Moscow, December 11, 2024 – The Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) hosted a regular meeting of the Working Group on Afghanistan under the CSTO Foreign Ministry, chaired by Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat Kaliev.The participants of the meeting exchanged views on the military and political situation in Afghanistan, noted the continuing threats from terrorist groups emanating from its territory.The meeting was attended by Acting Deputy Secretary General of the CSTO Samat Ordabayev, as well as representatives of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Coordination Service of the Council of Commanders of the CIS Border Troops, the CIS Anti-Terrorist Center.In conclusion, T. Kaliyev summed up the results of the meeting of the working group and wished success to the Kyrgyz Republic during the presidency in 2025.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/901193

Astana, 6 December 2024 – The Committee on Investments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, supported by JSC “NC “Kazakh Invest” and JSC “NC “Kazakh Tourism,” organized an acceleration program aimed at improving the investment climate and identifying barriers hindering the implementation of investment projects in the tourism sector. This constructive dialogue between state and business representatives addressed a range of pressing issues for SMEs, including reducing monthly payments to the state national nature parks for land use in national parks, extending loan terms, introducing other forms of state support, and improving access to infrastructure and communications.In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Kuantyrov, emphasized that, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism sector’s contribution to the global economy is projected to reach a record 11.1 trillion US dollars in 2024. In this context, unlocking the potential of Kazakhstan’s tourism sector as a strategic economic priority is becoming increasingly important, especially in light of the goal to attract 150 billion dollars in investments by 2029. Improving approaches and regulatory frameworks will not only modernize the industry but also boost investment inflows.The Chairman of the Board of JSC “NC “Kazakh Tourism,” Alikhan Baidusenov, expressed readiness to collaborate with JSC “NC “Kazakh Invest” on developing investment projects in the tourism sector.The event also featured participation from Member of the Mazhilis of Parliament Temir Kyrykbayev, representatives of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan, financial institutions, quasi-state bodies, and business entities, including LLP “PANA ASIA,” TÖR'RE Group, LLP “Kaskasu Resort,” LLP “Vista Lago,” and others.As a result of the discussions, the proposals and recommendations developed will be analyzed, and, if necessary, submitted for consideration at the Investment Headquarters meeting under the Government of Kazakhstan.The objective of these acceleration meetings is to identify and eliminate barriers hindering the implementation of investment projects, improve the investment climate, and create favorable business conditions in the country. This approach fosters productive dialogue between government agencies and private businesses to identify the most effective solutions.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/901354

Kostanay, 9 December 2024 – During a working visit to the Kostanay region, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov and Managing Director of JSC “NC “Kazakh Invest” Azamat Kozhanov held a meeting with the Akim of the region, Kumar Aksakalov, and visited several production facilities.During the meeting with the regional akim, the parties discussed the region’s potential for implementing investment projects in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and mechanical engineering. Special attention was paid to the modernization of infrastructure to support investment activities, including the development of logistics routes.The delegation also visited the Sokolov Quarry and the processing plant of JSC “Sokolov-Sarbai Mining and Production Association” in Rudny, which specializes in the extraction of iron ore and the production of iron ore pellets and concentrate. The delegation was briefed on the company's development plans and its investment strategy.As part of the visit, Deputy Minister Kuantyrov visited the “KamLitKZ” LLP cast-iron foundry, valued at 78 billion tenge, and the “TEHNOPARK KZ” LLP automotive body production plant, worth 90 billion tenge. Both projects are considered key to the industrial and innovative development of the region.The delegation also reviewed the progress of the construction of the KIA automobile manufacturing plant, which has an investment of 90 billion tenge. The plant is expected to be commissioned in 2025 with an annual production capacity of up to 70,000 vehicles. Investors highlighted the plant’s multiplier effect, noting that several South Korean companies plan to establish component production facilities in the Kostanay region. To implement the project, KIA signed an investment contract with the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.Furthermore, Kuantyrov and Kozhanov inspected the construction progress of the biscuit production workshop of JSC “Bayan Sulu,” valued at 20.7 million dollars, which is expected to be operational by 2026. They also visited a dairy and ice cream production plant and the construction site of a cheese production workshop of “MILKH” LLP, where the company’s management shared plans to expand production facilities.The delegation also held a meeting with “Qostanai Grain Industry” LLP, where company executives presented a planned investment project for the deep processing of grain, valued at 70 billion tenge. The project is scheduled for launch in 2027, with a production capacity of 415,000 tons of grain per year. As part of the project, the company intends to submit an application to sign an investment agreement with the Government of Kazakhstan.The Kostanay region continues to actively develop by attracting both domestic and international investors to implement investment projects aimed at strengthening the regional economy, diversifying industries, and creating jobs. Currently, the region’s investment portfolio includes 38 projects with a total value of 2.2 trillion tenge. These initiatives cover the production of phosphate fertilizers, construction materials, and food products. The projects already launched are expected to create more than 9,000 new jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/901732

