Bridging borders through youth leadership and international law - Togzhan Yessenbayeva

At the crossroads of youth leadership, diplomacy, and international legal development, Togzhan Yessenbayeva stands out as one of Kazakhstan's most influential young professionals. From her role as a key delegate at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) to leading the Kazakh delegation at the First International Youth Summit in Kyrgyzstan, she has emerged as a critical voice for cross-border dialogue and regional cooperation. In this interview, she discusses her experiences in global forums, her leadership on the international stage, and her vision for the future of youth policy and legal reform, Kazinform News Agency reports.

photo: QAZINFORM

You were invited to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in July 2022, a prestigious gathering that attracts global leaders from various sectors. Can you tell us how you were selected for this opportunity, and what it meant for you to participate in such a significant event?

- It was an immense honor to be invited by the Roscongress Foundation to participate in SPIEF. As part of the youth delegation, I had the chance to engage with leaders from across the world, discussing pressing issues such as global economic cooperation and policy challenges. The Roscongress Foundation, which organizes SPIEF, plays a critical role in bringing together over 14,000 participants from 130 countries, providing a unique platform for dialogue and collaboration among global decision-makers, business leaders, and young professionals. This was a tremendous opportunity for me to contribute to discussions on global economic strategies and explore ways in which youth can shape the future of international business and policy.

As a member of the youth delegation, how did you contribute to the dialogue on international economic cooperation at SPIEF? Were there specific areas where you led discussions or engaged in collaborative efforts?

- At SPIEF, I contributed by actively participating in discussions on economic recovery, global policy reforms, and youth engagement. As youth voices are often underrepresented in these high-level forums, I made it a priority to ensure that the perspectives of young professionals were part of the larger conversation. I also had the opportunity to engage with professionals from diverse sectors, which gave me insights into how we can build a more interconnected global economy. For me, the most impactful part of the experience was witnessing the value of multilateralism and how critical it is to have youth perspectives included in global decision-making processes.

Photo given by Togzhan Yessenbayeva

What was it like to be at SPIEF, where leaders like President Tokayev and President Xi Jinping addressed global economic challenges? How did such high-level interactions influence your work, especially in the realm of international law?

- Being in the same space as such influential leaders was both humbling and inspiring. Their speeches emphasized the importance of collaborative frameworks in overcoming international challenges. For me, it reinforced the need for inclusive legal reforms that can support cross-border cooperation. Engaging with these leaders helped me better understand the role of law in global governance and how it can bridge gaps between nations, especially in areas like youth policy and international business regulation.

Just a month later, you led Kazakhstans delegation at the First International Youth Summit in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. As head of delegation, what were your main goals and responsibilities at the summit?

- As head of the Kazakh delegation, my primary responsibility was to represent Kazakhstan’s approach to youth policy and to promote regional cooperation among participating nations. The summit brought together over 200 youth leaders from Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and other countries, making it an important platform for building cross-cultural partnerships. My main goal was to ensure that Kazakhstan’s youth programs, particularly in areas like education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, were effectively showcased and understood by the other delegates. I was also involved in the negotiations for a memorandum of cooperation, which sought to formalize youth collaborations across the region.

Photo given by Togzhan Yessenbayeva

You gave a presentation on Kazakhstans youth policy and legislative framework. Can you share some of the key points you highlighted during your presentation and what made your insights stand out among such a diverse group of delegates?

- My presentation focused on how Kazakhstan has evolved its youth policies to support education, employment, and civic engagement. I discussed how these policies have led to tangible improvements in youth employment rates, entrepreneurial opportunities, and access to education, which are critical factors for youth empowerment. I also emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to international cooperation in addressing regional youth challenges. I believe what set my presentation apart was my ability to blend data-driven insights with personal experience — as a Bolashak Presidential Scholar, I was able to share firsthand how these policies impacted my own journey, making the message more relatable and powerful.

The signing of the memorandum of cooperation among the summit participants was a significant achievement. What role did you play in this process, and what impact do you think this agreement will have on regional youth cooperation?

- I played an active role in both the negotiation and signing of the memorandum on behalf of Kazakhstan. This memorandum formalizes our commitment to joint educational programs, cross-border youth initiatives, and policy reforms that focus on improving the lives of young people in the region. The impact of this memorandum will be significant because it creates a framework for ongoing cooperation among youth leaders from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond. It’s not just symbolic — it lays the groundwork for real projects that can drive social change, economic growth, and regional stability.

Photo given by Togzhan Yessenbayeva

How has your background in international law shaped your approach to youth diplomacy and international cooperation?

- My legal background has given me the ability to analyze issues through a structured lens and to engage in high-level negotiations with a clear understanding of both domestic and international laws. Law provides a strong foundation for problem-solving and creating solutions that can work across cultures. When working with delegates from countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Russia, my ability to bridge cultural differences through legal frameworks was critical. Law also helps me approach diplomatic discussions with a neutral perspective, focusing on common ground, which is key in multilateral settings.

Looking ahead, what are your future plans, and how do you see your role in the international legal system evolving?

- Looking ahead, my primary goal is to continue contributing to regional legal reforms and cross-border collaborations, especially in areas like youth policy, human rights, and economic development. I firmly believe that youth diplomacy plays a pivotal role in shaping global governance. It’s about using our legal expertise and global perspectives to address complex issues such as human rights protection, sustainable development, and international trade regulations. My future plans include further strengthening the international legal frameworks that govern youth empowerment and ensuring that young professionals are included in the global policymaking process.

To other young professionals, my advice would be to start by building expertise and engaging with others across sectors and borders. The future of diplomacy lies in cross-cultural communication — understanding the differences and finding common ground. Legal cooperation can play a significant role in tackling the challenges we face today, especially when countries work together to create mutually beneficial policies. The opportunities are limitless, and together, we can drive positive, long-lasting change.