ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called on the newly established Kazakhstan People’s Council to become a practical platform for dialogue between the state and society, saying its constitutional status opens new opportunities to address national and regional problems.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addresses the first session of the Kazakhstan People’s Council on Sept. 24. Photo credit: Akorda.
New platform for public dialogue
Speaking at the first session of the Kazakhstan People’s Council, Tokayev described its establishment as an important step in Kazakhstan’s ongoing political transformation. He said the new institution brings together representatives of different groups of society and is designed to strengthen public participation in state decision-making.
According to the President, the council is not an alternative to the Kurultai, Kazakhstan’s new legislative body, and must not interfere with its powers. Instead, the two institutions should maintain regular dialogue and coordinate their work, particularly when developing legislation that affects citizens’ interests, reported Akorda on Sept. 24.
The council includes representatives of ethnic and cultural associations, regional maslikhats and public councils, and civil society organizations. Tokayev said this composition would allow regional issues to be raised at the national level and establish a new system of interaction between the state and society.
He urged council members to avoid formalism and bureaucracy, maintain direct contact with citizens and address complex and pressing issues.
Economic and social progress
Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s economic and social progress over the past seven years. GDP grew by 29% to $306 billion, while foreign exchange reserves and National Fund assets exceeded $138 billion. Kazakhstan attracted more than $162 billion in investment during this period, while small and medium-sized businesses accounted for more than 40% of the economy.
More than 20 million square meters of housing are built annually. Since 2019, 1,342 schools with capacity for more than one million students have been constructed. Life expectancy has reached 76 years, while more than 1,200 healthcare facilities have been opened.
More than 35,000 kilometers of roads have been built and repaired. Tokayev described these as record indicators in Kazakhstan’s history and said the country had entered the top 40 most competitive countries in the world.
Regional development and infrastructure
At the same time, Tokayev called for stronger public oversight of infrastructure projects and higher construction standards, citing concerns about the quality of some housing and roads.
He instructed the authorities to strengthen control over road construction, improve quality-assessment mechanisms and increase public oversight of infrastructure projects.
Tokayev also stressed the need to address Kazakhstan’s future workforce needs. By 2035, the country is expected to require 2.9 million specialists, including 1.8 million in skilled trades, notably in industry, construction, agriculture and IT.
Kazakhstan’s international role
Tokayev said Kazakhstan would continue to deepen international cooperation and attract investment, while promoting the country’s interests, history and culture internationally.
He said his goal was to position Kazakhstan on the global stage as a middle power and promote the country’s opportunities.
Concluding his address, Tokayev urged the People’s Council to remain closely connected with citizens and ensure that its work produces practical solutions to issues affecting the country and its people.