Astana, 11 December 2024 – At the site of JSC “NC “Kazakh Invest,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov held a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of the Turkish company “YDA Holding,” Hüseyin Arslan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the group’s plans to expand its investment activities in Kazakhstan.Arslan highlighted the high potential of the Middle Corridor and the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route in the current context. He also emphasized the significance of developing local production to meet the needs of agriculture. In this regard, the Chairman of the Board expressed YDA Holding’s interest in implementing projects in Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex and the transport and logistics sectors.In turn, Kuantyrov emphasized the strategic level of partnership with Turkiye and noted the long-standing successful cooperation with YDA Holding. In this context, the Deputy Minister expressed his readiness to provide support in concluding an investment agreement and organizing negotiations with sectoral government bodies to ensure the successful implementation of the project.YDA Holding is a diversified group of companies specializing in construction. The group’s portfolio includes projects in 12 countries with a total value of 10.2 billion US dollars. The group has been operating in Kazakhstan since 2002. To date, it has implemented three projects worth a total of 320 million dollars: the construction of international airports in the cities of Aktau and Turkestan, as well as the establishment of a multi-profile production facility – YDA Industrial Park – at the “Astana-Technopolis” SEZ. Three more projects worth approximately 1.35 billion dollars are currently under implementation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/901899

In November this year, 96.9 thousand vacancies and 91.7 thousand resumes were published on the Electronic Labor Exchange (hereinafter – EBT), that is, the activity of both employers and applicants continued the dynamics of decline. Compared to October, the number of vacancies decreased by 22% (by 26.7 thousand), and the number of resumes decreased by 14% (by 14.3 thousand).The sharp decrease in demand is mainly due to a decrease in the need for workers in the heating sector. The most noticeable reduction occurred among boiler room operators – from 7 thousand vacancies in October to 500 in November, boiler room machinists – from 2.3 thousand to 408, as well as stokers – from 6.3 thousand to 805 vacancies.By region, in November, the most vacancies were placed by employers in Astana (8 thousand), Pavlodar (6.4 thousand) and Almaty (5.8 thousand) regions. The largest reduction in the number of vacancies was observed in West Kazakhstan (-52%, or -4.8 thousand), Kyzylorda (-49%, or -2.5 thousand) and Mangystau (-42%, or -1.5 thousand) regions. Among densely populated regions, the decrease is also noticeable in the Turkestan region (-34%, or -3.2 thousand) and Almaty (-32%, or -3 thousand).As in the previous month, in November, every fifth vacancy at the EBT was placed by individual enterprises (19.8 thousand), the rest (77.1 thousand) by legal entities.Almost half of all resumes are posted by young people aged 16 to 34 years (43.9 thousand), among them the most active are groups from 16 to 24 years old and from 29 to 34 years old, which account for 18% of the total number of resumes posted on the EBT. One in four (23 thousand) job seekers is a middle–aged applicant (from 35 to 44 years old), and applicants of pre-retirement age accounted for 9% (8.7 thousand) of all resumes.Employers offered the highest wages to the main builders (on average from 726 thousand tenge), heads of services in the extractive industry (about 649 thousand tenge) and millers (about 580 thousand tenge). Among the applicants, the highest salary expectations were for candidates for the position of head of development projects (on average from 1.3 million tenge), head of the analytics service (about 1.2 million tenge) and pilot (about 1.1 million tenge).Thus, in November, the EBT continued its downward trend in search and hiring activity. The main contribution to the decrease was made by the operators of heating systems, which is due to the fact that these enterprises had already staffed the necessary personnel in October. At the same time, there is still a high demand for specialists with professions that are not subject to seasonal fluctuations in the labor market.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/901273

