The graduands, adorned in the University of Central Asia (UCA)’s signature blue regalia, took part in formal processions on campus, before gathering with proud parents, faculty, supporters, and well-wishers — in-person and via live stream — to mark this long-awaited and momentous occasion.

Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of UCA's Board of Trustees, delivered a warm welcome address, and expressed deep appreciation to the Patrons of the University — the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan — for their ongoing support of the University. He also outlined his high hopes for UCA students and alumni in the years to come.

“They will be entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, policymakers and leaders in fields that are yet to emerge.” he said. “Undoubtedly, their achievements will make all of us even more proud than we are today.”

Princess Zahra also attended the ceremony in Naryn and addressed the audience. She extended her thanks to faculty and staff, parents and family members, donors, partners, and volunteers. She further acknowledged the students’ achievements during a rigorous few years. 

“In your time at UCA, you forged friendships that will last a lifetime,” she said to graduands. “You acquired a new sense of who you are and what you are capable of. You tried and failed, tried again and succeeded, and felt the wind of confidence fill your sails and propel you toward new tests and trials.”

Princess Zahra, who serves as a member of UCA's Board of Trustees, also reflected on the overall progress of the University, and encouraged graduates to look ahead to the future.

“Decades from now, when this University has grown immensely in scope and impact, you will be able to say: ‘I was there at the beginning. I helped to lay the foundations for the success of my alma mater. And with the education I received, I achieved things I would not have thought possible.’”

A keynote address was delivered by Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ms Zaidi, a graduate of the Aga Khan University (AKU), shared lessons from her life and career, which have focused on combating infectious diseases affecting children and advocating for a more gender-equal world. 

She urged the Class of 2023 to serve Central Asia as they embark on their professional journeys and make pivotal life choices. She emphasised the importance of giving back to their communities and becoming catalysts for positive change, inspired by what they have learned at UCA.

“This university, your university, is a truly special place.” she said. “Not just for its brilliant beauty, inspiring professors, and the lifelong friendships you have forged here. It’s a place where women and men are equal.”

“I urge you to take this ethos with you as you venture out into the world,” she added. “Champion the men and the women in your lives. Show us what kind of challenges can be conquered when women and men are equally empowered to realise their full potential.”

Other esteemed guests at the convocation event included Dr Hudoydodzoda Farrukh, Head of the Department of International Relations at Tajikistan’s Ministry of Education and Science; and Kanybek Imanaliev, Minister of Education and Science for the Kyrgyz Republic; both of whom shared inspiring remarks and commended graduands on their accomplishments.

Representing the Class of 2023, valedictorian Wajahat Khan, who hails from a remote part of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to parents for their unwavering care and sacrifices, which enabled the graduates to fulfil their potential. 

He urged his fellow graduands to embrace a similar attitude of care and responsibility towards society: “We should be an example of the change we want to see in the world,” he emphasised. “We should be advocates and ambassadors of peace and knowledge as we embark on new paths and adventures.”

“Our journey does not end here,” he added. “Together, let us embrace the challenges that lie ahead, and strive for success — not just for ourselves but also for the advancement of society as a whole. 

During her address, Princess Zahra also shared a message from the University's founder and chancellor, Mawlana Hazar Imam. His message underlined the challenges that Central Asia and the wider world faces today, including new forms of artificial intelligence, climate change, and globalisation. UCA has helped to prepare graduates to tackle these challenges, he said.

“In my eyes, you embody promise,” Hazar Imam’s message read. “The promise of a new generation, alive to new ways of collaborating, communicating, and thinking; and the promise of a new university, alert to emerging problems and eager to identify new opportunities to serve its countries. Born as the University of Central Asia was first taking shape, you are as young as the University itself. Equally bright futures lie ahead of you and your alma mater.” 

“My wish,” Hazar Imam’s message concluded, “is that you will both continue to draw strength and inspiration from one another for many, many decades to come.