This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. Recently, a special anniversary session of the Assembly was held with the participation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. During the session, the Head of State reviewed the organization's achievements and outlined its future directions.
In his address, President Tokayev emphasized the Assembly’s vital role in strengthening national unity and facilitating productive dialogue between the state and society. Through active collaboration with public organizations and institutions, the Assembly plays a key part in the successful implementation of domestic policies. Notably, twelve members of the Assembly are currently contributing to the National Kurultai, advancing nationwide initiatives.
Strengthening National Unity and Cooperation
The Assembly holds annual sessions, the decisions of which are mandated for government consideration. Between sessions, its Council — consisting of representatives from ethnocultural associations, public figures, members of Parliament, ministers, and regional governors — oversees ongoing activities. The Secretariat of the Assembly operates as an independent structural unit within the Presidential Administration. Each region hosts a "House of Friendship," bringing together over a thousand ethnocultural associations, while "Public Accord" institutions have been established within regional administrations. More than four thousand public organizations are now part of the Assembly's structure, sharing the mission of engaging citizens in national development. Initiatives like the Councils of Elders and Mothers are actively working to strengthen the family institution and promote national values.
President Tokayev highlighted the active participation of Assembly member Akhmed Muradov and others in implementing the "Honest Citizen" educational program, aimed at nurturing a new national consciousness. He stressed that such initiatives fully leverage the Assembly’s potential in shaping Kazakhstan’s modern identity.
Organizations under the Assembly, including the "Youth of the Assembly," the Student Assembly, the Young Scientists’ Club, and the "New Wave" project, have become true schools of unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility for thousands of young people. These movements are significantly contributing to the promotion of a new civic ethic based on integrity and solidarity.
Special attention was also given to the Assembly’s Ethnomediation Institute, which plays an essential role in preventing interethnic misunderstandings.
Tokayev noted that the Assembly's expert community has reached a new qualitative level. Today, the Scientific and Expert Council, along with 42 Assembly chairs, unites more than 360 experts researching national cohesion and interethnic relations.
The daily efforts of Assembly members may often remain unseen, but their long-term, strategic impact is profound. In 2023 alone, the Assembly organized over 15,000 events across all regions, involving nearly one million participants.
The President praised the Assembly’s mobilization during last year’s devastating spring floods. Under the "From Heart to Heart" project, more than 12,000 volunteers were mobilized to deliver humanitarian aid, gather relief supplies, and assist in rebuilding efforts. In recognition of the strategic importance of national unity, a new state award, the "Unity of the Nation" Order, has been established. In today’s unstable global environment, Tokayev underlined, unity is more vital than ever: "Where there is unity, there is life."
The Assembly also actively promotes values of professionalism and hard work. Assembly member Alexander Papp led the "Year of Working Professions" initiative. On Labor Day, members of Parliament and Assembly representatives visited major enterprises to honor veteran workers — a tradition that is set to continue.
Today, the Assembly stands as a powerful institution with an extensive infrastructure supporting social harmony — a unique achievement rarely seen worldwide. Thanks to the Assembly’s efforts, all ethnic groups in Kazakhstan are fully engaged in the nation's positive transformations.
Highly qualified specialists working within the Assembly’s structures continue to contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of national unity. President Tokayev expressed his sincere gratitude to all active citizens devoted to this noble mission.
Throughout Kazakhstan’s history, various dialogue platforms have been established. However, as President Tokayev emphasized, the Assembly remains the irreplaceable and unmatched platform for consolidating society and affirming national identity — and it will continue to play this central role in the future. The Assembly is a critical pillar of Kazakhstan’s statehood, bearing a heavy but honorable responsibility: to defend national interests, strengthen sovereignty, and consolidate independence.
Looking ahead, the Assembly must continue working as a national platform that unites all citizens around shared values and common goals. Its primary mission remains unchanged: preserving the unity and solidarity of the people, safeguarding the integrity of the state, and strengthening Kazakhstan’s sacred independence.
