“True patriotism“: Tokayev spoke on the role of volunteers in Kazakhstan
During the meeting, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked Toily Kurbanov for his consistent support of Kazakhstan's volunteering initiatives and for participating in the CIS Volunteer Forum currently held in Astana.
The President noted that Kazakhstan places a special emphasis on the development of the volunteer movement. This commitment is evidenced by the UN General Assembly's support of Kazakhstan's proposal to declare 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
"We view volunteering through the lens of state policy as a manifestation of true patriotism and, certainly, as state support for the youth. On my initiative, the principle of volunteering was included in the new Constitution. For the first time at the constitutional level, the promotion of volunteer activities has been enshrined," the President said.
Photo by the Akorda press service
It was emphasized that over a thousand events are being held in Kazakhstan as part of the International Year of Volunteers, with the number of volunteers in the country approaching 300,000.
A concept for the development of the volunteer movement through 2030 is currently being drafted, a digital volunteer passport is being introduced, and state support and regional infrastructure are being improved.
Toily Kurbanov. Photo: Akorda Press Service
Toily Kurbanov thanked the President of Kazakhstan for his attention to the development of the volunteer movement, noting the high level of cooperation with the UN Volunteers programme and the coordinated joint efforts within the framework of the International Year of Volunteers.
"Kazakhstan is the only country to have reached such heights in the field of volunteer activity. More than 60 countries supported Kazakhstan's initiative to proclaim the Year of Volunteers. You are setting global trends; public actions such as 'Taza Qazaqstan' have sparked great interest in several countries," the UNV Executive Coordinator noted.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of the UN Volunteers programme, the Order of Friendship (Dostyk) II degree for his significant contribution to the development of volunteering in Kazakhstan.
Photo by the Akorda press service
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In January of this year, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the Volunteer Forum in Astana, announcing that 2026 would be designated worldwide as the International Year of Volunteers. During his speech, the President also noted that being a volunteer means performing good deeds, doing kindness, and setting an example for others.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that it is during periods of severe trial that Kazakhstani volunteers work selflessly, demonstrating exceptional responsibility.