The festive event "Large-scale Maslenitsa - 2026" was organized at the Dostyk House in Shymkent. The traditional Slavic holiday turned into an educational event that brought together city residents and representatives of ethnocultural associations. The event was attended by Toktar Amirkulov, Deputy Head of the Public Agreement Institution, Natalia Romanova, Chairwoman of the Shymkent City Slavic Ethnocultural Association, as well as leaders and members of 16 ethnocultural associations under the city's Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, and city residents. Speaking at the festive gathering, Toktar Amirkulov congratulated the audience on the holiday of Maslenitsa, noting that this holiday is a symbol of peace and unity, mutual forgiveness and renewal. He also noted that the Constitution guarantees equal rights and freedoms for representatives of all ethnic groups in the country, and the main pillar of harmony and stability in society is the rule of law. "Our main value is unity and mutual respect. The Constitution enshrines these values and protects the rights of every citizen. Therefore, such cultural events strengthen social harmony," he said. As part of the festive program, a concert program was presented under the auspices of the city Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, the Slavic ethnocultural association and the city Russian drama theater. The best soloists and creative teams of the city performed, and small performances were staged with the participation of theater artists. In addition, an exhibition of applied art products and an exhibition-fair of culinary products were organized. It is worth noting that Maslenitsa is a traditional Slavic holiday that marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. During the holiday, people forget their grievances and make peace, bake pancakes, which are a symbol of the sun, sing, dance, and play various national games. The celebration has become an important platform for strengthening interethnic harmony in the city and promoting cultural diversity.

Deputy Mayor Sarsen Kuranbek met with religious representatives in the city and explained the main directions of the draft New Constitution. During the meeting, issues of national development, social stability, and spiritual integrity were widely discussed. At the meeting, the imams were briefed on the content and strategic significance of constitutional reforms, and common goals for maintaining social unity were identified. In his speech, Sarsen Abayuly emphasized the values of tradition, customs, morality, and responsibility that form the foundation of Kazakh society. "The Kazakh people have always valued tradition and customs, honor and faith. As representatives of a traditional society, preserving these values is a common duty for all of us," he said. During the meeting, opinions were expressed on the role of the Kurultai institution, the format of the People's Council, as well as the contribution of education and science to the development of the country. Particular attention was also paid to the principle of territorial integrity, which is considered the foundation of the state. The status of the state language and the importance of national unity were also widely discussed. It was noted that a strong foundation of the state language is one of the main signs of statehood, and it was said that the national interest is measured primarily by unity. During the meeting, it was reported that the proposed draft of the New Constitution consists of 11 parts, 95 articles, and 84 percent of the norms in the document have been updated. It was noted that these changes are aimed at improving the governance system and strengthening mechanisms for protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. At the conclusion of the meeting, religious representatives expressed their support for the draft New Constitution, noting that they have a great responsibility to maintain harmony and stability in society and strengthen the unity of the country.

Nairobi, 20 February 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Kenya and Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN Office in Nairobi, Barlybay Sadykov, held a meeting with the Executive Director of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), Linus Nthigai, Board Member Bishop John Warari, and Hindu Council of Kenya Chairperson Sujatha Kotamraju.During the conversation, Ambassador Barlybay Sadykov provided a detailed briefing to the Kenyan side regarding Kazakhstan’s unique model of inter-ethnic and inter-confessional harmony. Special emphasis was placed on Kazakhstan’s initiatives to promote global dialogue, particularly within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as the active participation of Kenyan representatives in this process.The parties discussed practical approaches to preventing religious-based conflicts and promoting the values of tolerance among the youth.In turn, Linus Nthigai highly praised Kazakhstan's efforts on the international stage and expressed deep interest in exchanging experience with Kazakhstani institutions dedicated to the development of inter-civilizational dialogue.Participants of the meeting emphasized the vital importance of solidarity among religious leaders in addressing modern global challenges — ranging from climate change to social inequality.Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) – A coalition of the country's major religious communities dedicated to deepening inter-confessional dialogue and cooperation. Its mission is to mobilize the moral and social resources of believers to address common problems and promote sustainable peace and development in Kenya.Christianity prevails in Kenya, specifically Protestantism and Catholicism. A significant portion of the population also practices Islam and indigenous traditional beliefs.The Chairman of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, Bishop Willybard Kitogo Lagho, visited Kazakhstan on September 17-18, 2025, to participate in the VIII meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-nairobi/press/news/details/1166722?lang=kk