President Tokayev announced that work should begin on developing a new Concept for the Development of the Assembly for 2026–2030, as the validity period of the current concept, adopted in 2022, is nearing its end. The new document should introduce innovative approaches aimed at fostering societal cohesion and protecting the rights of all ethnic communities living in Kazakhstan.
Institutional Structure and Regional Activities
Established on March 1, 1995, by a presidential decree, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) emerged as a consultative and advisory body under the President of Kazakhstan. Its primary mission is to implement state national policies, ensure public-political stability, and enhance the effectiveness of interethnic relations within the country.
The concept of the APK was first introduced during the inaugural Forum of the People of Kazakhstan in 1992, marking the first anniversary of the nation's independence. This initiative aimed to create a platform that unites representatives of all ethnicities and cultures in Kazakhstan, fostering a cohesive and harmonious society.
In a significant development, on January 20, 2008, the President signed a unique law "On the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan," solidifying the APK's role as an integral part of the country's political system. This legislation provided a clear legal framework for the Assembly's activities, emphasizing its importance in shaping and implementing national policies.
The APK has been instrumental in promoting interethnic harmony and national unity, especially during times of crisis. Its efforts have been pivotal in uniting the diverse population of Kazakhstan, ensuring that all ethnic groups feel represented and valued within the national framework.
Today, the Assembly continues to serve as a vital institution in Kazakhstan's political landscape, embodying the nation's commitment to unity, diversity, and mutual respect among its people.
The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan has played a critical role in fostering an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect among the country’s diverse ethnic groups, especially during the turbulent post-Soviet transition period. Over the past 30 years, the Assembly has led significant initiatives aimed at strengthening unity and harmony across Kazakhstan. Thanks to its efforts, the Assembly has become a vital instrument in preserving peaceful coexistence among the country's many peoples, religions, and cultures.
A Pillar of Ethnic Harmony and Social Stability
The formation and development of Kazakhstan’s unique model of interethnic harmony have gone through several key stages:
The first stage was the establishment of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (1989–1995). In 1995, the Assembly was created as the principal body uniting representatives of all ethnicities and cultures living in the country. This marked an initial step towards creating a platform for coordinating the interests of various ethnic groups.
The second stage involved the institutionalization of the model of harmony (1995–2002). During this period, specific mechanisms were developed to further strengthen unity and cohesion among the multiethnic population. Notably, important conceptual documents were adopted, including The Future of Kazakhstan — in the Ideological Unity of Society (1993) and the Concept for the Formation of the State Identity of the Republic of Kazakhstan (1996).
The third stage was characterized by stability and deeper reforms (2002–2007). During this time, key strategic documents were developed and implemented: the Strategy of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan until 2011, the State Program for the Use and Development of Languages for 1998–2000, and the Program for the Improvement of the Kazakhstani Model of Interethnic and Interfaith Accord for 2006–2008.
The fourth stage was marked by new tasks and political transformations (2007–2019). Important reforms were undertaken to enhance the Assembly’s effectiveness. In 2007, its name was changed from "Assembly of Peoples" to "Assembly of the People," reflecting a shift toward a more unified national identity. In 2010, the Doctrine of National Unity was adopted, reinforcing shared values and strengthening intercultural exchange.
The fifth stage began in 2020 and continues to this day. In recent years, the Assembly has actively engaged with young people, emphasizing its core mission of maintaining peace and harmony. Youth initiatives organized within the Assembly’s framework have become an integral part of Kazakhstan’s social and cultural landscape.
According to Berik Kadyrov, the representative of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KISI) in Abai region and head of the Regional Affairs Department, the activities of the Assembly have expanded significantly over the years. In his opinion, the evolving scope of this institution’s work is critical, especially given the global challenges faced today. Kadyrov highlighted that public organizations like the Kazakhstan People’s Assembly play an increasingly important role in ensuring civic unity and interethnic harmony in Kazakhstan. He also noted that these organizations carry not only great responsibility but also key tasks in building a stronger, more unified nation.