As of December 1, 2024, 627.6 thousand Kazakhstanis were covered by active employment promotion measures. 496.2 thousand people were employed, of which 311.1 thousand were permanently employed.185.1 thousand people were employed in subsidized jobs, of which: 15.5 thousand for social jobs; 32.2 thousand for youth practice; 108.4 thousand for public works; 9.5 thousand for projects "First Workplace", "Contract of Generations" – 417 people, "Silver Age" – 19 thousand. a man.55.2 thousand unemployed people have been covered by online training on in-demand skills in the labor market, 50.1 thousand of them have completed their studies.57.5 thousand people were also trained in the basics of entrepreneurship under the Bastau Business project, 36.6 thousand of them completed and received certificates.In order to choose the field of activity, 202.4 thousand people underwent social career guidance.In addition, since the beginning of this year, 8,941 grants have been issued to socially vulnerable categories of the population in the amount of up to 400 MCI (1,476,800 tenge) for the implementation of new business initiatives.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/902229

Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Svetlana Zhakupova congratulated Kazakhstanis on the upcoming Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, wishing them health, well-being and happiness."This year we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Kazakhstan's acquisition of sovereignty.Independence is what our ancestors have dreamed of since time immemorial. After gaining sovereignty, Kazakhstan introduced its own state symbols and currency, and adopted a Constitution. The Republic has been proclaimed a democratic, secular, legal and social State.Despite the difficulties our country faced in the early years of independence, the State has identified long-term social priorities. For 33 years, a lot of work has been done in the social and labor sphere, all sectoral laws, strategic documents and government programs have been adopted.Fulfilling social obligations and improving the welfare of the population are the main priorities of social policy.To date, 41 types of social payments, including basic and solidarity pensions, are carried out at the expense of the republican budget. Since the beginning of the year, 5.3 trillion tenge has been allocated for the payment of benefits and pensions for 4.5 million people, including 2.4 million pensioners and 2.1 million recipients of state benefits.This year, the Initial Report on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Kazakhstan, was successfully submitted to the UN.In general, as part of strengthening social protection for people with disabilities, the social service system is being transformed, the work of special social services centers is being digitized, and the pilot project "Innovative Factory of Rehabilitation Equipment" has been launched, which allowed children from four pilot regions to gain access to expensive rehabilitation equipment.To increase the level of social protection for people who have been working in harmful working conditions for a long time, since January 1, 2024, on behalf of the Head of State, a special social payment has been introduced, which has already been assigned to almost 13 thousand people.Another important event this year was the transfer of the labor inspectorate from local executive bodies to the jurisdiction of our Ministry. The State Labor Inspection Committee with its territorial divisions was established, and a vertical and independent system of state control over compliance with labor legislation was established.The implementation of a set of measures to promote employment contributed to a decrease in the unemployment rate to 4.6%. Since the beginning of the year, more than 845 thousand people have been employed, about 315.1 thousand Kazakhstanis have been covered by additional measures to promote employment in the form of training and career guidance.Congratulations to all Kazakhstanis on the upcoming Independence Day! I wish my compatriots good health, well–being and happiness, and further prosperity to our motherland!" says Svetlana Zhakupova in her address. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/902582

Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov held a meeting with residents of the regional center, and also organized a personal reception of citizens. Such meetings are an important part of his work aimed at solving current issues and developing the region.During the dialogue with residents, key topics were discussed:• providing housing for socially vulnerable groups of the population, including creating conditions for people with limited mobility to play sports;• landscaping of courtyards and city streets, building modern playgrounds and sports grounds, improving road infrastructure;• supporting small and medium-sized businesses, creating new jobs and attracting investment in the region's economy.The Akim emphasized that all citizens' requests are taken under personal control, and specific steps will be taken to resolve each of the issues."Such meetings give us the opportunity to hear people's needs and organize further work so that it brings real results. I thank the residents of Kostanay for their activity, trust and constructive proposals. Joint work is the basis for the successful development of our region," Kumar Aksakalov noted.Dialogue with the population remains one of the priorities in the work of the regional leadership, which contributes to the prompt resolution of problems and strengthening the trust of citizens.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/900994

