“This is the mentality we need here”: Tokayev praises Japanese citizens

Tengrinews.kz – Speaking at a meeting on the development of Astana, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that environmental preservation is a matter of strategic importance, citing Akorda.

The Head of State also recalled the Taza Kazakhstan project.

“Of course, the principles of high environmental culture and active civic participation are taking root in our society. It was precisely for this purpose that I initiated the Taza Kazakhstan project, which has received broad support across the country. Preserving the environment is a strategic issue. I should explain why I initiated this essentially ideological campaign — because ecology and everyday cleanliness must be part of our mentality,” Tokayev said.

The President also noted that a number of Asian cities apply economically sound approaches to waste management.

“We really have to fight waste. Tokyo has a permanent population of 14 million. That is a lot for such an area, yet there is remarkable cleanliness and order. I even paid a compliment during my speech at the summit when addressing the Prime Minister of Japan: the strength of your state lies, above all, in its people. You instill ideas of harmony. Japanese people are constantly learning, know how to behave, respect other people’s personal space, keep their offices, homes and apartments clean. And, of course, they are always acquiring knowledge and ready to pass it on to the younger generation. This is the mentality a nation needs to have here. That is why I place great hope in digitalization and artificial intelligence. I believe we must make significant progress in this direction and thus become a technological nation,” Tokayev said.