Almaty, October 28, 2024 – The «UN Plaza» hosted “Youth for Resilience in Central Asia” forum, which brought together delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.The Ambassador-at-Large – Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty, Zhanibek Abdrashov, made a welcoming speech, noting the importance of youth participation in global initiatives and presenting Kazakhstan’s efforts in this area, including support for volunteer movements. He also stressed the importance of creation a Regional UN Hub in Almaty to coordinate work on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia and Afghanistan.The UNDP Permanent Representative in Kazakhstan, Katarzyna Wawiernia, and the Deputy Head of the Diplomatic Mission of Japan, Kanata Tomohiro, also delivered a welcoming speech at the forum. At the panel session, Svetlana Zhakupova, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population, spoke on behalf of Kazakhstan. The forum participants discussed the development of youth employment as the way to a sustainable future in Central Asian countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/875288

Today, the ceremonial laying of the first stone for the construction of new microdistricts Astana and Baiterek in the city of Tobyl took place in the Kostanay region. The event was attended by the region's akim Kumar Aksakalov, who emphasized the importance of this project for improving the quality of life of the region's residents."We are launching large-scale construction that will create modern living conditions, provide housing for many families and will become an important step towards the development of our region's infrastructure," the akim noted.The project includes the construction of 154 residential buildings on an area of 176 hectares, which will accommodate about 14 thousand apartments. The microdistricts will include medical, educational and sports facilities, as well as landscaped recreation areas.During the event, Kumar Aksakalov talked to young people who expressed support for the initiative. "This is our common success, and I am proud that together we are creating comfortable conditions for future generations," he added.The construction of new microdistricts will become an important milestone in the development of the Kostanay region, and we are confident that this event will inspire local residents to new achievements.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/875077

During a working trip to Akmola region, Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Biakhmetov met with participants of various business support programs, held a meeting with the population of the region and received citizens on personal issues, and also visited social and educational facilities.The first object of the Vice Minister's visit was a cheese factory in the village of Katarkol, the owner of which received support for the development of its activities under the Auyl Amanaty program. Over the past year, almost 200 micro-loans were issued in the region under this program aimed at opening or expanding businesses and creating new jobs, thereby increasing the incomes of the population in rural areas.After that, Askar Biakhmetov met with Sarah Taizhanova, who received a grant as part of active measures to promote employment after training under the Bastau Business project. With the allocated funds, the woman purchased equipment for welding work carried out by her husband.The grant was granted in 2023, when there were 178 recipients in the region. 168 grants have been provided in the region this year.After talking with the businessman, the vice minister went to Kokshetau, where he held a reception for citizens on personal issues, and after that a meeting with the population of the Akmola region.In his speech, he recalled that the Head of State declared 2025 the Year of Working Professions, which implies a comprehensive focus on improving the quality of vocational education, increasing the status and prestige of working professions."The largest number of workers with professional technical education in the context of economic sectors prevail in the fields of trade, industry, agriculture, transport and warehousing, which in total amounts to about 2.5 million people.In the top of the most demanded working professions are welders, electromechanics, agricultural workers, locksmiths, electricians, professions in the field of water, heat and energy supply," Askar Biakhmetov noted.He also said that a priority list of working professions will be formed on an ongoing basis, which will be used as a guideline for personnel training in the education system. And the development of new and modernization of existing educational programs will be carried out on the basis of professional standards, which will bring personnel training closer to the needs of employers.The Vice Minister informed the residents of Akmola about the implementation of the "Social Wallet" project. The Ministry will integrate this payment instrument with the family's Digital Card."This will make it possible in the future to identify families in urgent need of social assistance and timely provide them with state support measures in a proactive format.From 2025, state support for the provision of free hot meals, medicines, and vouchers for preschool education will be focused on citizens who really need it. This will be achieved through a Social Purse based on the real incomes of citizens," Biakhmetov stressed.Speaking about the Digital Family Map, the Vice Minister recalled that it contains data on the entire population of the country. The database contains information about the territorial location of each family, information about socio-economic and housing conditions, needs for health services, education, social protection, etc."The CCC allows you to identify family vulnerabilities and risks, determine the well-being index, and assess the level of a difficult life situation. According to available data, the average salary in the Akmola region is 269 thousand tenge. Despite the fact that this indicator for the country is 344 thousand tenge," the Vice Minister summed up.He also spoke about the fulfillment of the state's social obligations, the main indicators for the payment of pensions and benefits, the ongoing work to protect the rights and interests of families with children, and the modernization of the system of providing special social services.In the afternoon, Askar Biakhmetov got acquainted with the work of the KSU "Ayala Special Kindergarten" in Kokshetau, which provides preschool education and training for children with special educational needs. The institution provides conditions for comprehensive treatment, correctional and social adaptation, upbringing and education, taking into account the peculiarities of the psychophysical development of children, as well as provides counseling and training to parents on the upbringing of children with special educational needs in a family environment.At the end of the working trip, the Vice Minister visited the Higher Technical College, which trains about 2.5 thousand students in 21 specialties and 38 qualifications, including training in diagnostics and maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/875034