Chairman of the Committee for Regulation and Control in the Field of Social Protection (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) Tolegen Ospankulov, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, spoke at a press conference at the Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan about the work of state inspectors of social protection in 2024.At the beginning of his speech, he noted that institutions of social inspectors exist in many countries and play an important role in improving the quality of social support for citizens, as well as allow for the formation of an effective and transparent social protection system with strict control over compliance with standards in this area.In Kazakhstan, the Institute of Social Inspectors has been introduced since the entry into force of the Social Code on July 1, 2023 to strengthen control over compliance by service providers with legislation in the field of social protection and improve the quality of services provided. To date, 111 state inspectors are working in the field of social protection of the population."The main activity of social protection inspectors is to monitor compliance with legislation in the field of social protection of persons with disabilities (hereinafter – LSI), the provision of special social services and social security.The functions of social inspectors also include conducting explanatory work on issues within their competence, interacting with government agencies, individuals and legal entities on issues of ensuring compliance with the requirements of legislation on social protection," Tolegen Ospankulov said.Social inspectors, based on the results of the inspection, make mandatory instructions to the subject of control for the elimination, prevention, prevention and prevention of detected violations and impose administrative fines for gross violations."Today, more than 730 thousand people live in the country. LSI, their share of the total population is 3.6%.In 11 months of 2024, social inspectors conducted 2,474 inspections, of which 2,307 were on accessibility for people with disabilities and 167 on the provision of special social services (hereinafter referred to as SSS). 629 inspections were carried out as part of preventive control, 655 – unscheduled and 1,190 – at the request of the prosecutor's office. According to the results of inspections, 949 prescriptions were issued to service providers and 961 fines were imposed in the amount of more than 215 million tenge. The inspections covered: 174 akimats, 167 SSU centers, 88 polyclinics and hospitals, 11 rehabilitation centers, 468 kindergartens, 802 schools, 144 lyceums and colleges, 110 departments and departments of local executive bodies, 39 trading houses, 12 banks, etc." – Tolegen Ospankulov informed.The Chairman of the Committee noted that the main violations of accessibility for LSI are: the absence of a ramp; the incongruity of the ramp angle, as well as the width of the doorway to the standards; the absence of handrails on the entrance group; inadequate sanitary facilities; lack of special parking spaces for LSI, signs, contrast guides for persons with visual impairment.In some organizations providing SSU, the need for ongoing or major repairs has been identified, as well as the discrepancy between the area of residential premises and the required standards. In addition, violations were found in terms of compliance with the norms and requirements of nutrition, prescribing and dispensing medicines, installing video surveillance cameras, maintaining personal files of service recipients, filling in staff, the need to replace furniture, equipment, hard and soft inventory, clothing and shoes, vehicles.Ospankulov stressed that the main focus on protecting the rights of LSI is the adaptation of facilities. Currently, the National Plan to Ensure the Rights and Improve the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities in the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025, the Roadmap of the Amanat Party for 2023-2027 and the Halykpen Birge project, developed on behalf of the Head of State, are being implemented.The Roadmap of the Amanat party in the period from 2023 to 2027 provides for the adaptation of more than 40 thousand objects included in the Interactive Accessibility Map (hereinafter referred to as the Map). 20% of the facilities are subject to adaptation annually. By 2024, it is planned to adapt 40%, or 17,325 facilities, to 2025 – 60%, 2026 – 80%, in 2027, 100%."Today, according to local executive bodies, 22,166 objects have been fully adapted, or 51.8% (with a plan of 40%) of the number included in the Accessibility Map. Among them are almost 3.4 thousand healthcare facilities, more than 7.5 thousand educational facilities, 3.3 thousand institutions and organizations, more than 1.8 thousand cultural facilities, more than 4 thousand objects of trade, services, entertainment, etc.At the same time, in the regional aspect, indicators below the planned level were noted in Mangystau (36%) and Ulytau (28%) regions," the chairman of the Committee said.Tolegen Ospankulov added that in August this year, the criteria for assessing the degree of risk and a checklist in the field of social security, including compulsory social insurance, were approved. Inspections in these areas will begin from the beginning of 2025."The inspections will cover the sphere of social security of the population in terms of timely and correct appointment and transfer of social benefits to recipients. The subjects of control will be the NAO State Corporation Government for Citizens, JSC State Social Insurance Fund, as well as their branches, whose activities will be evaluated according to 12 criteria," he informed.At the end of his speech, Ospankulov said that another area of work of the Committee from January 1, 2025 will be the licensing of organizations providing SSU."The introduction of licensing is aimed at improving the quality of services provided to socially vulnerable segments of the population. When issuing a license, the availability of a material and technical base and equipment, a medical license, a fire safety license, the availability of an adapted building, a full staff, etc. will be taken into account. Thanks to the ongoing work, organizations that are not interested in providing high-quality services will be filtered out.Currently, social inspectors, together with local executive bodies, are working to analyze the readiness for licensing of organizations providing SSU. Applications for licensing will be accepted from December 26," Tolegen Ospankulov summed up.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/900720

