joint discussions and team activities enabled young participants to compare different education systems, explore new perspectives, and establish professional connections. During the open discussion titled “Student Life in Different Countries,” organized as part of the forum, participants shared their views on student life, educational opportunities, academic mobility, and international connections among young people.

   From this perspective, the international forum can be regarded not simply as a one-time gathering, but as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, building new connections, and exploring opportunities for further cooperation. Moreover, this joint gathering of students from Abai University and Shanghai Normal University laid a strong foundation for future academic projects, research initiatives, student-led activities, and intercultural cooperation.

   In today’s educational environment, future educators need more than subject-specific knowledge. They also need the ability to work with technology, conduct research, interact in diverse cultural environments, and understand students as individuals. The forum demonstrated the importance of these competencies and provided students with an opportunity to develop them in an international setting.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                «Abai University» Media Center