The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) held its 32nd session on April 26-27, focusing on fostering interethnic unity and stability amid increasing global turbulence. The APK, an advisory body under the President of Kazakhstan, was founded in 1995 to promote and support harmonious interethnic relations. It comprises representatives from around 130 ethnic groups residing in the country.
The theme of this year’s session was “Fair Kazakhstan: unity, stability, development.” Senior officials, APK members, representatives of religious associations, non-governmental organizations, and the diplomatic corps, and chairpersons of national and regional ethnocultural associations attended the event.
During the two-day assembly, several key issues were discussed, including the importance of interethnic unity in the face of growing global challenges and the role of the APK in promoting stability within Kazakhstan. The event also allowed APK members to share their experiences and insights on fostering harmony among Kazakhstan’s diverse population.
In his speech at the plenary session on April 27, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the critical role of the APK in ensuring unity and stability in Kazakhstan amid global turbulence. According to Tokayev, the assembly has proven to be an essential socio-political institution in embodying and implementing genuine democratic ideas and values. He emphasized that the country’s interests come first and citizens’ interests should be at the core of everything.
The President stressed the importance of Kazakhstan’s independence and territorial integrity, noting that “unity is not only a path to the country’s goal but also one of the statehood’s main pillars.” He called for unity among Kazakh citizens, urging them to resist the agenda of hate and not become involved in foreign information wars or ideological disputes.
In addition, President Tokayev instructed the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the National Security Committee to prevent provocations aimed at undermining the country’s unity under strict control and respond in line with the law in case of any violations.
During the first day of the assembly, Deputy Chief of Staff of President Aida Balayeva emphasized the APK’s significance in ensuring the country’s stability. She noted that the assembly is one of the key driving factors of change, with other state bodies representing reform values. Balayeva also mentioned that the APK structures held over 3,000 expert discussions, dialogue platforms, meetings, and 35 information campaigns to implement political reforms.
Natalia Dementieva, a member of the Mazhilis, the lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, said the Kazakh citizens have reevaluated the meaning of peace and stability after the January events in 2022 and the tragic conflicts in neighbouring countries. She added that stability, tolerance, and interethnic harmony have now taken on a new meaning and are being more appreciated.
Dementieva also highlighted the uniqueness of the APK as an institution that many countries try to adopt into their sociopolitical structures using Kazakhstan’s example. She said, “Foreign journalists are amazed that Kazakhstan has managed to maintain peace and interethnic accord despite so many ethnic groups coexisting in our country.”
Evgeny Bolgert, a member of the Senate, the upper house of the Kazakh Parliament, discussed the importance of interethnic issues to the Kazakh society on a legislative level, underscoring multi-ethnic diversity in the Kazakh Parliament. He said the APK members can effectively increase the country’s wealth and that ethnocultural societies can play a significant role as an economic bridge between Kazakhstan and the nations of their ethnicity.
The 32nd session of the APK served as a reminder of the organization’s critical role in promoting interethnic unity and stability in Kazakhstan, particularly amid growing global challenges. The event provided a platform for representatives from various ethnic groups to discuss their experiences and share their insights on fostering harmony among Kazakhstan’s diverse population.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of patriotism and unity in his speech, stating that “patriotism should never be confused with national arrogance.” He called on all citizens to come together and work towards the common goal of ensuring the nation’s continued prosperity.
The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan remains vital in preserving the peace and harmony that has come to define the country. Its continued focus on interethnic unity and cooperation serves as an example to other nations grappling with challenges posed by increasing globalization and shifting demographics.
By emphasizing the importance of a unified and stable Kazakhstan, President Tokayev and the other participants in the 32nd session of the APK demonstrated their commitment to the values of tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect that have made the country a global model for interethnic harmony.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the APK’s work fostering unity and stability has never been more critical. The 32nd session of the APK serves as a testament to the organization’s continued dedication to these values and a powerful reminder of the importance of interethnic harmony in ensuring the well-being and prosperity of all citizens.
President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev awarded a number of citizens with orders and medals in the background of a session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The decree of the head of state awarded for services in strengthening peace, friendship and cooperation between peoples like ethnic Lithuanian Buginas Bronislavas, a member of the Lithuanian public association ‚Lituanica‘.
The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan’s 32nd session highlighted the importance of unity and stability in facing global challenges. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s speech provided a strong message of support for the nation’s core values. The event offered a platform for participants to share their experiences and insights on fostering interethnic harmony, further solidifying the APK’s role in promoting peace and cooperation among Kazakhstan’s diverse population. As global challenges continue to grow, the APK’s commitment to unity and stability remains a beacon of hope and a shining example for the rest of the world.
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