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/874784

At a press conference at the Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askarbek Yertayev spoke about the main approaches to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities provided for in the draft Concept of Inclusive Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2030.At the beginning of his speech, the Vice Minister said that today more than 732 thousand people with disabilities (hereinafter referred to as LSI) live in the country, of which 15% of the child population (under 18 years old) account for, and 85% of those over 18 years old.Every year, the costs of supporting LSI account for about 11% of the budget expenditures on social assistance and social security. Thus, 624.1 billion tenge was allocated from the state budget for the payment of social benefits for disability in 2024 (522.1 billion tenge in 2023).At the same time, a three-level system of social support for LSI has been formed in the republic, which includes: state social benefits for disability; social payments from the State Social Insurance Fund if the employer paid social contributions to the State Social Insurance Fund for the injured employee; payments from an insurance organization if disability is associated with an occupational injury or occupational disease and a contract was concluded for the injured employee compulsory accident insurance."As part of the implementation of the Social Code, the modernization of the social services system (hereinafter referred to as SSS) for persons with disabilities has begun in the country. 3 rehabilitation centers in Semey, Taraz and Kentau with 150 beds have been put into operation. Day care centers for children with autism spectrum disorder and other mental disorders have been opened in 6 regions of the country (Shymkent, Pavlodar, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Taldykorgan, Taraz and Kostanay).In addition, the standards for providing LSI with diapers have been increased, single-use lubricated catheters for LSI diagnosed with bifid Spin have been introduced, sanatorium treatment is provided to children with disabilities with mental disorders," Askarbek Yertaev added.The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter – the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan), on behalf of the Head of State, taking into account the proposals of public associations, international experience and recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, has developed a draft Concept of inclusive Policy until 2030. The main innovation of the document is the creation of conditions for the transition from a medical and social to a social and human rights model of disability.New approaches to the implementation of an inclusive policy provide for the adoption of a set of effective measures aimed at realizing the rights, expanding the opportunities of LSI, and creating the necessary conditions for their full-fledged social integration into society.The draft Concept provides for 13 areas of further work, such as: equality and non-discrimination, legal protection and access to justice, an adequate standard of living and social protection, an inclusive labor market and an industrial environment, inclusive education, a barrier-free environment and accessibility of services, and others.The Vice Minister spoke in detail about the main directions.Thus, in order to ensure equality and non-discrimination, it is envisaged to conduct an analysis of national legislation in order to identify and eliminate discriminatory rights in relation to LSI. As a result, a draft law will be developed ensuring equality and non-discrimination in relation to LSI, including bringing the current concepts of "disability", "child disability" and others in line with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a new social and human rights model."The expansion of legal protection of LSI will be ensured through the adoption of effective legislative and regulatory acts, with the introduction of monitoring and control mechanisms.Proposals will be developed for migrant children with disabilities and refugee children with disabilities whose parents do not have a residence permit, to receive social protection measures, medical care, and inclusive education.The participation of inclusive specialists (sign language interpreters, individual assistants) in the proceedings will significantly expand the possibilities of LSI.In order to improve the conditions of detention of LSI staying in penitentiary institutions, the infrastructure will undergo a phased reconstruction.It is planned to expand the powers of domestic human rights institutions – institutions of human rights commissioners and socially vulnerable categories of the