In the city of Kostanay, as part of the national program "Taza Kazakhstan," the regional volunteer campaign "Snow Landing" took place.The event was organized by the KSU "Youth Resource Center of Kostanay Region" of the Department of Public Development of the Akimat of Kostanay Region.The main goal of the campaign is to provide assistance to elderly people living alone and people with disabilities. During the winter period, clearing snow from their yards is especially important, and this is the task the volunteers undertook.The "Snow Landing" campaign has become not only real support for those in need but also an important contribution to the development of the volunteer movement in the region. Such initiatives foster a sense of social responsibility among young people, strengthen the principles of mutual assistance, and promote social cohesion.Conducting such events within the framework of the "Taza Kazakhstan" program demonstrates that caring for people and the environment remains among the priority areas of public work in the Kostanay region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1166706?lang=kk

Dear compatriots!Continuing its mission to promote the Kazakh language, the Otandastar Foundation will launch a new series of free online Kazakh language courses starting in March 2026!Language is not only a mirror of the nation but also a tool to better understand your own history. This course will help expand your cultural and linguistic horizons. Eligibility Criteria for Participants:Ethnic Kazakhs living abroad, former compatriots, or citizens of Kazakhstan residing abroad;No age restrictions;Interest in learning and developing Kazakh language skills;Ability to attend online classes regularly;Basic equipment: a computer or smartphone with internet access. Course Benefits:Language Proficiency:Develop skills in speaking, writing, and understanding Kazakh fluently;Learning the language opens new opportunities in government, business, and cultural events.Creating a Language Environment:The online courses comprehensively develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.Certification Opportunity:Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate by meeting the following requirements:Complete all lessons:      – Attend all lessons;       – Complete assignments and pass tests.Pass a final exam or test:          – A final exam or test will be conducted to assess overall knowledge; – Oral or written tasks may be required.Show active participation:        – Certificates will be awarded to those who attend regularly and actively participate in classes.Cultural Enrichment:In addition to language, participants will have the opportunity to learn about Kazakh culture and traditions.Boosting Confidence:As participants improve their language skills, they will gain confidence in expressing themselves in new environments. Why This Course?Interactive lessons designed for you; Engaging video materials and literary works. How to Enroll?The online Kazakh language course is offered in A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels for Turkish-speaking and Russian-speaking audiences.           To register and join the course, take a placement test using the links below:Test in Russian:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHSwC1Bh7oodrUEqaCIVwPXmIlR4yGaMOZa2JjlKkVrwQG6Q/viewform?usp=dialogTest in Turkish:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoCUYTiYCmNHLKhoGF12NZ00La_c_xHs51ZX8LP31pJrjjSQ/viewform?usp=dialogFor Turkish- and Russian-speaking participants:Score up to 25 points — Group A1Score up to 50 points — Group A2Score up to 75 points — Group B1Score above 75 points — please join Group B2 For Turkish-speaking participants – WhatsApp groups:A1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LjaLJXMkz8d4G9MuMF3uUyA2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Eo9wP7FYd7YLqnBEPDEw4nB1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JlVlOJjHNZhLsZK2gaeX4HB2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JOkqN6WOmRxCnWg96G5X81 For Russian-speaking participants – Telegram groups:A1: https://t.me/+TmqhiKZHeVJiOWEyA2: https://t.me/+erC61FUMki00YTAyB1: https://t.me/+tbNy0C7bOoNlNDA6B2: https://t.me/+A3V_axFsPp40ZmM6 Once you join the WhatsApp group, please wait for the instructor’s guidelines. The instructor will send the schedule after all participants complete the placement test. The online Kazakh language course is scheduled to begin in March 2026. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ashgabat/press/news/details/1166702?lang=kk