Dear participants!

Dear compatriots!

15 march 2024 year, Atyrau city

Firstly, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone on the occasion of “Korisu Day” (Day of Greetings and Reconciliation). On this day, after a long winter, relatives and friends come together and reunite. It is often believed that the celebration of Korisu Day is specific to the western regions of our country. However, we must remember that this is a longstanding tradition of our people, rooted in centuries of history. Therefore, it would be appropriate for us to start the celebration of Nauryz with Korisu Day as a unified nation.

This year, the Nauryz holiday coincides with the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. The convening of this year’s National Kurultai also occurs on the eve of Nauryz. Nauryz symbolises the rebirth of nature and life, while the gatherings of the Kurultai contribute to the advancement and reinforcement of progressive social values. Innovation and modernisation are essential pathways to progress.

The annual meetings of the National Kurultai members have now become a cherished tradition. After hosting the inaugural meeting in Ulytau, the cradle of our nation, and last year’s gathering in the revered Turkestan, we are now convened in another historically significant region: Atyrau.

It is not by chance that the third meeting of the National Kurultai is being held on the banks of the Zhaiyk river. Close by is the site of the once illustrious city of Saraishyk. Historically, it served as a vital administrative and commercial hub of the Jochi Ulus and the Kazakh Khanate. Situated along the Great Silk Road, Saraishyk played a crucial geostrategic role, fostering extensive economic, political, and cultural exchanges between the East and West. From this location, our renowned khans governed the vast Steppe, with some finding their eternal rest here. According to historians, it is the final resting place of Kasym Khan, who elevated the Kazakh Khanate into a formidable state. Essentially, Saraishyk holds a distinctive position in our rich history.

We honour our esteemed ancestors, who have passed down this invaluable legacy to their descendants. However, dwelling solely in the past cannot lead to the creation of a truly civilized nation. To broaden the horizons of our country, we must establish a new set of values.

The Kurultai has never served as a platform for grandiose gatherings and fruitless discussions. This trend will continue in the future. The previous two meetings saw the launch of significant initiatives for the country’s progress, many of which have already been realised. Positive transformations are underway in various sectors and domains. Last autumn, in my State of the National Address, I introduced a shift towards a new economic policy. In early February, the government was changed and given new tasks.

However, addressing economic issues alone does not suffice for becoming a genuinely developed nation. We must take a comprehensive approach, outlining guidelines not only in the socio-economic realm but also in the ideological sphere. Therefore, we are holding this year’s National Kurultai meeting earlier than usual, deviating from the typical summer schedule. Considering this, I wish to highlight several pressing issues individually.

First and foremost, it is imperative to strengthen the unity of our people. As you are aware, I consistently emphasise this. A nation united by shared aspirations will always forge ahead, never lagging behind.

The intelligentsia, particularly the elder statesmen, play a significant role in nurturing our nation’s unity. They embody the essence and pride of our nation. The unity of the people commences with the unity of its intelligentsia. In other words, unity and harmony among prominent and respected figures in our society are extremely important. They ought to set a precedent and engage in discussions on substantial and innovative subjects that strengthen national unity and foster the proper upbringing of the younger generation.

The Chairman of the Writers’ Union and member of the National Kurultai, Mereke Kulkenov, recently highlighted the important view that mutual recognition and respect among our prominent figures would strengthen our nation’s cohesion.

Lately, there has been much debate surrounding various events from the ancient past and famous historical figures. Discussions have escalated to the point where our writers and poets are fervently debating the origins of Genghis Khan, comparing and contrasting the leaders of the “Alash” movement and our Soviet-era figures.

Finding the truth in such discussions is challenging, and even if achieved, engaging in empty polemics that stir up society is unnecessary. Each era has its own unique characteristics. All our historical figures served their nation, guided by their individual beliefs and worldviews. This has led subsequent generations to debate who was right and who was wrong.

Essentially, it is impossible to directly contrast various historical figures and distinct historical periods. Ultimately, all of this is part of our history, the journey our people have traversed. It is essential to examine our history honestly and impartially, accepting it for what it is. Our history should serve as a unifying factor for the nation.

We must acknowledge that sometimes we take history too emotionally. Digging too much into the past can cause us more harm than good. No one can change the past. We should always remember that time is the most impartial judge.