population," Askarbek Yertayev said.In order to ensure an adequate standard of living and social protection, the Ministry of Health is constantly working to assess the need of citizens for support measures through a Digital Family Card.In addition, a phased transformation of medical and social expertise is underway. It is planned to ensure the transition to a proactive correspondence format for its implementation in individual nosologies.In order to expand scientific and practical support for the development of the field of habilitation and rehabilitation, the transformation of the National Scientific Center for the Development of the sphere of Social Protection is being carried out."The increase in the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures will be ensured through the widespread use of digital technologies. Achieving a positive effect will be possible as a result of the introduction of a digital rehabilitation diary and remote rehabilitation technology.A special examination will be introduced to determine the degree of wear and tear of technical rehabilitation equipment (hereinafter referred to as TSR) and timely replacement of obsolete equipment.The issue of transferring TSR to temporary and gratuitous use is being considered to ensure the continuity of rehabilitation processes," the Vice Minister informed.It is envisaged to expand the network of small-capacity houses based on a universal design for inclusive living, as an alternative to the existing network of special social services centers in a hospital setting.The improvement of the quality of the provided SSS will be possible due to the introduction of new professional standards for social workers.Starting from 2025, a Register of social workers and a system of their mandatory certification, licensing of organizations providing social services will be introduced."As part of the development of measures for the employment of LSI, the regulatory legal framework for the regulation, observance and protection of the labor rights of persons with disabilities will be revised.In order to increase the social responsibility of business and stimulate employers to ensure the employment of LSI, it is envisaged to introduce a compensation payment mechanism to the budget by employers who do not fulfill the quota for the employment of persons with disabilities," Askarbek Yertayev said.The draft Concept provides for the improvement of the special education system, as well as a set of measures aimed at ensuring inclusion at all levels of education. The planned measures to ensure equal access to education will include the creation of early psychological and pedagogical support services at special educational institutions for children with disabilities."The introduction of national standards regulating the accessibility of infrastructure and services to the public is the basis for updating the work on creating a barrier-free environment by central state and local executive bodies, organizations providing services to the public.State and public control will increase, within the framework of which inspections of objects of all forms of ownership for the availability of services for LSI will become mandatory and regular.It is envisaged that local executive bodies will be assigned competence to oversee the inclusiveness of project documentation, including accessibility of facilities for low–mobility groups of the population, including people with disabilities," the Vice Minister said.In addition, standards and legal norms will be introduced to guarantee the protection of the rights and safety of LSI in emergency situations, including: notification approaches based on available formats and tools; a risk forecasting mechanism to reduce vulnerability in emergency situations and natural disasters; emergency response algorithms.A system of training in safe behavior in emergency situations for people with disabilities and their family members will be created.One of the key tasks in the field of cultural, sports and tourism infrastructure development will be to increase the number of facilities and services available to LSI.At the end of his speech, Askarbek Yertayev stressed that the adoption of the Concept of Inclusive Policy in the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2030 contributes to: improving national legislation; increasing the level of inclusiveness of the labor market, the quality of medical services, inclusive education, the involvement of persons with disabilities in political and public life; creating a barrier-free environment, an algorithm of actions that ensure safety and necessary assistance to citizens with limited mobility and persons with disabilities in emergency situations, etc.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/874700

