Celebrates with Kazakhstan's citizens on the International Youth Day, as declared by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is committed to building a Just, Clean, and Strong nation, with the active participation of its young people. Over 600,000 young Kazakhstanis are engaged in programs designed to expand access to education, employment, talent development, affordable housing, and youth entrepreneurship support.
The government's initiatives reflect a strategic approach to youth development. Career support programs, such as the "Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve," have nurtured over 400 young public service leaders since 2009. Initiatives like "With a Diploma to the Village" encourage employment in rural areas, while programs like "Youth Practice" and "First Job" offer ready employment opportunities and social guarantees for young people. These efforts have significantly reduced the youth NEET (not in education, employment, or training) rate from 9.2% in 2005 to 7.1% in 2023.
Housing support for young people is another priority. Preferential mortgage schemes like "Nauryz" and "Otau" have helped over 19,000 young people purchase homes since 2020. In 2023 alone, approximately 150 billion tenge (about $310 million) was allocated to youth housing programs, benefiting around 25,000 families.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are fostered through initiatives like "Digital Kazakhstan," which supports startups and creates jobs through hubs such as Astana Hub. Grants and acceleration programs like "QazInnovate" fund about 200 youth-led projects annually, focusing on IT, green energy, creative industries, and agrotechnology innovation.
Volunteering and social projects play a crucial role in fostering social engagement and leadership, especially in rural areas. UNICEF's Volunteer Hub in Kokshetau has seen over 10,000 youth join its volunteering movement since 2020.
Climate action education is another focus area. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports initiatives like the Summer Climate Camp and the "Climate Box" educational kit, which engage youth on climate change awareness and green solutions.
Academic opportunities are also expanded through state scholarships for foreign youth, enhancing international academic collaboration and youth development. Kazakhstan is also set to be the Youth Capital of the Turkic World 2025, hosting significant youth-oriented events in Almaty.
The holiday of International Youth Day holds special significance, and this year has been declared the Year of Labor Professions. Large-scale measures are being taken in connection with this declaration to ensure suitable conditions for the rising generation in Kazakhstan. The youth of Kazakhstan are educated, talented, active, and keep pace with the times.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed participants of the Jastar Fest forum dedicated to International Youth Day. Special quotas have been introduced in Kazakhstan, enabling youth to actively participate in the activities of the Mazhilis and maslikhats. The forum, taking place in Pavlodar, a region known for producing distinguished individuals and being a significant contributor to Kazakhstan's economy, brings together patriotic, talented, and responsible young people from various professions.
The words of the great thinker Abai, "Believe in yourself, and your happiness lies in the unity of reason and labor," remain relevant today in Kazakhstan. Among the forum participants, there are representatives who help those in need as volunteers, support good initiatives, participate in environmental actions, and glorify the country with victories in sports and educational competitions. In Kazakhstan, a person of labor should always enjoy special respect.
Education and self-development programs in Kazakhstan extend beyond academic pursuits, as the government supports entrepreneurial initiatives through programs like Digital Kazakhstan and QazInnovate, funding about 200 youth-led projects annually.
Political participation among young Kazakhstanis has been facilitated through the introduction of special quotas in local governance bodies, such as the Mazhilis and maslikhats, enabling their active involvement in decision-making processes.
