New public ethics and values discussed in Uralsk

A national forum entitled “New Public Ethics: Culture, Moral Standards and Values” was held in Oral, bringing together more than 1,000 representatives of civil society, the expert community and women actively engaged in public life, El.kz reports.

The forum was organised by the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi. It marked the first regional event held by this constitutional body as part of the implementation of the Head of State’s directives.

At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman of the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi Yerlan Koshanov read out a message of greetings from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The Head of State noted that the forum was important for ensuring continuity in national upbringing and fostering the development of public culture.

“The Constitution is a sacred document that paves the way for our country’s prosperity and serves as a guiding framework shaping the identity of our people in a new era. Therefore, one of our most important tasks is to provide citizens, particularly young people, with a comprehensive explanation of the Constitution’s core values and underlying principles, and to promote its provisions widely,” the presidential message stated.

Tokayev also linked the development of public culture to the Taza Kazakhstan initiative. According to the President, its underlying principles are gradually becoming part of everyday behaviour, particularly among young people.

“We are building a Just, Safe, Strong and Clean Kazakhstan, where the rule of law and public order prevail, and where particular importance is attached to education, science and innovation,” the message stated.

The President emphasised that government bodies, families, civil society activists, educators and volunteers must all contribute to this effort.

In his address, Yerlan Koshanov stated that the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi was tasked with bringing society together around the reforms and initiatives of the Head of State.

“Today’s discussion is about our homeland and family, and about the future. It is about how moral standards, a culture of conduct and public ethics can help foster a new standard of national development,” he said.

According to Koshanov, the principles of Zań men Tártip (Law and Order), Taza Kazakhstan (Clean Kazakhstan) and Adal Azamat (Responsible Citizen) should play an important role in this process.

He also highlighted the economic and social changes that had taken place in recent years. According to the figures he cited, Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product (GDP) had increased from 181.7 billion dollars to 306 billion dollars over seven years.

GDP per capita had risen over the same period from 9,800 dollars to 15,000 dollars.

Koshanov reported that 25,000 kilometres of roads had been constructed across the country during this period.

In addition, 1,300 new schools had been built, including 217 under the Keleshek Mektepteri project.

The Chairman of the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi noted that the next stage of transformation was now extending to the cultural and spiritual spheres.

“Reforms are transforming our country today, while values determine what it will be like 50 years from now. That is precisely why the President is consistently establishing the guiding principles for society that must become an integral part of everyday life,” Koshanov emphasised.

During the forum, participants discussed youth upbringing, the role of moral standards, and the development of education and a culture of reading.

Natalya Dementyeva, a member of the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi, raised the issue of living and service conditions in military units. Plans are in place to examine the current situation and develop proposals for improvement.

Particular attention was also given to youth employment. Arman Tulkubayev, head of the Zhana Mumkindik public association, presented the JOLTAP project, which helps people acquire in-demand professional skills and find employment.

Participants discussed the potential for expanding this experience to other regions, including initiatives targeting young people in rural areas.

The forum also addressed the protection of women’s rights, public ethics and the promotion of responsible civic behaviour.

A separate session focused on the culture of reading. Participants discussed the role of libraries and the need to encourage interest in books among both children and adults.

Following the forum, the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi plans to continue addressing the issues raised in the regions and incorporate participants’ proposals into the development of future initiatives.