Future Leadership of Kazakhstan to Propel Nation onto Global Stage, Affirms President Tokayev
Kazakhstan's Ambitious Youth Agenda
ASTANA - Standing at a crossroads in its storied history, Kazakhstan aspires to shake things up and blaze a trail into the future, according to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Addressing the Zhana Adamdar (New People) youth forum on February 8, Tokayev voiced his determination before a throng of eager young activists hailing from 19 cities across the nation.
"It's high time we transformed Kazakhstan into a cutting-edge state, not just absorbing knowledge but exporting it," Tokayev stated. Engaging the youth, he believes, is the key to unleashing the nation's full potential.
In the heart of the Zhana Adamdar movement sits Asel Badenova, its fearless leader. Addressing Tokayev, Badenova highlighted achievements that include a network of 15,000 young crusaders, tackling social evils such as vandalism, illegal dumping, underage drinking, and drug trafficking. The group's unrelenting commitment to their cause is a beacon of hope in the fight for a better Kazakhstan.
Tokenizing the group's selfless deeds, Tokayev commended the youth for their innovative spirit and future-shaping potential.
"Listening to the passionate speeches and witnessing the sheer energy at this forum stirs up immense pride and confidence in Kazakhstan's future," Tokayev declared.
Crowning the forum, Tokayev introduced Zhana Adamdar as the foundation of a new Kazakhstan, embracing responsible citizens dedicated to crafting a Just Kazakhstan through transformative initiatives such as the Taza Kazakhstan campaign. Highlighting the significance of patriotism, solidifying the rule of law, and nurturing a green consciousness, Tokayev pinned Kazakhstan's stride into the future on its devotion to the youth.
Echoing his resolve, Tokayev emphasized that the nation will support children's development from the cradle, ensuring financial aid for education and housing, investing in programs like Keleshek (Future), which supports parents saving for their children's education from the tender age of five, and guaranteeing free schooling from the age of six or seven.
Looking ahead, Tokayev underscored state-funded grants for higher education or vocational training, guaranteeing a grand entrée into the world of academia or trade for youth. Moreover, the Bolashak (Future) program facilitates the international sojourns of thousands of industrious young minds, returning with new perspectives to contribute to Kazakhstan's growth.
Inviting the youth into the halls of government, Tokayev championed special quotas, breathing life into political reforms aimed at heightening youth participation in the nation's leadership.
Supporting the rousing drums of entrepreneurship, the government offers youth-friendly business and homeownership loan conditions. "This is but a sneak peek into the opportunities we've set up to foster the realization of young talents," Tokayev pledged.
However, the government's zeal for the youth extends past the realms of academics and politics. In a nod to the rich tapestry of Kazakhstan's culture, Tokayev proposed a new fund dedicated to developing literature, music, cinema, television shows, and gaming projects, offering budding creatives an avenue for self-expression and success.
As the nation grapples with its social issues, Tokayev underscored the importance of elevating the standing of labor in society, designating 2025 as the Year of Working Professions.
"A strong work ethic is the backbone of our nation. We regard young people who embrace vocational careers with utmost respect," Tokayev proclaimed.
Balancing the scales, Tokayev emphasized that the creation of a prosperous Kazakhstan is a collective responsibility, most notably the responsibility of its future leaders.
"A Just Kazakhstan is born through unity and the boundless energy of our youth," Tokayev declared, affirming their central role in sculpting the nation's destiny.
In a broader context, Kazakhstan's vision for youth and civic engagement aligns with its collaboration with the Organization of Turkic States and ongoing discussions focused on children's rights and protection. Furthermore, the government supports initiatives such as summer employment and recreational activities for young people, large-scale infrastructure projects, and investments in family support centers and rehabilitation centers to better serve the nation's families and children with special needs.
Cementing a legacy of triumphs and challenges, Kazakhstan awaits the courageous spirits of its youth to rise to the occasion and lead the charge toward a brighter, more harmonious future.
- Tokayev's ambition for Kazakhstan encompasses not only absorbing knowledge but also exporting it, with the belief that engaging the youth is crucial for the nation's personal growth, career development, and general progress.
- In support of this agenda, Tokayev announced state-funded grants for higher education or vocational training, scholarships for international study, and programs to encourage financial aid for education and housing from a young age.
- Recognizing the importance of cultural development, Tokayev proposed a new fund dedicated to promoting literature, music, cinema, television shows, and gaming projects, emphasizing the significance of self-expression and success for Kazakhstan's creative youth.
