One of the largest student Model United Nations conferences in Kazakhstan’s educational space, MUNIX 2026 (Model United Nations of Intellectual Exchange), was held at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Almaty–Nauryzbay. Over the course of two days, the school became a hub of international dialogue, bringing together 250 participants from more than 15 cities and regions across the country, DKNews.kz reports.
The conference gathered students from 16 Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, as well as pupils from general secondary schools nationwide. For many participants, MUNIX was not just a debate platform but a real introduction to diplomacy, international relations, and global decision-making.
From terrorism to environmental protection
During the conference, delegates discussed some of the most pressing global challenges, including international terrorism, child hunger, armed conflicts, ocean pollution, and environmental threats. Acting as representatives of different countries, students defended national positions, negotiated resolutions, and proposed their own diplomatic and political solutions.
The Model United Nations format allowed participants to develop key skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to engage in constructive dialogue on complex global issues.
From an idea to an annual tradition
MUNIX 2026 builds on a strong foundation laid the year before. The first conference took place on March 22–23, 2025, when the idea of intellectual exchange between students from different Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools was brought to life through the joint efforts of the LEGACY MUN Club (NIS Almaty–Nauryzbay) and the QYRAN MUN Club (NIS Kyzylorda).
Already in its first year, MUNIX brought together more than 200 participants from 14 cities across Kazakhstan, demonstrating strong interest among students in global affairs and confirming the relevance of the format.
Growing support and expanding partnerships
The success of the inaugural conference attracted the attention of major partners. MUNIX 2025 received sponsorship support from United Nations representatives in Kazakhstan, the founder of Saya Education, and Sai Kidirali, the first Kazakh student to achieve a perfect 9.0 score on the IELTS exam.
In 2026, the conference not only set a new participation record with 250 delegates but also expanded its network of partners. Among them were UN representatives in Kazakhstan, IDP IELTS Kazakhstan, Saya Education, and Theoria Edu, a company specializing in university admissions to Italy.
Who is behind MUNIX
The main organizer of MUNIX 2025 and 2026 was Amantai Akniet, a student of NIS Almaty–Nauryzbay and leader of the LEGACY MUN Club, which is based at the school. Under her leadership, the conference evolved into a professionally organized platform for meaningful and high-level discussions.
MUNIX 2026 featured nine committees working in three languages. Following two days of debates, the title of Best Delegation was awarded to students from NIS Shymkent–Abai, representing the ACE MUN Club, who earned the highest number of individual awards.
Last year’s winners — students from NIS Taldykorgan, members of the AMITY MUN Club — ceremonially passed the MUNIX Cup to the new champions, highlighting the spirit of continuity and community.
A platform for future leaders and diplomats
Today, MUNIX is more than just a school conference. It is a clear indicator of how a new generation of globally minded, confident, and socially responsible young leaders is emerging in Kazakhstan.
The project has become an annual tradition, uniting hundreds of motivated students from schools across the country and giving them a rare opportunity to be heard, engage in reasoned debate, and think beyond national borders.