In order to improve approaches to the prevention of possible labor risks at enterprises in Kazakhstan, in April this year, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population launched the information system "Digital Labor Risk Map" (hereinafter – CCTR). As of December 1, 2024, 92.8 thousand enterprises were registered in the CCTR, which are regularly monitored.The system works on the basis of a scoring model, with an analysis of more than 80 indicators from the information systems of government agencies, which takes into account the weighting factors for each indicator, which helps to objectively determine the level of labor risk.Thanks to the CCTR, it has become possible to more accurately and timely monitor the implementation of social and labor legislation at enterprises. This reduces the likelihood of employers committing violations in terms of pay, working conditions and working hours. State labor inspectors at enterprises with a risk of labor conflicts carry out prompt response to threats with the adoption of preventive measures.In addition, thanks to the automatic identification and analysis of risks, business managers can take measures to eliminate them in advance, thereby reducing the likelihood of occupational diseases. The system also helps employers to eliminate potential problems and violations faster, which, in turn, reduces the number of labor disputes and litigation related to non-compliance with labor legislation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/900417

Astana, December 5, 2024 – A meeting of the subgroup on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights under the Advisory Body – Dialogue Platform on the Human Dimension was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the co-chairmanship of Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alua Nadirkulova, and First Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akmadi Sarbasov.The event was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights under the President of Kazakhstan, deputies of the Mazhilis of Parliament, representatives of interested ministries, Kazakh human rights NGOs, as well as guests of the site – representatives of the United Nations Development Program, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Representative Office of the European Union in the Republic of Kazakhstan.First Vice-Minister Sarbasov made a report on the implementation of the recommendations following the protection of the Second National Report of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the implementation of the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 2019. Thus, as part of the implementation of the recommendations, the Social Code was adopted, providing for a number of measures and norms reflected in the recommendations of the UN Committee, the Concept of Migration Policy until 2027, the Concept of Safe Work in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024-2030, as well as the National Plan to Ensure the Rights and Improve the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities in the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025.During the meeting, the President of the Public Foundation for the Development of Parliamentarism in Kazakhstan, Zauresh Battalova, presented Alternative Report No. 7, prepared by a Coalition of Kazakhstani Non-Governmental Human Rights Organizations within the framework of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. The report addresses issues of ensuring economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the right to education. In particular, it was noted that it is necessary to adopt at the legislative level a provision on an adequate standard of living for Kazakhstanis, its components and evaluation criteria.Overall, the discussion of the agenda was open and constructive. Representatives of government agencies and NGOs listened to problematic issues and gave practical recommendations for the systematic improvement of the economic, social and cultural rights of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Dialogue Platform on the Human Dimension was established in 2013 at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. The platform serves as an effective tool for facilitating dialogue between the Government and civil society. Various pressing human rights issues are discussed on the platform, with the participation of international organizations such as UNDP, OHCHR, OSCE, etc. as observers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/899092