We need unity and solidarity, not empty talks and endless arguments. At the current stage of history, our people must be united in word and deed. Therefore, it is important that our intellectuals pay special attention to strengthening the unity of the nation.

The older generations should lead the way, giving young people the right guidelines and instructions. There are many talented, educated, and active young people in our country. Our task is to instil in them the most noble and progressive qualities.

“If you do not see a friend in your neighbour, all your deeds are useless” - these words of the great poet Abay remain relevant today. I always wish that our intellectuals are united and show mutual solidarity. Eventually, our mutual care for each other will result in our common sympathy and concern for the fate of the country.

I repeat once again: we must stop all the worthless petty talk that brings discord into our society. We must seek to think and reflect on a national level. For example, the honouring of ancestors, knowledge, and study of ancestry is of great importance for all Kazakhs. Therefore, shezhire (genealogy) is an integral part of our cultural code.

However, it is unacceptable to think in such a limited framework. Moreover, most importantly, it is inadmissible to politicise this topic. Recently, various collective letters with requests to immortalise the memory of certain people on the principle of kinship and compatriotism have become common practice. To erect monuments and memorials to them and to assign their names to streets.

This is a very unpleasant situation. Such an approach deforms the unified ideological space of the country and negatively affects the upbringing of future generations. It has come to the point that abroad, our country is called the territory of monuments, referring to a large number of monuments of both the distant historical past and the Soviet period. Therefore, in onomastic policy, along with significant historical figures, it is important to emphasise nationwide values and key concepts that embody the ideals of our statehood, such as Independence, Republic, and Unity.

If we want to remain a united country and a strong state, we must always remember this. People who put national interests above personal interests should be an example for our descendants and us. This is especially relevant in today’s geopolitical situation.

In this regard, I would like to make a special mention of our famous writer and prominent statesperson, Abish Kekilbayev. He was a unique individual and a classic writer who left an indelible mark on the spiritual life of our people and made a huge contribution to the development of our state.

I worked with Abish Kekilbayuly and knew him closely. He was truly a prominent figure, a man of high internal culture. Abish Kekilbayev never spoke ill of anyone, did not pit people against each other, treating everyone with respect and love. Many people came from other regions of our country to pay their respects and just to talk to him. The doors of his house were always open to everyone. People were inspired and uplifted after meeting him.

He was far from petty idle talk. He thought and reasoned a lot on topics concerning the past, present, and future of all humankind. In a word, Abish Kekilbayev was a great intellectual and a wise man.

Ilya Zhakanov, the Hero of Labour, a prominent cultural figure, a member of the National Congress, is present in this hall today. Ilya Zhakanovich is a true statesperson and a bright representative of our intellectuals, who has gained great respect in society with his deep ideas and balanced opinions. We need to honour such sons and daughters of our people, talking about their life paths, and promoting their principles and ideals in a comprehensive way.

Expanding the scope of the Kazakh language will remain a key priority of state policy. Every year, the demand for the Kazakh language grows, as it becomes the language of business, technology, and science. Education is the best way for the further progressive development of the language.

Today, the share of literature in the Kazakh language has increased in major bookshops. Recently, a new generation of publishers has been translating and releasing many world bestsellers. They translate not only fiction but also business literature.

The essence of state policy is to strengthen the role of the Kazakh language in everyday life without forcing anyone. Talking about the state language alone is useless; concrete actions are important.

In this regard, I would like to emphasise the activity of the “Qazaq Tili” (Kazakh language) International Community, the leadership of which is taken by representatives of the new generation headed by Rauan Kenzhekhanuly, a member of the National Kurultai.

I supported the initiative to create the “Qazaq tili” endowment fund. This good initiative was taken up by many wealthy citizens of our country. I express my gratitude to everyone who actively participated in supporting this project. I am sure that other wealthy and caring individuals will also contribute to replenishing the Fund.

I constantly talk about the great importance of the creative industry in economic development; using its capabilities is also crucial for the future of the state language. It is necessary to use new effective approaches and tools if we want to make progress in the development of the Kazakh language.

In this case, we need to use only the useful aspects of modern information technologies. Unfortunately, indiscriminate use of the Internet negatively impacts the education of the younger generation. Today, even adults, not to mention children, are overly addicted to consuming meaningless social media content.