JSC "Center for Workforce Development" continues to work on the development of the digital employment ecosystem. Thus, the "Social" tab has been created on the Skills Enbek platform, where Kazakhstanis belonging to socially vulnerable segments of the population will be given the opportunity to study some paid courses for free.To start training, citizens need to confirm their compliance with their status through EDS when choosing a course in the "Social" tab. After successful completion of the verification, the course will be available in the user's personal account.At the moment, the new section contains several courses with sign language translation in applied specialties such as felting and sewing, as well as skills in the field of environmental and social education. These courses were developed by the public foundation "Qolqanat Foundation" within the framework of the project "Inclusive Craft" implemented with the support of USAID.Recall that the Skills Enbek platform is a Kazakhstani analogue of international training platforms that provide access to courses on the principle of a marketplace. Since its launch, Skills Enbek has hosted more than 600 courses in various fields, half of which are available for free. The platform has already attracted over 474 thousand registered users, of whom more than 390 thousand have successfully completed their training. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/874503

Astana, October 21, 2024 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov and Managing Director of JSC “NC “Kazakh Invest” Azamat Kozhanov met with Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Kuwait Investment Company”, Yousef Mohammad Al-Ali, who arrived in Kazakhstan to explore investment opportunities in the country.During the meeting, Kuantyrov expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to deepen investment relations with Kuwait, including through the signing of a bilateral investment cooperation agreement and a convention on the avoidance of double taxation. The Deputy Minister also highlighted Kazakhstan’s investment climate, government support measures, and particularly emphasized the investment potential in the education and healthcare sectors.Yousef Mohammad Al-Ali, in turn, expressed strong interest in expanding investment cooperation with Kazakhstan, noting the importance of sustainable development in key sectors such as education and healthcare for the long-term economic growth of the country. He emphasized that the Kuwait Investment Company places a high priority on social projects that improve the quality of life and strengthen human capital.At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continue mutually beneficial cooperation and agreed to exchange information on promising projects for potential investment by the Kuwaiti company.For reference: Kuwait Investment Company was established in 1961 and is one of the leading investment companies in the State of Kuwait. It offers a wide range of financial and investment services, including asset management, investment advisory, brokerage services, as well as fund and portfolio management. Company actively invests both locally and internationally, with a focus on diversifying and achieving sustainable growth for its clients’ assets. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/869744

Warsaw, October 22, 2024 – The Polish capital hosted regular political consultations with the participation of Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko and Poland’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski.The parties discussed the status and prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in the political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, exchanged views on the regional and international agenda.The issues of implementation of the agreements reached at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan and Poland Murat Nurtleu and Radoslaw Sikorski in September this year in New York were discussed in detail.The head of the Kazakh delegation noted that “Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the strengthening of multifaceted cooperation with the Republic of Poland. Thanks to the active political dialogue established between the leaders of the two countries, one can see the positive dynamics of cooperation in priority areas”.For his part, Wladyslaw Bartoszewski confirmed Poland’s firm commitment to building up mutually beneficial cooperation with Kazakhstan in all spheres of cooperation.The interlocutors, stressing the need for regular consultations, agreed to maintain a close dialogue between the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Poland.In addition, Vassilenko met with Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Robert Kupecki. The focus was on issues of further strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation between Astana and Warsaw in the framework of international organizations.On 21 October, Deputy Minister Vassilenko had separate talks at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology with Ignacy Niemczycki, who had been appointed Deputy Minister for European Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office the previous day, and with Lukasz Gwiazdowski, Deputy Chairman of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.The parties discussed practical measures to maintain positive dynamics in bilateral trade, issues of realization of joint business projects, as well as holding the 10th meeting of the Kazakh-Polish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation next year in Astana (the IPC co-chairs are R. Vassilenko and Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology Y. Tomchak).The head of Kazakh delegation also discussed these topics at a separate meeting with representatives of Polish business.Issues of strengthening cooperation between legislative bodies of Kazakhstan and Poland were the subject of negotiations of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan with members of the parliamentary cooperation group “Poland – Kazakhstan”. As a practical solution, the organization of mutual visits of the leadership and members of the Parliaments of the two countries was discussed.In an interview with the Polish News Agency (PAP), as well as during a meeting with experts from senior Polish analytical centers, representatives of the Polish side were introduced to the main foreign policy approaches of Kazakhstan, political and socio-economic transformations in our country, including the key theses of the State of the Nation Address of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev “Fair Kazakhstan: Law and order, economic growth, public optimism”.For reference: The bilateral trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Poland amounted to 1.23 billion US dollars in 2023 (exports – 598.0 million, imports – 698.9 million), which is 10.4% lower than in 2022 (1.358 billion). For the first 8 months of 2024, the trade volume was 758.6 million US dollars (exports – 328 million, imports – 430.6 million). Since 2005, the gross inflow of investments from Poland to Kazakhstan has reached 447.8 million US dollars. Currently, 140 companies with Poland participation are operating in Kazakhstan. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/869947