Astana, December 30, 2025 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Han Chunlin.During the meeting, the sides discussed topical issues of Kazakh-Chinese cooperation in the political, trade and economic, as well as cultural and humanitarian spheres, and exchanged views on prospects for its further expansion.The interlocutors noted the unprecedented dynamics of the development of political dialogue between the two countries over the past year. Particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of the agreements reached during meetings between the leaders of Kazakhstan and China, as well as to the schedule of bilateral events at the highest and high levels in 2026.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties exchanged views on issues on the regional and international agenda and agreed to continue close coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the UN, SCO, CICA, and the “Central Asia – China” format.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1135363?lang=kk

Astana, 9 December 2024 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted a ceremony to appoint the second group of “Goodwill Ambassadors of Kazakhstan,” with the participation of First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Akan Rakhmetullin.This project, initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aims to foster dialogue between cultures and peoples, while enhancing the country’s visibility and promoting its achievements abroad.Prominent public and cultural figures of Kazakhstan, including People’s Artist Dimash Kudaibergen; opera singer Maria Mudryak; TV presenter and cultural project producer Maya Bekbayeva; archaeologist and member of the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ISESCO Dmitriy Voyakin; and Chair of the Board of Qazaq Geography, scientist-ethnographer Aigerim Musagazhinova, were invited to participate in the project.In his welcoming speech, First Deputy Minister Rakhmetullin noted that Kazakhstan is recognized globally as a peace-loving and progressive state, as well as a reliable partner in addressing global and regional issues.According to the Kazakh diplomat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is conducting extensive work to promote Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage and national diversity to foreign audiences. In this regard, Rakhmetullin highlighted “Kazakhstan: Born Bold” international campaign designed to further increase the country’s global recognition.Stressing the importance and relevance of cultural and humanitarian diplomacy in today’s digital age, Rakhmetullin commended the efforts of those public figures who attended in popularizing Kazakhstan’s achievements in various fields.“Goodwill Ambassador status is not only a prestigious honor but also a big responsibility. Through this project, we aim to continue showcasing our culture, art, scientific progress, innovations, sports victories, creative solutions, tourism potential, and our most cherished value – the preservation of peace and harmony,” said Rakhmetullin.Addressing the audience, Dmitriy Voyakin emphasized that Kazakhstan’s strength lies in its cultural diversity and heritage, which must be preserved and developed. “To be a Goodwill Ambassador means to inspire. May our shared efforts become a symbol of unity and inspiration for all who believe in the power of science, culture, and human understanding,” he said.Expressing her gratitude for the trust placed in her, Maya Bekbayeva highlighted that Kazakhstan has an ancient culture and rich history built on the values of peace, tolerance, and unity. She said that as part of the project, she intends to actively promote these principles and strengthen Kazakhstan’s cultural and humanitarian cooperation with foreign countries in close partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The introduction of the internationally recognized Goodwill Ambassador initiative in Kazakhstan has already proven effective in promoting the country’s global standing. Expanding the pool of Goodwill Ambassadors aims to inspire people worldwide to connect more closely with Kazakhstan.It should be noted that earlier, the status of Goodwill Ambassador was awarded to violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliyev; Olympic champion Alexander Vinokurov; artist and anti-nuclear activist Karipbek Kuyukov; cardiac surgeon Yuri Pya; researcher of historical maps Mukhit-Ardager Sydyknazarov; Chief Conductor of the State Academic Orchestra “Otyrar Sazy” Dinara Tlendiyeva; pop singer Mirhidai Mirfarukh, widely known as Adam; and world record-holder and Guinness World Records title-holder Sergey Tsyrulnikov. They successfully fulfill their missions and implement socially significant projects in cultural and humanitarian development, environmental protection, youth sports development, and other areas. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/899301

