Kazakhstan celebrates International Youth Day, highlighting the contribution of the new generation to the country’s development, El.kz reports.
On this day, the country recognizes the energy and potential of its youth, who make up about 30% of the population (around 5.7 million people) with a median age of 32. Young people are actively launching startups, and achieving success in science, sports, environmental protection, and volunteering. The state views them as strategic capital and implements comprehensive support programs in education, employment, entrepreneurship, housing, and leadership, creating conditions for their active participation in the country’s socio-economic and political life.
Education of the Future: Training Professionals for a New Era
Kazakhstan is actively modernizing its education system, focusing on technical and vocational training. Under the “Zhas Maman” program, 180 colleges have been upgraded with modern equipment, enabling the training of specialists for the digital economy and industry. Dual education programs combining theory and practice involve over 20,000 students annually. Digital platforms, such as e-learning portals, and scholarships, including the “Bolashak” program — which has enabled over 13,000 Kazakhstanis to study at leading universities worldwide since 1993 — open access to global knowledge. The updated Youth Policy Concept until 2029 focuses on partnership with youth, developing soft skills, and supporting self-realization.
Career Support
Programs such as the “Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve” (over 400 young leaders selected for public service since 2009), “With a Diploma to the Village” (covering about 10,000 specialists annually), “Youth Practice,” and “First Job” provide employment opportunities and social guarantees.
These initiatives have helped reduce the NEET rate (youth not in education, employment, or training) from 9.2% in 2005 to 7.1% in 2023. The introduction of a 30% quota for youth and women in parliament and local government bodies strengthens their role in decision-making.
Home Ownership
Preferential mortgage programs “Nauryz” and “Otau” have enabled more than 19,000 young Kazakhstanis to purchase homes since 2020. In 2023, around 150 billion tenge (about $310 million) was allocated for youth housing programs, improving living conditions for 25,000 families. Regional initiatives, such as rent subsidies in Almaty and Astana, provide additional support in large cities where housing costs remain high.
Innovation and Business: Youth Changing the Game
Young entrepreneurs are actively developing projects in IT, green energy, creative industries, and agrotechnology. The “Digital Kazakhstan” program has created a startup ecosystem, including Astana Hub, which since 2018 has supported over 700 startups, creating more than 10,000 jobs. Grants and acceleration programs, such as “QazInnovate,” fund around 200 youth projects annually, totaling over 5 billion tenge ($10 million). Access to international markets is supported through platforms like the Eurasian Startup Summit, where Kazakh startups attract foreign investment.
Volunteering and the Global Stage: Uniting Kazakhstan’s Youth
The “Zhasyl El” project brings together more than 50,000 volunteers annually, implementing environmental and social initiatives nationwide. Almaty’s status as the Youth Capital of the OIC in 2025 has strengthened international recognition of Kazakhstan’s youth. Kazakhstan’s participation in the 49th session of the European Steering Committee for Youth (CDEJ) in Strasbourg in 2024 opened access to programs of the European Youth Foundation (EYF), boosting global integration. Forums such as the SCO Youth Forum and the Central Asia Youth Forum promote cooperation among young leaders in the region.
2025 — Year of Vocational Professions
Declared the Year of Vocational Professions, 2025 aims to promote engineering and technical specialties. The government has invested 20 billion tenge ($41 million) to open 50 new training centers and modernize college facilities. This addresses the growing demand for skilled workers in industry and construction, where there is a shortage of about 100,000 specialists. Internship programs and partnerships with major enterprises provide young people with practical experience.
Strong Support: Infrastructure for Youth Success
Kazakhstan has 234 youth resource centers serving over 500,000 people annually, offering consultations, training, and access to grants. Youth councils under local administrations coordinate regional projects, while the National Report “Youth of Kazakhstan” — published annually since 2013 — analyzes key trends in demographics, education, health, and employment. The Youth Development Index, introduced in 2020, tracks progress in education, employment, health, and civic activity, showing a 12% increase since 2015.