Foremost, we must instil in young people a love of reading. This is the only way we will become a reading nation. At the dawn of Independence, in the difficult nineties, library science in our country receded far into the background. Afterwards, thousands of libraries were closed, and we lost a multimillion-book fund.

In recent years, certain steps have been taken to correct the situation. The library is a treasury of the memory of the state and nation. Libraries store valuable historical sources and materials. Therefore, librarianship requires special attention. Books must be accessible to readers. You know that during last year’s meeting of the Kurultai in Turkestan, I spoke about the importance of building modern 24-hour libraries in Kazakhstan, which exist in many countries. Wonderful buildings for such libraries will soon be erected in Almaty and Astana.

Some comprehensive measures are needed to develop this area. Some libraries in Almaty have been updated to meet modern requirements. Now the younger generation has all the opportunities to be creative and gain new knowledge. The Governors of other regions should take this as an example of good experience.

A love for books is a wonderful quality. Many countries celebrate a national day dedicated to reading and books. In this regard, I agree with the initiative of members of the National Kurultai Burikhan Nurmukhamedov, Aidos Sarym, Daniyar Ashimbaev to establish a National Book Day. It must be filled with real content, including various thematic events, special book exhibitions, and festivals.

Books serve as one of the most significant steps towards the progress of our nation. Therefore, we must consistently root a high reading culture in society.

In order to confidently move forward, we must fully understand the scale of our national history, protecting and promoting our cultural heritage. Kazakhstan is the direct successor to the nomadic civilization of the Great Steppe. The Ulus of Jochi, world-famous as the Golden Horde, has always been the recognised pinnacle of state-building in the vast expanses of Central Eurasia.

The geopolitical legacy of this medieval power served as fertile ground for the emergence of several Eurasian states, including the Kazakh Khanate. The fusion of various ethnic groups and religions has created a unique model of intercultural symbiosis and state-building in this space.

For six centuries, the Jochids played a decisive role in the fate of Central Eurasia, striving to form a single civilizational community over a vast territory. The Ulus of Jochi, like the Roman Empire, set development standards for the states and peoples of the Great Steppe for many centuries to come, and brought public administration to a qualitatively new level.

It is symbolic that today’s event is taking place in the year of the 800th anniversary of the formation of the Ulus of Jochi. However, it is not a reason for magnificent celebrations but, first and foremost, an incentive for serious research work. The Ulus of Jochi occupies a significant place in the tradition of statehood of Kazakhstan as the past, present, and future of our country are closely intertwined with its historical heritage. It is crucial that the perception of the Golden Horde in the world is inextricably linked with Kazakhstan.

Recently, work on the multi-part documentary film about the history and legendary figures of the Golden Horde has started, with the involvement of recognised foreign experts. This film should be presented on popular international platforms. Generally, in building the image of our country in the international arena, it is necessary to more actively and widely use the Golden Horde brand. Therefore, systematic activities are important for a comprehensive study of the history and heritage of the Golden Horde. Much has already been done in this direction.

On my initiative, the Institute for the Study of Ulus Jochi was created. Systematic work is underway to write a new academic history of Kazakhstan in seven volumes, in which more than 250 scientists are involved, including 60 foreign specialists. For the first time in the academic practice of preparing such publications, a separate volume will be devoted to the period of Ulus Jochi.

Vadim Trepavlov, a prominent Russian historian, contributed significantly to the writing. Unfortunately, he recently passed away. Nevertheless, Vadim Trepavlov succeeded in preparing and handing over invaluable research materials to the editorial board of the multivolume book. This exemplifies the fruitful interaction between Kazakh and Russian historical schools.

Last year, Kazakhstan was elected as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, presenting opportunities we should utilise. Altyn-Emel and Barsakelmes are already on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is vital to continue our efforts in this direction, given their significant spiritual and cultural value.

Kazakhstan is home to many unique natural and historical sites. Among them is the Ustyurt Plateau, our national pride, known for its mesmerising views that attract renowned foreign photographers seeking picturesque shots.

Another remarkable feature of these locations is the underground mosques, over two dozen of which are in West Kazakhstan. Built in different periods, these mosques vary significantly, reflecting our people's deep-rooted spiritual traditions. It is crucial to preserve and globally promote our unique landscapes and historical and cultural heritage.