Astana, December 10, 2024 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held a working meeting with a group of ambassadors of Arab countries accredited in Kazakhstan.The main agenda of the meeting was the discussion of ways to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and a constructive exchange of views on the international and regional issues.Furthermore, key areas of cooperation in various fields were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade, economic and investment ties, including fields of energy, agriculture, tourism, transport and logistics.During the meeting, the Kazakh Foreign Minister noted the positive dynamics and successful development of bilateral relations, summing up the main outcomes of interaction with Arab countries in 2024 and outlining common key tasks for the next year.Minister Nurtleu emphasized the significance of partnership with the Arab states, noting common political, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties and interests. He also expressed gratitude to the ambassadors for their contribution to the development of bilateral relations and active participation in strengthening interaction between Kazakhstan and the Arab world.“Kazakhstan is ready and open to use all available opportunities to expand existing ties and explore new prospects of cooperation with its partners in the Middle East and North Africa,” Nurtleu noted.The heads of the Arab diplomatic missions highly praised the role and efforts of Kazakhstan in promoting agenda of strengthening peace, sustainable development and security, including Kazakhstan’s initiatives within the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other international platforms. The Ambassadors expressed their support for the large-scale political and socio-economic reforms of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which lay a solid foundation sustainable development of Kazakhstan and contribute to strengthening regional stability.Arab diplomats also confirmed their readiness to continue close cooperation with the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan in order to foster comprehensive ties between the countries and regions.Following the meeting, which was held in a friendly atmosphere, the parties agreed to maintain regular dialogue and intensify efforts in implementing joint tasks and projects.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/900312

Since January 1, 2025, Kazakhstan has introduced licensing of special social services (hereinafter – SSS) in the field of social protection of the population. This will create conditions for improving the quality of their provision and reducing the number of violations in this area. According to the results of a pre–licensing analysis conducted by the Committee for Regulation and Control in the Field of Social Protection (hereinafter referred to as the Committee), it was found that 72.3% of 1007 organizations providing SSU meet the requirements.The introduction of licensing is one of the stages of modernization of the system of providing special social services and is aimed at: improving the quality of services provided; guaranteeing the safety and protection of the rights of service recipients; establishing uniform standards for organizations providing SSAS."It has long been necessary to ensure the proper quality of the SSU, regardless of the form of ownership of the organizations providing these services. It is enough to recall the tragic case that occurred last year in one of the centers for the provision of special social services, where children with disabilities were poisoned, even with a fatal outcome. According to the results of the comprehensive audit, it was found that the rights of children with disabilities were grossly violated in the organization: household services were not provided in full; minimum standards for the issuance of bed linen, clothing and shoes were not observed; screening examinations were not carried out; nutrition standards were violated.For 11 months of this year, as a result of 167 inspections, 148 subjects were issued orders to eliminate the identified violations, 15 fines totaling 1.75 million tenge were imposed," Chairman of the Committee Tolegen Ospankulov said.He stressed that the quality of the SSU directly depends on two main factors: the level of professional qualifications of employees and the compliance of organizations providing services with established requirements."Today there are 12.7 thousand social workers in the republic in the field of social protection of the population. Of these, only 12% have specialized education and 88% have medical, pedagogical, economic, etc.To improve the quality of personnel, a professional standard has been developed this year, which sets requirements for social workers. More than 8.3 thousand social workers have already completed specialized training and received certificates this year. Since 2025, a Register of social workers is being introduced, which will reflect all data related to their professional competence. Also, starting next year, social workers will be able to undergo retraining and advanced training on the basis of 14 universities of the republic with specialized departments, with which the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection signed memoranda.And in order to solve the issues of creating appropriate conditions in organizations providing SSU, licensing will be introduced from 2025," the chairman of the Committee stressed.One of the main conditions for obtaining a license are defined: the presence of a building suitable for the provision of SSU and corresponding to Sanitary rules, Fire safety Rules; the availability of the necessary material and technical base ensuring the proper quality of services provided; the availability of staff; ensuring the accessibility of buildings for low-mobility groups of the population, etc.Since October of this year, the territorial departments of the Committee have been conducting a pre-licensing analysis, during which it was found that 72.3% of the 1007 organizations providing SSU fully comply with the licensing conditions.Local executive bodies are working to bring the state centers for the provision of special social services in line with the established requirements.At the same time, out of the non–governmental sector organizations providing SSS, 86 facilities were identified that do not have fire safety certificates, 70 do not have SES conclusions, 87 buildings of organizations are not provided with access for persons with disabilities. "We continue to work out issues of preparation for licensing with akimats and NGOs, provide the necessary consultations and support in terms of passing pre-licensing control. Licensing of organizations will, first of all, ensure the quality of the services provided, and secondly, ensure the effectiveness of social rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and other categories of service recipients with their further integration into society," Ospankulov stressed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/899389

