NURLAN MUNBAEV: I WISH YOU THE COURAGE TO
BE YOURSELF, THE PATIENCE TO FIND
YOUR OWN VOICE…

OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and your creative work. What is your creative, life credo and motivation for your creativity?

Nurlan Munbaev: Expert on the Caspian and Aral Seas, international accreditation expert of the Institute of the Republican Association of Private Education of Kazakhstan, coordinator of UNESCO Clubs in Binom schools of Kazakhstan, coordinator of the American Mathematics Olympiad (University: UCLA-USA) in Astana, and brand ambassador of the business club “Altyn Orda” in Astana.

OCA: How did you choose your path and who is your role model in the creative field or in life?

NM: Since my school days, I have been fascinated by mathematics from the perspective of its practical application in everyday life. I believe in mathematical theory that serves society – a living mathematics. My role model was the great John Nash, Nobel Laureate in Economics and Fields Medal recipient, who saw the world in a nontrivial way through the microscope of socio-economic life.

OCA: What is your main achievement(s) or positive impact on the world in 2024–2025?

NM: One of my most significant achievements was the application of mathematical models that accurately predicted flooding in eight cities across Kazakhstan. This discovery was later utilized in 2013 in the United States during the El Niño-related floods in the Eastern states. I received a letter of appreciation from the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, for the contribution my model made in saving tens of millions of lives in the region. The foundation of this work dates back to 1993, when I developed an economic-ecological mathematical tool commissioned by the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan. Under the leadership of Academician Schmidt Musaevich Aytaliev, Chairman of the Western Branch of the Academy, this tool enabled forecasts of the tenge and flood risks in the Atyrau and Mangystau regions.

OCA: What is the main feature that makes you and your art/work unique?

NM: To see the world in an unconventional way – beyond what most people perceive – is our true calling. We came into this world to make discoveries and drive innovation. Without this pursuit, humanity has no bright future.

OCA: Please tell us about the events or projects of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and projects you have already participated in and how does ECG influence your creativity and success in your work?
NM: As a Guardian of the Guild, it is my mission to scale the idea of the Eurasian Creative Guild in Kazakhstan – searching for geniuses, fostering collaboration and communication within a global cultural space. It is about discovering new stars and connecting East and West through a symbolic Greenwich, where the Eurasian Creative Guild in London serves as that Greenwich point.

OCA: How do you think the creative professions have changed and how has the role of art in the development of the world changed in the face of modern realities?

NM: Creative professions have been transformed by digitalization, globalization, and ecological awareness. Art has transcended traditional forms, embracing virtual reality, interactive media, and multicultural contexts. It has become not only a means of self-expression but also a tool for social change, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. Today, the artist is not merely a creator, but a mediator between technology, society, and the values of the future.
OCA: What would you wish for the members of the Guild and other creative people who are just starting their careers?

NM: I wish you the courage to be yourself, the patience to find your own voice, and the belief in the power of art to change the world. May every step – even the uncertain ones – lead to growth, and may every mistake become a lesson. Surround yourself with inspiration, don’t be afraid to experiment, and stay sincere in your creativity. The world needs your perspective, your energy, and your stories. Create with heart – and the path will reveal itself.