Roundtable Discussion: Experts Analyze President Tokayev’s Recent Interview
Experts Discuss President Tokayev’s Vision and Policies at Roundtable Organized by Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan
On Jan. 11, the Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan brought together experts from the country to analyze and discuss President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent interview with the Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper. The roundtable, organized by the alliance, focused on delving into key aspects of the interview to shed light on the President’s viewpoints and policies.
The Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan, which unites over 3,000 non-profit organizations throughout the country, emphasized the importance of civic engagement and public participation throughout the discussion. Experts from various fields came together to share their insights on President Tokayev’s vision for the nation and its citizens.
Talgat Kaliyev, director of the Institute for Applied Ethnopolitical Research, highlighted the President’s vision for a progressive nation and civil identity. He emphasized the role of civil society in creating civic identity, stating that it is important for the involvement of representatives from all ethnic groups in building a strong civil society.
Moreover, the discussion also drew attention to the need for citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes. Kazakh lawyer Serik Berkamalov pointed out that while reforms may sound positive on paper, their implementation is often lacking. He stressed the importance of the President’s proactive role in driving real action in the country.
Economists present at the roundtable scrutinized President Tokayev’s economic vision, particularly focusing on his plans to double the national economy to $450 billion by 2029. Kairbek Arystanbekov, president of the Institute of Economic Policy, noted that this goal was outlined three years ago and emphasized the significance of political and economic freedom in the development of the country.
Additionally, the roundtable included discussions on the social policies outlined in the interview, such as the efforts to build more schools and medical facilities and the new Social Code, aimed at providing comprehensive support for vulnerable groups of citizens. While acknowledging the importance of these social programs, there was a consensus that a comprehensive approach is needed to address societal challenges, ensuring inclusivity and equitable access to opportunities for all citizens.
Tolganai Umbetaliyeva, who heads the Central Asian Democracy Development Fund, stressed the need for Kazakhstan to focus on creating conditions that cater to all groups, regardless of their status, income, and location. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that people with lower incomes have access to quality education and healthcare.
President Tokayev’s interview touched on a wide range of strategically important issues, including foreign policy and the economy, setting priority tasks for the year ahead. The roundtable provided a platform for experts to critically analyze and discuss these crucial aspects of the President’s vision and policies for Kazakhstan.