I instruct the authorised bodies, in collaboration with the National Commission, to begin inscribing the mentioned sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Kazakhstan’s reputation as the ‘country of petroglyphs’ is well-deserved. The Eshkiolmes Ridge, one of Eurasia’s largest petroglyph clusters, along with the ancient drawings at Arpauzen, Kulzhabasy, and Sauyskandyk, chronicles a millennia of steppe civilization.

Regrettably, recent years have seen the destruction of some petroglyphs, presumably for the needs of the construction industry. We must protect these historic sites. I task the relevant authorities with implementing necessary protective measures, including amending legislation if needed.

To preserve our rich historical and cultural heritage, archaeological activities must be regulated. The scarcity of professional archaeologists and flawed excavation licensing have enabled ‘archaeological entrepreneurs’ to exploit the field in Kazakhstan. They often provide construction firms with unfounded assurances of no historical significance in return for substantial payments.

The issue of the “black archaeologists” also falls within the same scope. Over the past two decades, many of our country’s most important archaeological monuments have been literally looted. Valuable discoveries made on Kazakhstan’s land are now being discovered within private Kazakh and international collections, as well as displayed in various museums worldwide.

This situation demands urgent attention through improved legislation in the field of archaeology, streamlined licensing, and tougher penalties for illegal archaeological excavations.

Regulation should be strengthened in the field of restoration of historical and cultural heritage objects. It is important to intensify work on the return to Kazakhstan of historical artifacts from foreign museums. If there is no such opportunity, it is necessary to create exact replicas for domestic museums. I think that the members of the Kurultai, who are deputies of the Mazhilis (Parliament) from different factions, will make efforts to solve these issues.

The most important task is to strengthen our national identity. In an interview with the newspaper “Egemen Qazaqstan”, I spoke about the fact that we should start celebrating Nauryz in a new way. Just the other day, a special concept was adopted.

Of course, this in no way implies a refusal to celebrate the New Year, which we will continue to celebrate together with the international community. At the same time, we will raise the importance of the holiday of Nauryz and significantly enrich its content. For example, in the festive period beginning with Korisu kuni, each day now has its own name. One of them is dedicated to the national dress, by which we should be recognised in the world. Last year, during the iftar event, I focused specifically on this issue.

Some large companies and educational institutions are already implementing the practice of wearing traditional national clothing. This good practice should be supported and expanded. This is especially important now. The fact is that in recent years there have been many people wrapped in black robes in our country. Everyone knows about it. And these are not strangers, but our fellow citizens.

Dressing in all black goes against the mindset of our people and is a thoughtless imitation of foreign norms rooted in religious fanaticism. We must not break away from our spiritual roots and erode our national identity.

The desire of radicalised neophytes to impose alien religious ideologies on society, even through archaic forms of attire, is a deliberate challenge to our traditional patterns and values.

We must rely on the religious knowledge and spiritual guidelines passed down by our ancestors over thousands of years. In order to preserve and strengthen the spiritual sovereignty of the country, we need to be guided by Hanafi Sunnism, which is traditional for the majority of Turkic peoples, including Kazakhs.

Hanafism’s intellectual perception of the world and free-thinking created the prerequisites for the Islamic renaissance, the flourishing of art and science in our region, and the emergence of such great thinkers as al-Farabi. Special attention should be paid to the deep study and popularisation of the heritage of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, the founder of Turkic Sufism, who made a significant contribution to the spread and establishment of Islam in the Great Steppe. To begin with, it is necessary to hold a special symposium with the invitation of domestic and foreign scholars.

In this regard, I would also like to say a few words about an ancient relic related to Yassawi. In Muslim countries, the graves of famous religious figures are always adorned with an appropriate cover. The tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina is decorated in a similar way. This tradition is inherent in Islamic civilisation.

The tomb of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi in sacred Turkestan has been without such a special cover for a long time. The attempt to restore it a few years ago was fruitless.

I instruct authorised bodies to restore this valuable artifact in the shortest possible time and return it to its intended place.

Honouring our spiritual roots, we must strengthen the secular nature of our state in every possible way. Kazakhstan will always be tolerant of all faiths, beliefs, and teachings that do not undermine our statehood and public morality.

