Meruyert Togaibekova

Activist, Concerned citizen, Event planner, Idea generator, Marketer, Project manager, Student, Writer/Editor

Meruyert is an economics student and TEDx organizer living in Astana, Kazakhstan. Meruyert's dedication to spreading novel concepts and increasing consciousness of worldwide concerns has played a pivotal role in introducing TEDx gatherings to Nazarbayev University. As the main organizer and licensee for both TEDxNazarbayevUniversity and TEDxNazarbayevUniversityWomen, she has inspired audiences with talks on a variety of topics, from technology and innovation to social justice and environmental sustainability. Motivated by a number of TED talks, Meruyert has become an active member of the TED community, seeking out new ways to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations. Some of Meruyert's favorite TED talks include "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown, "The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and "Why We Shouldn't Trust Markets with Our Civic Life" by Michael Sandel. These talks have helped shape her perspective on the world and encouraged her to pursue her passion for sharing ideas and knowledge. Meruyert holds a degree in economics from Nazarbayev University, and she plans to continue her studies in the field. She is also interested in exploring new areas of research and development, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and emerging technologies. In addition to her work with TEDx, Meruyert is an active member of several student clubs at Nazarbayev University, including the Business Club, Chess Club, and Marketing Club, where she primarily serves as an event organizer. Her dedication to creating engaging and meaningful events has made her a valuable asset to these organizations and has helped her develop her skills in leadership and teamwork. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Meruyert enjoys playing chess, reading books, and exploring the city's museums. These hobbies allow her to unwind and expand her knowledge in various fields, including history, art, and strategy. With her diverse interests and passions, Meruyert is well-equipped to create positive change and inspire others to do the same. Whether Meruyert organizes TEDx events, works on her studies, or pursues her other passions, Meruyert is always looking for new ways to make a positive impact in the world and inspire others to do the same.

I'm extremely passionate about many things in life, but some of my greatest passions include reading books, learning new languages, playing chess and togyzkumalak (which is the Kazakh national game), and watching TED videos. Books have always been a source of inspiration and knowledge for me. I love to explore new ideas, discover different perspectives and immerse myself in different cultures through reading. I find reading to be a great way to expand my horizons and challenge my thinking. Learning new languages is another passion of mine. I believe that language is the key to understanding different cultures and their unique perspectives. As someone who enjoys traveling and exploring different parts of the world, learning new languages has been an invaluable skill that has allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Chess and togyzkumalak are two games that I am passionate about. Both games require strategy, critical thinking, and creativity. Playing these games not only helps me to develop my problem-solving skills but also allows me to engage in friendly competition with others. I also enjoy watching TED videos on various topics. These videos provide me with a window into different fields, perspectives, and ideas. I find that watching TED videos helps me to broaden my understanding of the world and encourages me to think more creatively.

Event planning and management, Leadership and team management, Project management, Public speaking, Strategic planning and visioning

My TED story began in high school back in 2016. It was in my English class where my teacher introduced us to TED Talks as a way to improve our listening skills. From then on, I became hooked on TED videos, finding inspiration in the talks and using them to improve my English proficiency. When I entered university, I had a strong desire to participate in a local TEDx event. Unfortunately, the club responsible for organizing such events had been closed down, and there was no opportunity for me to get involved. But instead of waiting for someone else to take action, I decided to take matters into my own hands and revive our local TEDx club. It was no easy feat, but with determination and hard work, I succeeded in organizing the first TEDx event at our university after a five-year hiatus. The experience was transformative, and it sparked a fire in me to do more. I realized that I had a passion for spreading ideas, and I wanted to do it on a larger scale.