Astana, October 22, 2024 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alibek Kuantyrov, the Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Gabidulla Ospankulov, and the Chairman of the Board of JSC “NC “Kazakh Invest”, Yerzhan Yelekeyev, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Korean Importers Association (KOIMA), Byung-Kwan Kim.During the meeting, Kuantyrov introduced the interlocutor Kazakhstan’s investment climate, government support measures, and promising areas for expanding Kazakh-Korean cooperation. The Deputy Minister highlighted Kazakhstan’s interest in joint projects in the food industry, healthcare, and the localization of component production from rare earth metals, given the availability of necessary raw materials in the country.It was also emphasized that Kazakhstan’s new investment policy focuses on developing high value-added industries with an emphasis on further export opportunities. In this regard, advanced Korean technologies could play a crucial role in enhancing both human resources and technological potential.Byung-Kwan Kim noted that Kazakhstan’s rich resource base, combined with South Korea’s experience and expertise, creates excellent conditions for localizing the production of export-oriented goods. However, the KOIMA Chairman expressed concern over logistical issues, which complicate the export of Kazakh products to South Korea due to the geographic distance between the two countries.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to develop cooperation in the agricultural sector, starting with the supply of Kazakh wheat to South Korea. They also committed to continuing discussions on logistical issues to facilitate product exports.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/870596

Astana, 23 October 2024 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akan Rakhmetullin received the Ambassador of Peru to Kazakhstan concurrently Juan Genaro del Campo Rodriguez.The visit of the Ambassador (with residence in Moscow) took place on the occasion of signing agreements in the field of international legal co-operation with the General Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan.Thus, for Kazakhstan, Peru has become another Latin American country with which a complete legal framework in the field of international criminal proceedings has been formed.During the meeting at the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, the parties held discussions on a number of key bilateral and multilateral issues. The focus was on exploring ways to further enhance political, trade, and economic dialogue, including transit-transport cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/870598

Astana, October 23, 2024 – A solemn meeting dedicated to the Republic Day was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, at which Minister Murat Nurtleu congratulated the staff of the department on the holiday.In his congratulation, the Foreign Minister stressed that the Declaration of Sovereignty of Kazakhstan, adopted on October 25, 1990, became an important milestone on the way to independence of our state. This holiday is a vivid symbol of the reforms and state modernization that are actively being carried out in the country."The achievements of Kazakh diplomacy contribute to the solution of the fundamental initiatives of the Head of State on the foreign policy track, serve to strengthen political dialogue and economic cooperation with foreign countries, attract foreign investment and technology," M. Nurtleu said.In honor of the Republic Day, employees of the Central Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan were awarded state awards and letters of thanks on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/871654