However, we cannot and will not go along with those who, under the influence of Western and other trends, promote values alien to our culture and, moreover, contrary to the dualistic basis of the world. Our children are involved in this destructive propaganda, so the price of the issue is greater than ever - it is the spiritual health of the younger generation.

Our position on this issue will not be influenced by either political conjuncture or newfangled world trends. We must firmly and consistently cultivate traditional family values.

Significant attention should be paid to the facts of discrimination and even oppression of women in families where Islamic canons are perceived in an extremely distorted, dogmatic form.

Today, the well-known lawyer Ayman Omarova made a rather emotional but at the same time well-founded statement. I agree with her on a number of issues. We must take action.

In such families, life is built on absurd prohibitions and orders that contradict the spirit of the 21st century with its advances in science and technology. It seems that people are deliberately slipping back to the morals and behavioural patterns of the Middle Ages.

There are those in our country who, under the guise of alleged national traditions, are attempting to impose the practice of bride kidnapping. Such blatant obscurantism is unjustifiable and goes against the ideals of a progressive society in which the dignity, rights, and freedoms of every human being are an absolute value. I believe that such facts require not only moral condemnation but also legal assessment.

We must counter religious extremism and archaism by firmly adhering to the canons of our traditional Islam, which is one of the main pillars of national identity. We should always proceed from our own understanding of the world and follow our unique cultural code.

State symbols are the visible embodiment of our national identity. Last year, I spoke about the need to systematise and bring to a single standard the symbols of our cities and regions. They should reflect not only regional specifics but also organically combine key elements of the country’s image. Concrete work is now underway in this direction.

At the same time, as far as I know, during the discussions, a number of experts and public activists expressed the need to modernise the entire system of state symbols. I believe that our sky-blue flag is stylistically flawless and, most importantly, clearly reflects the uniqueness and ideals of our country.

The same is true of the national anthem, which succinctly encapsulates the values and spirit of our nation. Thanks to the various achievements of our compatriots, its melody is heard all over the world. It has become a good tradition to celebrate the New Year in the company of relatives and friends under the exciting sounds of the anthem. In other words, the words and music of the anthem find a powerful response in the hearts of our citizens.

With regard to the coat of arms of our State, I believe it is sensible to take into account the sound reasoning of experts and citizens, including young people, that the coat of arms of Kazakhstan is too difficult to perceive, contains eclecticism, and signs of the Soviet era.

In case of common agreement, it would be possible to create a special commission, which would consider all aspects in detail and hold public discussions. Then, we could announce an open competition for the best sketch of the new State Emblem of Kazakhstan.

Along with strengthening national identity, it is important for us to honour the memory of our heroes. In many countries, the perception of critical events of the past is now becoming a tool of informational and political manipulation. As World War II grows farther away, more and more historical and military myths about it are being born. Kazakhstan has always advocated and will continue to advocate for historical truth and the preservation of the true memory of this bloodiest conflict in human history.

Next year, the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory will be widely celebrated all over the world. Yedil Zhanbyrshin, a member of the National Kurultai and deputy in the Mazhilis, was correct to say that we should start preparing for the celebration of this significant date in advance.

In recent years, the State has been carrying out systematic work to eliminate “white spots” in our history, to restore historical justice. A thorough study of archival materials is crucial for gaining an objective perspective of the past.

A huge contribution to this work is made by the project “Kazakhstandyk kaharman maydangerler” (Kazakhstan’s frontline heroes). For three decades, this project has been led by a group of researchers under Baktykozhi Izmukhambetov, a Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan, a member of the National Kurultai, and deputy of the Mazhilis. During this time, a total of 56 volumes have been published on the fates and feats of Kazakhstan’s soldiers, with six volumes fully dedicated to women front-line soldiers. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Second World War, further research in this direction is likely to be encouraged.

The State is consistently working to preserve the memory of our compatriots who performed unparalleled feats of arms and labour during the war years. The names of heroes like Malik Gabdullin, Sabyr Rakhimov, Aliya Moldagulova, Manshuk Mametova, among others, live on in the names of communities, facilities, and streets across the country.

In line with tradition, flight schools, airbases, and airports are named after our “winged” heroes. Thus, the Military Institute of Air Defence Forces in Aktobe is named after Talgat Bigeldinov. Karaganda Airbase is named in honour of Nurken Abdirov. The international airport in Atyrau is named after Khiuaz Dospanova.