Kadyrov stressed that the success of the Kazakhstan People's Assembly largely depends on its regional efforts. In the Abai region, for example, 46 ethnocultural associations and numerous public organizations, such as 123 councils of elders, 78 women's councils, scientific and expert groups, a young scientists' club, and an ethnomediation center, actively contribute to promoting unity. These organizations have been instrumental in organizing charity events and educational initiatives, particularly for youth engagement.
One notable initiative was the "Jomart Jan" charity center, which organized 32 charity events in the first quarter of 2025, benefiting 470 people and raising 2,600,718 tenge. In addition, efforts to develop ethnomediation have been a priority in the region, with various seminars, courses, and training programs being conducted to enhance the skills of mediation professionals.
Kadyrov emphasized that these activities have helped the Kazakhstan People’s Assembly become a critical force in promoting mutual trust, respect, and social cohesion. Through its work with elders and women’s councils, the Assembly fosters values such as unity and national pride, aiming to instill these principles in future generations.
Aigerim Abdrashitova, the Chief Expert of the Political Studies Department at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KISI), shares a similar viewpoint. She argues that, in today’s rapidly changing world, the principle of “We are different” is less significant than the need to focus on “seeking the path of collective development.” According to her, the solution to this issue is not only about addressing social and economic challenges but also about fostering public consciousness, shared ideas, and common aspirations. Clear, unifying goals and objectives are essential for driving society forward. For instance, the transformation of public consciousness and national identity played a key role in the success of countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, where a collective vision led to rapid development.
In this context, the Kazakhstan People's Assembly serves as a critical platform for ensuring peace and stability, offering a foundation for national unity and growth. There are more than 5,000 ethnic groups worldwide, but only 196 of them have been able to form their own states. Kazakhstan is one of these exceptional nations. As a multiethnic, peaceful, and culturally rich country, Kazakhstan continues to thrive. The Kazakhstan People's Assembly is a vital institution not only for maintaining interethnic harmony but also for fostering the development of a new society and an advanced state. Therefore, its further evolution is a necessity in response to the challenges of our time.
Promoting Peace and Harmony in Society
Each year, the Assembly has continued to refine its work, expanding its authority and its role within society. Amid recent political and social reforms, the Assembly has adapted to new challenges while remaining steadfast in its mission to strengthen unity and solidarity among all ethnic groups in Kazakhstan.
The Assembly of People of Kazakhstan plays an active role in promoting Kazakhstan’s model of peace and harmony internationally. It collaborates with major international organizations such as UNESCO, the OSCE, the EU, and the United States, presenting Kazakhstan’s experience of interethnic accord, which has been translated into 56 languages. Today, the APK has 14 "Ambassadors of Friendship" in 13 developed countries.
Domestically, the Assembly’s work is supported by several key structures: the Councils of Elders, the Councils of Mothers, and the Assembly of Youth.
The Council of Elders, established by presidential initiative, continues Kazakhstan’s traditional institution of wise elder mediation, contributing to conflict resolution, mentoring youth, and strengthening social cohesion. It now operates through more than 1,100 local branches involving over 7,600 elders across 20 regions.
The Councils of Mothers focus on preserving family values and promoting women’s rights and education. With more than 1,700 councils and over 16,000 active members nationwide, their initiatives include support for orphaned children, promotion of strong family values, and legal literacy programs for women.
Meanwhile, the Assembly of Youth unites around 9,000 young people and runs projects aimed at social support, education, employment, environmental protection, patriotism, and media literacy.
The APK also works closely with universities, entrepreneurs, and the media. It has established university departments, scientific councils, business associations, and journalists’ clubs dedicated to strengthening ethnic harmony and promoting innovation and investment.