Astana, October 22, 2024 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev held a meeting with Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Kazakhstan, Zulkifli Baharudin.The parties highly valued the outcomes of the state visit of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Singapore in May of this year and agreed to continue implementing the agreements reached during the visit.“Singapore remains one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in Southeast Asia. Kazakhstan is focused on further strengthening trade and economic ties with Singapore. Last year, the volume of bilateral trade amounted to 1.8 billion US dollars, and we are confident that we can increase this figure by improving the quality of mutual trade,” noted Bakayev.The Deputy Minister paid special attention to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Singapore, covering key areas such as trade and economic, investment and transport-logistics partnerships.Additionally, the parties exchanged views on current global and regional issues and discussed collaboration within multilateral frameworks.The Singaporean diplomat was awarded a certificate of appreciation from Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu for his significant contribution to the development of bilateral relations. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/871743

Astana, October 22-23, 2024 – As agreed by the parties, the 9th Meeting of the High Level Working Group on the Caspian Sea Issues was held.The delegations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (led by Samir Sharifov), the Islamic Republic of Iran (led by Alireza Jahangiri), the Republic of Kazakhstan (led by Zulfiya Amanzholova), the Russian Federation (led by Mikhail Petrakov) and Turkmenistan (led by Myrat Atajanov) took part in the negotiations.The meeting was chaired by the head of the Kazakhstan delegation Zulfiya Amanzholova.The parties continued the discussion on the methodology for establishing straight baselines in the Caspian Sea.Within the framework of the meeting, the parties carried out a review of cooperation in the Caspian Sea, discussed preparation for the next meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the Caspian states in Turkmenistan, as well as the progress of the negotiation process on the drafts of five-party documents.Delegations expressed their gratitude to the Republic of Kazakhstan for the high level of organization of the meeting.The next Meeting of the HLWG will be held in Turkmenistan on dates agreed through diplomatic channels. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/871761

Astana, October 23, 2024 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, held meeting with the newly appointed Head of the UN Organization for Migration Mission in Kazakhstan and Coordinator for Central Asia, Serkhan Aktoprak.At the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues concerning Kazakhstan’s interaction with the IOM, including such areas of cooperation as immigration and registration of foreign citizens, border control, and prevention of illegal migration, illegal transportation and exploitation of people.Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to the representative of an international organization for active participation and support of the Almaty Process aimed at solving numerous migration problems in Central Asia.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/872775

Astana, October 28, 2024 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted the first meeting of the subgroup under the Consultative and Consultative Body “Human Dimension Dialogue Platform” devoted to preparations for the defense of the Fourth Periodic National Report of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the Universal Periodic Review.The national report has been prepared by the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan in cooperation with government agencies and civil society institutions.During the meeting, co-chaired by Alua Nadirkulova, Ambassador-at-Large of the Foreign Ministry, and Botagoz Zhakselekova, Vice Minister of Justice, the progress in implementing the recommendations received by Kazakhstan following the results of the previous review in 2019 was discussed. Out of 245 recommendations of the member states of the UN Human Rights Council, Kazakhstan supported 214 and took into account 31 recommendations, taking into account the national legal policy of the state and the practice of application of the current legislation. An Interdepartmental Plan for 2020-2024 was approved to implement the supported recommendations.As part of the implementation of the recommendations, the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights has been expanded in accordance with the Paris Principles, including the provision of financial and human resources; the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have been ratified; legislative measures have been taken to criminalize torture, cruelty, and violence against women and children; existing legislation to combat trafficking in persons has been revised; new laws on political parties and peaceful assemblies have been adopted, as well as a new Administrative Procedural Code; measures have been strengthened to support people with disabilities and children left without parental care, etc.In parallel with the preparation of the official report, the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations of Kazakhstan prepared eight alternative reports, one of which was also discussed at this meeting.In general, the issues on the agenda were discussed in a constructive and open format. Representatives of government agencies and NGOs had the opportunity to exchange views and recommendations directly.The Consultative and Consultative Body “Human Dimension Dialogue Platform” was established in 2013 on the initiative of the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan. The platform is an effective tool for facilitating dialogue between the Government and the civil sector. Various topical issues of human rights protection are discussed at the site with the participation of international organizations (UNDP, OHCHR, and OSCE).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/874230