It is necessary to continue this practice and duly honour the services of the legendary pilot, twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Sergei Lugansky, who showed exceptional courage at the frontline. One of the streets in his hometown Almaty is named after him. I believe that the memory of the Hero should be immortalised in the name of the airbase of the Air Defence Forces of Kazakhstan, located in Taldykorgan.

We have also established an important tradition of granting the title of “Halyk Kaharmany” (National Hero) to heroes whose courage and endurance did not receive the recognition they deserved in their time. In 2022, the highest degree of honour was awarded posthumously to Tuleugali Abdybekov, Alexander Nesmiyanov, and Ibraim Suleimenov, while in 2023 to the aksakals (distinguished elderly people) Abdygali Kaimoldin and Ivan Gapich, who have stepped over the century-old milestone of life.

The exploits of the heroes of the Second World War serve as an example for present and future generations of defenders of the Motherland. The names of many of our soldiers are inscribed in golden letters in the heroic annals of our country. I would like to speak separately about three such valiant sons of our people.

Sagadat Nurmagambetov, upon arriving at the front, was appointed as a platoon commander, and in the battle for Berlin, he participated as a battalion commander. Having gone through the crucible of war, in peacetime he became the first Minister of Defence of Independent Kazakhstan.

The legendary Bauyrzhan Momyshuly showed outstanding officer talent. He commanded a battalion, regiment, and division on the hardest sections of the front. For the first time, he used the tactics of breaking out of encirclement, later receiving the name “Momyshuly’s spiral”.

Today, the feat of Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev, who was among the first to hoist the battle flag on the Reichstag building, is unquestioned.

As you remember, at the last meeting of the National Kurultai, I put forward an initiative to assign the names of our outstanding figures to several orders. This practice in many countries helps to strengthen patriotism and national identity.

Now, under the auspices of the Republican Commission, work is underway to improve the system of state awards. We have the honourable order “Aibyn”, which is awarded to military personnel and employees of other security agencies.

I consider it appropriate to assign the names of Sagadat Nurmagambetov, Bauyrzhan Momyshuly, and Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev to various degrees of this order. Thus, we will make one more important step in the restoration of historical justice and immortalising the memory of the valour of our soldiers. I am confident that this decision will infuse these awards with the heroic spirit of our illustrious compatriots and inspire their holders to serve the Motherland selflessly.

To achieve our creative aspirations, we need to rid ourselves of destructive behaviours. It is important to learn all good things and reject all bad things. The great Abay spoke about this, urging us to avoid five things and strive for five. His admonition is still relevant today, as each era brings its own challenges and threats. Due to globalisation, the development of new technologies, and many other reasons, new vices of society have emerged, which we need to fight against. I believe that we as a nation must erect a firm barrier against the spread of the following five social evils.

First of all, there is drug trafficking, including synthetic drugs, which has become a real epidemic. Last year alone, more than 7,500 crimes were detected in this area, and 41 tonnes of narcotic substances were seized from illicit traffic.

Drug addiction is spreading particularly fast among children, poisoning our young generation. We need to intensify the fight against drugs without wasting any time, because tomorrow it may already be too late. At present, we have quite strict penalties for drug trafficking.

I agree with Aiman Omarova’s statement that it is necessary to punish those who produce and facilitate drug trafficking. But the so-called couriers should be prosecuted, albeit not to such extents. There has to be a distinction. This is my instruction to the law enforcement agencies. I hope the deputies will start this work.

I am proposing that responsibility for the production of narcotic substances should be increased to the maximum, equating it with the most serious crimes. I ask Parliament to support this initiative.

At the last Kurultai, I spoke about the need to take systemic measures to combat the spread of vape devices, which cause significant damage to the health of children and young people, and thus to the future of our nation. Parliament is currently considering a bill that would criminalise the import, production, and trafficking of vape devices. I am sure this step will significantly reduce the spread of this newfangled contagion. At the same time, it is necessary to carry out systematic awareness-raising work through the media. As a progressive nation, we must eradicate this habit, which has a negative impact not only on the health of the nation but also on the international image of our country.