Cultural initiatives also flourish under the Assembly’s auspices, with more than 1,000 ethnocultural associations and ethnic media outlets publishing in 10 languages. National theaters, including Uyghur, Korean, German, and Uzbek companies, contribute to the country’s cultural diversity.
An important development has been the establishment of mediation centers within the APK, reviving traditional Kazakh dispute resolution practices. Today, over 1,200 mediators work in 20 regional mediation offices, resolving thousands of conflicts annually without recourse to the courts.
Furthermore, the Ethnomediation Institute was recently launched under the Ministry of Culture and Information, further enhancing the role of peaceful dialogue in Kazakhstan’s society.
New Forms of Social Assistance
In his address at the anniversary session, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted a number of key tasks essential for the future development of the Assembly. First, he underscored the importance of revitalizing the Assembly’s work in the regions. Last year, a new House of Friendship was opened in Turkistan, the spiritual and historical heart of Kazakhstan. President Tokayev emphasized the need to build a similar House of Friendship in Almaty region, which is densely populated and home to a diverse ethnic population.
Furthermore, he proposed opening Assembly centers in districts such as Kordai, Uighur, Sairam, and Panfilov, where various ethnic communities coexist. Additionally, new Houses of Friendship are planned in several cities and towns, further expanding the country’s infrastructure for fostering civic unity. These centers should also be included in tourist routes, accessible to both local citizens and international visitors. Tokayev urged regional leaders and relevant authorities to offer full support to the Assembly’s work in ethnomediation and to broaden the scope of the "Reconciliation and Accord" project nationwide within the next two years.
Second, the President stressed the importance of promoting the values of unity and harmony across the country’s information space. He called on all Assembly structures, especially the Journalists’ Club, to actively participate in this task. He suggested the inclusion of leading media representatives from various sectors into the Assembly’s Journalists’ Club, and the creation of a unified strategy to coordinate its work. He also proposed providing systematic support to ethnic-language media outlets, particularly those in regional areas, to ensure broad and inclusive representation.
Third, Tokayev highlighted the need to fully harness the potential of culture and the arts to realize the principle of "Unity in Diversity." He pointed out that museums dedicated to cultural giants such as Alexander Pushkin, Taras Shevchenko, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Mikhail Sholokhov contribute immeasurably to Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage. He emphasized that organizing exhibitions of these collections in key cities such as Astana, Almaty, and others would enhance their visibility and cultural significance. In addition, many ethnocultural associations have curated unique collections of art and ethnography, which should also be preserved and promoted as part of the national cultural treasure.
Shaping Public Consciousness and Culture
In his speech, President Tokayev emphasized that the core structure of interethnic relations and national unity in Kazakhstan is anchored in the unshakable principle: "We are different, but we are all equal." He highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring equal and fair conditions for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs, or social status. "This is the central tenet of state policy. We avoid hasty, populist decisions. Our approach is always based on a thoughtful and reasoned analysis of the situation," said Tokayev. In this context, he also addressed the issue of strengthening the state language’s position as the language of interethnic communication, expressing his full support for the proposal discussed at the Assembly session.
A notable moment to reflect upon occurred in 2013 at the XX session of the Kazakhstan People's Assembly, when Gennady Golovkin, an Olympic silver medalist and world champion in the WBC, WBA, and IBF boxing classifications, made a powerful statement: "When asked about my nationality, I say: my father is Russian, my mother is Korean, and I am Kazakh!" This statement resonated deeply with many. Golovkin, who has become a global sports icon with a dedicated fan base worldwide, made this declaration with immense pride. Golovkin is recognized globally as a Kazakh boxer. At prestigious events like Madison Square Garden, he is introduced as a Kazakh athlete. Within Kazakhstan, he is admired and respected, with his victories celebrated and his defeats shared by the nation. Therefore, his declaration, "I am Kazakh!" was not just a statement but an authentic expression of his deep connection to Kazakhstan.
