On April 24, 2025, the XXXIV Session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) was held in Astana. The event marked the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Assembly — a unique institution that has played a significant role in shaping Kazakhstan’s model of civil harmony.
Speaking at the session, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the Assembly’s considerable contribution over the past three decades to maintaining stability and interethnic accord.
Key highlights from the President’s address:
● Evolution of APK’s status. Established in 1995 as an advisory-consultative body, the Assembly was granted constitutional status in 2007. Following the political reforms of 2022, it received new powers — notably, five senators are now appointed upon APK’s recommendation, and a new inter-chamber group "Bir El – Bir Mүdde" ("One Nation – One Interest") has been formed.
● Infrastructure for unity. Kazakhstan’s infrastructure for civil harmony includes Houses of Friendship, Councils of Mothers and Elders, over 4,000 public associations, and Qogamdyq Kelisim institutions under regional akimats. These efforts are carried out not only in the capital but also across the regions.
● Youth involvement. The session highlighted the active engagement of youth initiatives such as Assambleya Zhastary, the Student Assembly, the Zhana Tolqyn ("New Wave") project, and other organizations. More than 15,000 events were held in 2023, reaching around one million people nationwide.
● Responding to external challenges. Amid global instability, the APK’s role is growing. The Zhurekten Zhurekke ("Heart to Heart") project mobilized over 12,000 volunteers to support those affected by floods.
● Academic and analytical development. The APK operates 42 university departments and a Scientific-Expert Council comprising over 360 experts engaged in research on nation-building and interethnic relations.
● Updating the APK concept. At the President’s instruction, a new Development Concept for 2026–2030 is being drafted. It will focus on societal consolidation, protection of the rights of all ethnic groups, and strengthening interagency cooperation.
● Regional projects and infrastructure. Initiatives include the construction of a new House of Friendship in Almaty Region, scaling up the Eldesu zhane Tatulasu ("Reconciliation and Accord") ethno-mediation project, and integrating Houses of Friendship into domestic tourism routes.
● Media presence and communication. The President tasked ministries and akimats with increasing APK's media visibility, including launching a dedicated Journalists' Club and supporting ethnic-language media.
● Cultural unity and symbols of peace. Plans include organizing a festival of ethno-theaters, mobile museum exhibitions, and naming over 500 streets in honor of WWII heroes.
● National identity. The President underscored the Kazakh passport as a symbol of citizenship and trust. He highlighted the participation of over 6 million citizens in the Taza Kazakhstan ("Clean Kazakhstan") campaign and encouraged continued civic engagement.
During the ceremonial part of the session, a number of citizens were presented with state awards. Among them was Nazipa Shanai, member of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Chair of the Republican Council of Mothers, and veteran of the APK. She was awarded the "El Birligi" Order for her outstanding contribution to national unity and interethnic peace.
The session concluded with a set of instructions to further strengthen the APK’s role in national policy, modernize approaches to interethnic dialogue, and develop the infrastructure of civic harmony across the country.
Speaking at the session, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the Assembly’s considerable contribution over the past three decades to maintaining stability and interethnic accord.
Key highlights from the President’s address:
● Evolution of APK’s status. Established in 1995 as an advisory-consultative body, the Assembly was granted constitutional status in 2007. Following the political reforms of 2022, it received new powers — notably, five senators are now appointed upon APK’s recommendation, and a new inter-chamber group "Bir El – Bir Mүdde" ("One Nation – One Interest") has been formed.
● Infrastructure for unity. Kazakhstan’s infrastructure for civil harmony includes Houses of Friendship, Councils of Mothers and Elders, over 4,000 public associations, and Qogamdyq Kelisim institutions under regional akimats. These efforts are carried out not only in the capital but also across the regions.
● Youth involvement. The session highlighted the active engagement of youth initiatives such as Assambleya Zhastary, the Student Assembly, the Zhana Tolqyn ("New Wave") project, and other organizations. More than 15,000 events were held in 2023, reaching around one million people nationwide.
● Responding to external challenges. Amid global instability, the APK’s role is growing. The Zhurekten Zhurekke ("Heart to Heart") project mobilized over 12,000 volunteers to support those affected by floods.
● Academic and analytical development. The APK operates 42 university departments and a Scientific-Expert Council comprising over 360 experts engaged in research on nation-building and interethnic relations.
● Updating the APK concept. At the President’s instruction, a new Development Concept for 2026–2030 is being drafted. It will focus on societal consolidation, protection of the rights of all ethnic groups, and strengthening interagency cooperation.
● Regional projects and infrastructure. Initiatives include the construction of a new House of Friendship in Almaty Region, scaling up the Eldesu zhane Tatulasu ("Reconciliation and Accord") ethno-mediation project, and integrating Houses of Friendship into domestic tourism routes.
● Media presence and communication. The President tasked ministries and akimats with increasing APK's media visibility, including launching a dedicated Journalists' Club and supporting ethnic-language media.
● Cultural unity and symbols of peace. Plans include organizing a festival of ethno-theaters, mobile museum exhibitions, and naming over 500 streets in honor of WWII heroes.
● National identity. The President underscored the Kazakh passport as a symbol of citizenship and trust. He highlighted the participation of over 6 million citizens in the Taza Kazakhstan ("Clean Kazakhstan") campaign and encouraged continued civic engagement.
During the ceremonial part of the session, a number of citizens were presented with state awards. Among them was Nazipa Shanai, member of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Chair of the Republican Council of Mothers, and veteran of the APK. She was awarded the "El Birligi" Order for her outstanding contribution to national unity and interethnic peace.
The session concluded with a set of instructions to further strengthen the APK’s role in national policy, modernize approaches to interethnic dialogue, and develop the infrastructure of civic harmony across the country.