Another problem in our society is gambling addiction. According to some data, about 400,000 citizens are regular customers of betting shops and casinos, which is equal to the population of a large city.

Gambling addiction brings immeasurable misery, destroying thousands of families and pushing many into crime. Day after day, there are news stories about people getting into debt because of gambling and taking their own lives. This addiction is taking a huge toll on the younger generation, with online gambling becoming a daily leisure activity for children.

Last year, the competent authorities blocked more than 4,000 websites with signs of online casinos. As you know, a comprehensive plan has been adopted to combat drug abuse and drug trafficking. To combat ludomania, the Government should approve a similar document, legally restricting this harmful addiction. On the initiative of the Amanat party, a relevant draft law has been prepared and is currently under consideration in Parliament. It should be adopted before the end of the current session. We cannot ignore the fact that our young people ruin themselves by gambling and seeking easy money. Only income gained by honest, conscientious labour will always be for the good.

Another worrying trend is the rise in domestic violence, bullying, and aggression. Frankly speaking, there has become a lot of cruelty in our society. There are many who are ready to insult, humiliate, and beat a person; everyone has probably seen attacks on ambulance and public transport drivers.

Folk wisdom says: “He who hides his ailment will not find a cure”. We need to talk openly about these social ills. Our citizens need to feel safe both at home and in public places. Therefore, the rule of law and order must prevail in our country. Most importantly, we must raise a generation with a high moral culture.

Another extremely negative phenomenon is vandalism. Unfortunately, the rampant defacement of everything from public property to centuries-old cultural heritage has already become the norm. Just look at Zhumbaktas in Burabay, Kempirtas in Bayanaul, whose unique beauty is overshadowed by various writings. Why is it necessary to destroy elevators in apartment buildings, playgrounds in yards, bus stops on the streets?! All of this is evidence of ill-mannered and uncultured behaviour.

Every citizen of a civilised country should protect public property as their own. In this respect, the examples of Japan, South Korea, China, and Singapore are illustrative for many. Why should we be worse than others?

The next vice is wasteful spending. Undoubtedly, the beginning of prosperity is frugality. In developed countries, there is a strong culture of conserving light and water. We have the exact opposite situation; because of the wastefulness of millions of our fellow citizens, the country’s wealth is being wasted.

Take the water issue, for example. Frankly, we lack a culture of water conservation, whereas it is well understood around the world that water is the resource of the future. For Kazakhstan, which is already facing water scarcity, this problem is especially urgent.

We are dealing not only with material waste but also with spiritual waste. How much invaluable time that could be used for self-improvement and the development of the country is wasted on empty arguments and useless affairs. If each of us strives for moderation and prudence, it will become a guarantee of steady progress for Kazakhstan. It is necessary for the younger generation to understand this well. Only by getting rid of all these vices will we form a new quality of the nation and bring the country to a new level of development.

Intellectuals, mass media, and non-governmental organisations must all work together to counter these social ills. This is the duty of every citizen and the entire society, as this issue directly concerns the future of our nation.

At the meetings of the National Kurultai, we set new benchmarks in the cultural, humanitarian, and ideological spheres. This is extremely important for the strengthening of national identity and the dynamic development of our country. However, the main goal of the ongoing transformations is to improve the quality of life and create broad opportunities for the realisation of the potential of all citizens.

Therefore, we should always look for new points of economic growth. We need projects that will have a serious multiplicative effect. To this end, I instruct the Government to implement four large-scale infrastructure initiatives this year.

First of all, 55 existing heat sources will have to be completely renovated and at least 6.5 thousand kilometres of engineering networks modernised. This will improve the quality and reliability of utility services for citizens and businesses.

Another key component of the high quality of life of people is the availability of their own housing. The Otau mortgage programme was launched on 1 March and is now in high demand. In addition, it is necessary to launch a new housing programme, including for residents of villages and district centres. At the same time, the loan rate for socially vulnerable categories should not exceed 7 percent. I also instruct the Government to increase the volume of rental housing with the right of redemption.

The introduction of a new preferential mortgage and large-scale construction of rental housing will revitalise the construction sector, in which hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens work in good faith, and most importantly, will help many people in need to purchase housing. The construction and reconstruction of the country’s road network will give a powerful impetus to the development of the economy.