Similarly, the late Denis Ten, the Sochi Olympics bronze medalist, also identified himself as Kazakh in a memorable interview. "First and foremost, I am Kazakh. My thoughts, my worldview, and my actions are all shaped by being Kazakh. I was born here. The decisions I make abroad, I accept as though I am in Kazakhstan," he said. His words reflect a shared national identity that transcends ethnic boundaries.
It is crucial to recognize that each diaspora group living permanently in Kazakhstan has its own unique characteristics. All have the right to speak their native languages, preserve their cultures, and maintain their traditions. The state provides the necessary opportunities to do so. However, fostering interethnic harmony and building a unified nation, where "one head and one hand" work together, requires the commitment of all these diasporas. In this regard, it is evident that the Kazakh language and the Kazakh nation serve as the unifying factors for all citizens of Kazakhstan.
In his speech during the session, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized that this year, nearly 80% of graduates will take the Unified National Testing (UNT) in the state language, Kazakh. This marks a significant achievement in the promotion of the Kazakh language in the education system. Additionally, over 70% of children starting school for the first time will be educated in Kazakh, signaling a continued shift toward the national language.
The rising popularity of the Kazakh language has become a clear reflection of national priorities. An international organization that tracks global languages, Ethnologue, recently rated Kazakh as an "institutional" language. This means that Kazakh is widely used not just in daily life but also in government, educational institutions, media, and public life. This is a major improvement, as until 2020, the language was classified as "developing," indicating a lower status.
The progress is also observable in everyday life, with the number of people proficient in Kazakh steadily increasing. In recent years, the amount of Kazakh-language content online has also grown. The government has supported these efforts by passing laws requiring the use of Kazakh in public spaces and introducing a mandate for TV channels to broadcast at least 55% of content in Kazakh starting this year. This percentage is expected to rise in the future.
According to the latest population survey, over 80% of the population can speak Kazakh. An analytical study conducted in 2022 revealed that 90% of people understand Kazakh, which highlights a broad familiarity with the language across the country. While some may still speak Russian in their daily lives, the majority of Kazakh citizens are now proficient in Kazakh.
The government has also adopted a language policy until 2029 to further promote Kazakh. This year alone, the state allocated nearly 1.7 billion tenge to support the development of the Kazakh language. Language training courses are being offered nationwide, and numerous technologies are being developed to include Kazakh, including Google Translate and Apple’s Siri, both of which now support the language. These efforts contribute to the broader goal of making the Kazakh language more accessible and widely used.
Demographic changes also play a significant role in the spread of the Kazakh language. The proportion of ethnic Kazakhs in the population is steadily increasing, and many other ethnic groups are now also learning Kazakh. For instance, popular TikTok influencers, such as a Russian-speaking girl teaching in Kazakh, have gone viral, reflecting the growing interest in the language among younger generations.
The media landscape in Kazakhstan further demonstrates the increasing prominence of Kazakh. Among the more than 5,000 media outlets in the country, nearly half are in Kazakh. For example, the Kazakh-language content on state-run media accounts for 83% of the content, 77% on television channels, and 87% on online platforms. This is a clear indication of the growing presence of Kazakh in the media.
The government has been instrumental in these achievements. For example, the Terminology Commission now has over 380,000 entries in its database, and an automated system for foreign terms has been introduced. Projects like the ScreenReader, which provides speech synthesis in Kazakh, and efforts to teach artificial intelligence to understand Kazakh, demonstrate the ongoing technological integration of the language.
The music industry is another area where Kazakh is thriving. Artists like Qazybek Qurayish, Mira Jüginiysoff, and others perform exclusively in Kazakh, gaining popularity both at home and abroad. Kazakh-language songs on platforms like TikTok have become a global sensation, spreading Kazakhstan's cultural influence.
In the film industry, Kazakh-language movies have seen tremendous success. The film "Dastur," released last year, set a box-office record, demonstrating the growing demand for Kazakh-language content. This reflects not only the popularity of Kazakh in entertainment but also the improved purchasing power of Kazakh speakers.