As of December 1, 2024, state labor inspectors at 277 enterprises of the republic revealed wage arrears to 18.7 thousand employees in the amount of 4.4 billion tenge. In addition, during the inspections conducted in various organizations, more than 7.5 thousand violations of labor rights were revealed.The heads of enterprises where salary arrears were identified were issued 249 mandatory orders and fines in the amount of more than 50.3 million tenge were imposed.As a result of the measures taken, including the establishment of strict schedules and deadlines for repayment of wage arrears, the rights of more than 17.5 thousand employees are protected. They were paid 3.4 billion tenge.In addition, issues of ensuring state control over compliance with labor legislation are under special control of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan.As of December 1 this year, state labor inspectors conducted 5,039 inspections, during which 7,583 violations were revealed, of which: 5,723 in the field of labor; 1,793 in safety and labor protection; 67 in employment.2,998 prescriptions were issued to employers and 3,359 administrative fines were imposed in the amount of 371 million tenge.As a result of the measures taken, the labor rights of more than 33 thousand employees are protected. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/898504

Astana, December 6, 2024 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted the Steering Committee on Coordinating the Development of the Cooperation Program between the Government of Kazakhstan and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for 2026-2030.The event with the participation of government bodies’ representatives and UNICEF experts was co-chaired by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Akan Rakhmetullin and the Head of the UNICEF Country Office Rashed Sarwar.Rakhmetullinhighly appreciated the jointeffortsemphasizing on the establishment of the OmbudspersonforChildren’s Rights, the introduction of the Child Well-being Index, the launch of the “NationalFund for Children” program,strictermeasuresforallforms of violenceagainstchildren.“The adoption of theselegislativeandinstitutionalmeasuresispart of President Tokayev’s reform agendaaimedatbuilding a fairandopensociety,”Rakhmetullin stated.Sarwarnotedthat the newCooperation Programbetween the Government of the Republic of KazakhstanandUNICEFreflects the sharedgoals to advancing children’s rights.“By investingintheireducation,healthcareand overall well-being,we are laying a solidfoundationfortheirfuturelivesandmakingstrategicinvestmentstodevelop the country’s leadershipin the regionandaroundtheworld,”hesaid.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/898209

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/898184

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1132960?lang=kk

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has prepared a draft order of the head of the department, providing for the approval of 8 new professional holidays. The document is posted on the Open NPAs portal for public discussion until December 23, 2024The draft order of the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On amendments to the order of the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated June 29, 2023 No. 258 "On approval of the list of professional holidays" provides for the addition of the list of professional holidays with the following dates:– Day of financial monitoring bodies – January 28;– Maritime and River Transport Workers' Day – the first Sunday in July;– Railway Transport Day – the first Sunday in August;– Workers' Day in the field of instrumentation and automation – the second Sunday in September;– day of workers of technical and vocational, post–secondary education of the Republic of Kazakhstan - October 2;– Motor Transport Workers' Day – the last Sunday in October;– Accounting and Auditing Workers' Day – November 10;– the day of the penal enforcement system is December 13.In addition, it is planned to exclude the National Press Day and Radio Day from the specified list due to the fact that these holidays were approved by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated August 16, 2024 No. 668.Proposals on the introduction of new professional holidays were initiated by the authorized state bodies of the relevant fields of activity.The draft order can be found on the Open NPAs portal at the link https://legalacts.egov.kz/npa/view?id=15332246 .Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/897968