Astana, October 29, 2024 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov held talks with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic Edmondo Cirielli.During the meeting, the parties discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation, in particular, the practical implementation of agreements reached following the official visit of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Italy in January 2024.At the same time, the interlocutors exchanged views on the issue of interaction within the framework of the Central Asia+ dialogue Italy", as well as at the site of various international organizations.A. Kuantyrov stressed that Italy is the largest trading partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union. He noted with satisfaction the successful holding of the 9th meeting of the Kazakh-Italian intergovernmental working group on industrial and economic cooperation and exchange, which took place during the visit of E. Cirielli to our capital.In turn, the Italian diplomat confirmed that Rome traditionally attaches great importance to the strategic partnership with Astana. In particular, he informed about the Sogesid company's project aimed at the socio-ecological revival of the areas of the Aral Sea zone.In this regard, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan welcomed the initiative of the Italian side to develop an Action Plan to create a knowledge exchange network between Central Asia and Italy, which provides for a meeting of working groups on agriculture, health, transport, higher education, water resources and energy.Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue a multifaceted dialogue aimed at strengthening the entire spectrum of the Kazakh-Italian strategic partnership.For reference: Italy is the largest economic partner of Kazakhstan in the EU. In January-September 2024, the trade turnover reached 16 billion US dollars (exports – 15.1 billion, imports – 900 million), which is 36% higher than in the same period of the previous year (11.7 billion dollars). From 2005 to the second quarter of 2024, the volume of investments from Italy to Kazakhstan amounted to more than 7.6 billions of dollars. 278 legal entities with the participation of Italian capital are registered in Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/874405

As of October 1, 2024, 13,707 foreign citizens are working on the territory of Kazakhstan with the permission of local executive bodies.Among the permits for attracting foreign labor (hereinafter – IRS) there are the following categories: 548 permits for managers and their deputies (the first category), 2,503 permits for heads of structural divisions (the second category). The main part of the attracted IRS belongs to the third (specialists) and fourth (skilled workers) The categories are 4,874 and 861 people, respectively. 1,586 people were also involved in seasonal work, and 3,335 people were involved in corporate transfer.Currently, there are 1,799 employers using IRS in Kazakhstan. They employ more than 390.2 thousand citizens of Kazakhstan, which is 96.6% of the total number of employees.By type of economic activity, the largest number work in the following areas: construction – 5,144 people, agriculture, forestry and fisheries – 1,638 people, administrative and auxiliary services – 1,439 people, manufacturing industry – 1,376 people, mining and quarrying – 1,344 people.The main countries of origin of migrant workers are: China – 4,600 people, Uzbekistan – 1,698 people, Turkey – 1,145 people, India – 1,101 people.Recall that in order to protect the domestic labor market, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan annually establishes and distributes a quota for attracting foreign specialists to the Republic. In 2024, the total quota is set at 0.23% in relation to the number of workers in the republic, or 21.5 thousand units.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/872068

Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Svetlana Zhakupova demonstrated digital systems in the field of employment during the forum "Youth for a sustainable future of Central Asia", which is being held in Almaty.This forum is being held within the framework of the regional project of the United Nations Development Program "Strengthening the resilience of local communities in order to prevent violent extremism in Central Asia" with the support of the Government of Japan. The event will feature presentations by representatives of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, clergy and structures dealing with youth development and employment in Central Asian countries.Speaking at the panel session "Exchange of best practices and relevant initiatives in the field of youth employment as an effective way to prevent violent extremism," Svetlana Zhakupova voiced the problems and challenges faced by young people."Young people face high unemployment and instability in the labor market. Access to quality education may be limited, which hinders career growth and personal development. Young people may experience financial difficulties, especially when transitioning to independent living. Health problems, including mental health, can be a serious challenge for young people. Inequality on social, economic and cultural grounds can create barriers for young people. Young people are also facing the consequences of climate change, such as environmental crises and threats to ecosystems. The rapid development of technology can create challenges in the field of digital literacy and adaptation to changes," she informed.At the same time, the Minister stressed the role of youth in the sustainable development of Central Asia."The younger generation plays a key role in shaping the future of the region and making decisions that will affect its development. Young people are able to bring new ideas, innovations and approaches that can contribute to the sustainable development of Central Asia. Investments in education and professional development of young people can contribute to improving the level of knowledge and skills necessary for the sustainable development of the region. The active participation of young people in public life contributes to the development of democracy, civil society and the strengthening of social stability.Thus, young people play an important role in the sustainable development of Central Asia, their participation and support are necessary to achieve the goals of sustainable development in the region," Svetlana Zhakupova said.The head of the Ministry of Health also presented to the forum participants digital systems that provide young people of Kazakhstan with broad employment opportunities."To date, a "digital supermarket" of employment services has been formed within the framework of the Electronic Labor Exchange. On one platform, Kazakhstanis can improve their existing professional skills or acquire new ones through online training, find a suitable job, learn the basics of entrepreneurship and apply for a grant to start their own business. Also, the digital ecosystem of the Electronic Labor Exchange allows employers to simplify the processes of personnel records management and undergo self-verification for compliance with the requirements of labor legislation. In addition, the platform provides services in the field of labor and interregional migration in electronic format. Thus, the Electronic Labor Exchange unites employers, employees and government agencies in a single digital space, effectively matching supply and demand in the labor market and improving the quality of public services for citizens. Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, the platform minimizes the human factor in the process of providing employment services, achieving high accuracy in personnel selection and optimizing career paths for applicants," said Svetlana Zhakupova.Another significant project is "Mansap Compasses", which provides the general public with up-to-date information about professional opportunities and educational programs, contributing to an informed career choice. The website of mansap.enbek.kz offers analytical data on 400 professions and 12 areas."In order to gain practical skills of students, we have launched a functional industrial practice on the Electronic Labor Exchange. This helps them not only to find the necessary place of industrial practice, but also to acquire real skills and increase competitiveness," the minister added.In addition, Svetlana Zhakupova demonstrated the capabilities of an Innovative Project Navigator, which provides analysis and forecasting of personnel needs and timely monitoring of the effectiveness of all ongoing projects. To date, the system is monitoring 755 investment projects with a plan to create 150,000 jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/872566

By order of the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Asset Bagdatovich Shonov was appointed Chairman of the Migration Committee of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A. Shonov was born in 1986 in the Akmola region.He graduated from the L.N. Gumilev ENU and the Eurasian Humanitarian Institute. Over the years, he worked as an expert in the structures of the Ministries of Economy and Budget Planning and Finance. From 2013 to 2014, he was the Head of the Planning Sector of the Planning and Budget Department of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.From 2014 to 2017, he held the position of Deputy Director of the Department of Strategic Planning and Analysis of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.From 2017 to 2019, he worked as Director of the Design Management Department of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Director of the Department of Social Assistance of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan.From 2019 to 2021 – Deputy Head of the Economic Department of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.From 07/15/2021 until his appointment, he held the position of Director of the Legal Service Department of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/872841

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has developed a professional standard that will define the skills and competencies necessary for employees responsible for compliance with safety regulations at enterprises. The draft order of the head of the department "On the approval of the professional standard "Safety and labor protection" is posted for public discussion on the portal "Open NPAs" until November 11, 2024.The adoption of the Occupational Safety and Health standard will make it possible to establish requirements for the planning, organization, control and improvement of the occupational safety management system, to unify qualification requirements for managers and specialists in occupational safety and health.This professional standard will also establish requirements for the formation of educational programs of higher and postgraduate (additional) education, systematic and consistent training of specialized specialists, retraining or advanced training of managers and specialists in occupational safety and health.The professional standard will give grounds to recognize the results of both formal and informal and informal training, create conditions for access to assessment and recognition of qualifications by the professional environment.You can get acquainted with the draft order by following the link:https://legalacts.egov.kz/npa/view?id=15257882Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/872975