It is necessary to carry out works on at least 12,000 kilometres of highways. As a result, the transport accessibility of settlements will significantly improve, enhancing business activity and increasing people’s social mobility.

In addition, the Government should significantly increase the level of gasification of settlements and modernize at least 1,700 kilometres of networks. This will provide access to natural gas for more than 300,000 citizens. During the implementation of these infrastructure initiatives, it is necessary to fully utilise the capabilities of local businesses and domestic enterprises. To ensure sustained economic growth, it is important to use all our competitive advantages. Decisive steps will have to be taken to turn Kazakhstan into one of the key transit hubs of Eurasia.

We have recently launched a transport and logistics centre in Xi’an. This promising Kazakh-Chinese project was implemented within the framework of the global initiative “One Belt, One Road”. Just this week, the first container train arrived in Azerbaijan from Xi’an. The new logistics centre will significantly increase cargo traffic through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

We need to consistently develop transit corridors running through the territory of our country and comprehensively stimulate foreign trade turnover. To do this, we will build logistics centres and warehouses, increase the construction of railway lines, strengthen the infrastructure of maritime transportation, and pursue a flexible tariff policy. All this will maximise the benefits of the geographical location of our country and give impetus to many sectors of the economy.

IT technologies are another promising growth point. By the end of the year, Kazakhstan plans to create a supercomputer and launch a new data centre. We intend to build a fibre-optic communication line along the bottom of the Caspian Sea. This project will pave another digital corridor between Europe and Asia.

I recently visited the new KTZ Innovation Centre. Thanks to its activities, advanced technologies are being introduced in the industry, which can increase labour productivity and reduce costs. Qualified local and foreign IT specialists are involved in this work.

The concrete and measurable results of digitalisation include an increase in railway capacity, fuel savings, and an increase in company revenues. This is how the digital ecosystem needs to be built. The Government should scale up this experience across all sectors of the economy.

Another issue that requires the Government’s constant attention is budget savings. Budget revenues and expenditures are currently being reviewed, and it is clear that finances should not be scattered.

If the budgets of government agencies are not checked, they will inflate. It is necessary to keep this process under strict control. I repeat, money should be directed towards the implementation of only the most popular projects, solving the most pressing problems.

I will take this opportunity to speak on another important topic. In recent years, we have paid special attention to the development of entrepreneurship and the consistent establishment of our country as an important regional pole of an open market economy. The national bourgeoisie has a key role to play in this.

I first presented my understanding of the national bourgeoisie to the general public at the Davos Economic Forum 24 years ago. In my opinion, the bourgeoisie is national not by ethnicity, but by the degree of civic consciousness of its representatives. We need a national bourgeoisie that is aware of its responsibility to society and makes a significant contribution to the development of the country.

As the Head of State, I am always open to dialogue. I hold meetings with domestic business, expecting strategic initiatives and interesting proposals from them on the development of various sectors of the economy and improving policies in one area or another.

However, some entrepreneurs primarily raise their narrow problems, rather than large-scale issues related to the entire country. They turn to me with requests to assist their enterprises or give instructions to authorised bodies to obtain preferences and support specific business projects. There is a desire to act the old-fashioned way, to lobby for their interests, to resolve personal issues at the expense of the state.

Meanwhile, the big businesspeople of many other countries, including neighbouring ones, do not ask the state for anything but, on the contrary, voluntarily invest large amounts of money in the development of their countries.

I believe that people who do business and earn money in Kazakhstan should always think not only about their own business but also about the common good, organically combining private interests with public ones.

Of course, there are many businesspeople who finance social projects and take part in the implementation of charitable and volunteer initiatives in our country. The State will always recognise and support such entrepreneurs.

I understand the sincere and noble motives of businesspeople who use their own money to build mosques in the regions. No less noble and useful would be the construction of new schools, dormitories, hospitals, libraries, museums, and sports complexes. I believe that future generations will be grateful for such concrete deeds.

It is important for business leaders to be active and socially responsible in everything, helping their compatriots whenever possible. Only in this case will it be possible to talk about the emergence of a national bourgeoisie that is truly new in spirit, capable of creating a competitive economy and ready to honestly serve its people.

The full text of the President’s speech at the third meeting of the National Kurultai can be found by clicking on the link: https://akorda.kz/en/1-1525938