Government support for the language extends to the creative economy, which is playing a significant role in the development of the Kazakh language. The newly adopted concept for the development of language policy until 2029 and the Oxford-Kazakh dictionary are part of these efforts. With numerous language centers and ongoing support for learning programs, Kazakhstan is solidifying the future of its national language.
How the Assembly Celebrates Kazakhstan’s Diversity
In light of the President’s remarks at the session of the Kazakhstan People’s Assembly (KPA) about the importance of tolerance, agreement, and peace as foundational values of Kazakh society, it is especially pertinent to consider the findings of the scientific study "Interculturalism and Tolerance in Multinational Kazakhstan in the Context of Globalization and Migration Challenges". This study was carried out from 2022 to 2024 as part of the Zhas Gylym project for young scientists, funded by the Committee for Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
As noted by Janar Nakipbaeva, an expert from the Department of Monitoring Public Opinion at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KISI) under the President of Kazakhstan, the research sheds light on the key factors influencing the level of interethnic tolerance in Kazakhstan. It identifies the areas where both tolerant and intolerant practices are most common, particularly in the Turkestan, Zhambyl, and Almaty regions.
According to the findings, positive manifestations of tolerance are consistently predominant across all the regions studied. In ethnically diverse settlements, interethnic relations have been actively promoted through joint entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and participation in each other’s traditions. For example, Kazakhs and Uzbeks practice asar, while Kazakhs and Tajiks engage in süyek ustasu. There is also frequent joint celebration of national and religious holidays, such as Nauryz and Kurban Bayram, as well as shared experiences of family joys and sorrows.
Janar Nakipbaeva emphasizes that these findings are a testament to the strength of interethnic cooperation in Kazakhstan, where mutual respect continues to grow across diverse communities. According to her, the results of the study demonstrate that despite the challenges posed by globalization and migration, Kazakhstan’s model of interethnic harmony is holding strong, thanks to the deep-rooted cultural exchange and shared values.
Over the past 30 years, the Assembly has made an immeasurable contribution to strengthening stability and harmony in society. It has become a symbol of unity, equality, stability, and peace in Kazakhstan. Recognized as an unparalleled public institution in the field of interethnic relations, the Assembly has established a unique model of peace and harmony in the country.
While ethnic diversity might represent a challenge or even a source of distrust and intolerance in some countries, for Kazakhstan, it serves as a national treasure and a strategic advantage. The principles of unity, dialogue, mutual trust, respect, and civic responsibility have become the cornerstones of the nation's rapid development.
In his address, President Tokayev emphasized that only by upholding these values can Kazakhstan preserve and enhance the tremendous achievements of its independence, passing them down to future generations. “This is how we will build a Just Kazakhstan. We are a united nation that has proven it is possible to live in peace and harmony on our land, demonstrated our ability to decide our own fate, and confidently step towards the future. In these challenging times, we will strengthen our country's independence, overcome all difficulties, and remain steadfast in our goals,” Tokayev stated.
Over the course of 30 years, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan has become a cornerstone of peace and stability in the country, significantly contributing to strengthening interethnic harmony and national unity. The primary goal of the Assembly has been to foster mutual understanding and respect among people of various ethnic backgrounds, ensuring the cohesion of a multiethnic society. In the current global context, marked by external challenges and internal instability, the role of this institution has become even more critical.
As President Tokayev emphasized, it is only through unity and dialogue that Kazakhstan can join the ranks of the world's leading nations. The development of the state language and the preservation of interethnic harmony within the diverse society are fundamental to the nation’s future. Efforts aimed at increasing tolerance between the different ethnic groups of Kazakhstan will continue to promote confidence in the country’s future.
For Kazakhstan's multiethnic society, maintaining unity while respecting cultural diversity ensures that the nation’s progress and prosperity will continue. By fostering interethnic harmony and stability, Kazakhstan’s future remains bright, with the country poised to overcome any challenges ahead.