Today, February 25, the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted an award ceremony for the winners of the 2024 Presidential Literary Prize for Youth with the participation of the Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva.
The event featured a presentation of books by 20 young writers published under the project "Literary and Cognitive Panorama of Kazakhstan" within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Culture and Information and the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan.
The event was attended by representatives of the intelligentsia and members of the "Alka" youth literary club established under the ministry.
"The Presidential Literary Prize for Young Kazakhstani Writers and Poets was established by Presidential Decree in 2023 and has become one of the most important events in the world of domestic literature. This is one of the initiatives of the Head of State aimed at systematically modernizing the cultural sphere. The main purpose of this prize is to support creative youth and pave the way for the publication of new works. The Head of State's special attention to the development of culture and art is a legitimate continuation of his ongoing reforms and initiatives. After all, the development of culture and literature is one of the main mechanisms for the comprehensive development of the younger generation. And in a society consisting of spiritually mature, educated, hardworking and patriotic citizens, Law and Order prevail, people take responsibility for their actions, respect traditions and honor the basic values ​​of the nation,” said Aida Balayeva.
The Minister noted that promoting the basic values ​​of our people is a difficult and honorable task assigned to literary figures. He also emphasized that poets and writers are spiritual leaders who determine the moral direction of society.
“You must rewrite the image of your time and form a new vision. It is in your hands not only to continue the path of great writers, but also to raise literature to a new level. "If the literature of the 20th century deeply describes the human soul, then the writers of the 21st century should not write about topics such as the fate of man in the era of new technologies, globalization and national identity, and the struggle of the individual," said Aida Balayeva.
The meeting discussed current literary trends and topical issues, and various proposals and opinions were raised.
The Presidential Special Literary Award for Young Kazakh Writers and Poets was awarded to Esbol Sotsialkhan in the "Prose" nomination for his work "2026", to Zhanibek Bakytuly Alimanov in the "Poetry" nomination for his collection of poems "Boz Utkat", to Alisher Zhenisuly Aituar in the "Dramaturgy" nomination for his dramatic work "Apatay", and to Asset Zhukenuly Syzdykov in the "Children's Literature" nomination for his story "Rocket Era".
Writers aged 18-35 were previously eligible for the literary award in international and national competitions participated with their works that were not included in the competition.
It should be noted that support for the creativity of young writers is always in the spotlight. Last year, in accordance with the instructions of the President at the National Congress, April 23 was declared National Book Day. On this occasion, the “National Book” competition was announced.
Also, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan launched 3 new projects to establish a “Strategic Partnership” with the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan.
In particular, young writers traveled to every corner of the country and wrote new works based on the “Literary and Cognitive Panorama of Kazakhstan” project. As a result of the project, 20 new works were added to Kazakh literature by the end of the year, and each young writer was awarded a prize of 4 million tenge.
In addition, 2025 is the “Year of Working Professions”. On this occasion, the “Epic of Courage and Labor” competition will be held to reveal the importance of labor professions.
In addition, the “Aiboz” national literary award continues. Last year, 176 previously unpublished works were accepted for the National Prize in 7 nominations.
Press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mam/press/news/details/945273