Tokayev: Our people have taken a major step forward

Tengrinews.kz - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke about the development of Kazakh society.

Speaking at the session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK), the President stated that Kazakhstan’s political and ideological landscape has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years.

“Reforms are being carried out in the economic sphere, but most importantly – public consciousness is changing. In terms of perceiving political realities, our people have changed significantly. I would say they have taken a major step forward. We have become a more modern and progressive society. All this brings new demands to our model of public harmony. If previous methods worked yesterday, it does not mean they are applicable today,” Tokayev said.

He noted that Kazakhstan should thoughtfully analyze all its successes and failures in order to avoid regressing into archaism. First and foremost, attention must be paid to the substantive work of the APK.

“In my view, the assembly should become a kind of headquarters that develops strategies and guides the state's work in the interethnic sphere. I am confident that fulfilling these specific tasks will further strengthen efforts in such an important and delicate area as interethnic relations. Strengthening interethnic harmony and stability has always been and will continue to be one of the main priorities of our state policy. In Kazakhstan, harmony, tolerance, and friendship are not just slogans, but the essence of daily life for our citizens. Against the backdrop of major conflicts, trade wars, and the devaluation of human life, we value peace even more — because there can be no development without it. And each of us, in our own area, stands for peace,” Tokayev stated.

The President said he had instructed regional governors to regularly hold meetings on interethnic and interfaith relations.

“It is important that government agencies, both centrally and locally, do not overlook this crucial sphere. Our state and society as a whole consider the politicization of interethnic and interfaith relations, and even more so any kind of provocations, to be unacceptable,” Tokayev added.

Earlier, on March 20, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev convened the 34th session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the APK.

What is the APK?

The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan is a consultative and advisory body that unites representatives of all ethnic groups living in the republic. The 33rd session, titled “Unity. Creation. Progress,” was held in Astana on April 24–25, 2024.

The APK is a key public platform that brings together people of different nationalities, cultures, and traditions around shared Kazakhstani values, said Deputy Chairman of the APK Dmitry Ostankovich earlier.

According to him, the assembly’s role goes beyond preserving cultural heritage — it fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, civic responsibility, and unity.

This year’s session, he added, will be a starting point for rethinking the APK’s mission, summarizing over 30 years of its work and outlining new directions for development.

The President of Kazakhstan serves as the Chair of the APK.