On November 13, 2020, the Department of Publishing-editing and design art of the faculty of Journalism of al-Farabi Kazakh National University, has organized an international scientific and practical online conference "Current Issues and Challenges Faced in publishing industry”. It was organized to mark the 70th anniversary of the scientist-bibliographer, publisher, editor, candidate of Philology, associate Professor Konyr Mukatayeva.

The conference was attended by scientists, publishers, editors, printers and designers. The event was opened by the Dean of the faculty of journalism, Professor S.Medeubekuly. Sagatbek Medeubekuly congratulated and presented certificates from the rector of the University and Chairman of the trade Union "Parasat" for the professionalism and active social work to Konyr Mukatayeva. 

Very important reports were presented by director of publishing house “Arys” Garifolla Anes, director of the publishing house “Kazygurt” Temirgali Kopbayev and director of the National Book Chamber of Republic of Kazakhstan Adil Koytanov. Representative of the Eurasian National University named after L. Gumileva, editor-in-chief Turlybek Mameseit, professor Zhetysu State University named after I. Zhansugurov Altyn Bakradenova, editor-in-chief of publishing house “Almatykitap” Almira Suzhikova all mentioned key issues that publishing industry is facing.

Discussions were centred on the following: how does a modern domestic publishing house live? How does the Kazakh bibliography develop? What difficulties are experienced by both publishers themselves and University teachers who train publishing specialists? The issues of book publishing practice were also debated: publishing promotion, advertising, the role and place of printed books, and the scale of e-book distribution.

As part of the conference, Master students from the design Department organized an Exhibition of the social poster "Yesterday and today - the connection of times", dedicated to the hero of the day. 

For her great work, K. M. Mukatayeva was awarded with commendations and certificates of honor of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of higher education. She was awarded honorary titles: "Worker of publishing and printing of the Republic of Kazakhstan", "Best researcher in the field of culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan", for outstanding professional achievements in the field of culture, the "quality Diploma and European gold Medal" was awarded to her. She recieved medals for her fruitful social activities: "For her great contribution to raising the status of the book", "Ivan Fedorov" for her contribution to the development of international book business, ect.

We do believe that the next generations of publishers will be as devoted to their profession, national book studies, as the hero of the day, Konyr Mukatayevna!