In Almaty, a discussion on the draft of the new Constitution and its significance for the country’s further transformation was held at the National Expert Platform “KISI GPS: Gylym. Pikir. Sayasat.”

The event was organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies. The discussion was moderated by Alua Zholdybalina, Deputy Director of KISI.

The focus of the expert discussion was on the key provisions of the draft Constitution and their impact on the strategic priorities and value foundations of the state and society.

Aigul Sadvokassova, Director General of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies, noted that constitutional recognition of the secular nature of education is an important step toward strengthening the rule-of-law state.

According to her, the education system must remain a neutral and open environment where scientific knowledge, academic freedom, and critical thinking are prioritized.

“In modern conditions, education and science shape the intellectual potential of the nation, promote innovation, and enhance the country’s competitiveness. Constitutional consolidation of these principles will ensure the stability of education policy, protect the rights of students and teachers, and create conditions for the development of scientific research,” she emphasized.

She also highlighted the human-centered approach, stressing that public policy should focus on human dignity, freedom of choice, access to quality education, and opportunities for self-realization. In her view, education and science are key tools for unlocking human potential and building a responsible civil society.

Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of KISI, emphasized that the draft Constitution is the result of in-depth professional expertise and broad public dialogue. As a member of the Constitutional Commission, he noted the high level of transparency in its work: more than 10,000 citizen proposals were reviewed during 12 open meetings broadcast live.

He stressed that the new Constitution is aimed at strengthening the human-centered nature of the state:

“The current stage of Kazakhstan’s constitutional development marks a transition to a fundamentally new model of a human-centered state. In the Preamble, human rights and freedoms are enshrined as the highest priority. The principles of Justice, Law and Order, and environmental responsibility have been given constitutional status, shaping new guidelines for law enforcement.”

He also noted that several provisions directly reflect public demands, including the status of the national currency (tenge), strengthened positions of the state language, and enhanced mechanisms of accountability for public authorities.

Andrey Chebotarev, Director of the “Alternative” Center for Current Studies, stated that the draft Constitution is a logical continuation of the political modernization course initiated by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

He recalled that in 2019 the President emphasized the gradual and consistent nature of reforms:

“The new Constitution will be adopted through a nationwide referendum. This will elevate the development of Kazakhstani society and the state to a new level, largely dependent on citizens’ participation and interaction with public institutions.”

Ualikhan Akhatov, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, highlighted the value-based and institutional innovations of the draft.

He noted that the establishment of Halyq Kenesi (People’s Council) would serve as a “golden bridge” between citizens and the state, ensuring that public appeals are legally reviewed and forwarded to competent authorities, in line with the “listening state” concept.

Kairyzhan Abdykhalykov, Chairman of the Almaty Civil Alliance, also stressed the importance of Halyq Kenesi, stating that it could become a genuine body of public representation.

“Granting it constitutional status alongside legislative initiative elevates this consultative body to a fundamentally new level,” he noted.

Aydar Amrebayev, Head of the Center for Comparative Political Studies, emphasized the openness and inclusiveness of the constitutional drafting process:

“While the 1995 Constitution was developed by a narrow circle of legal experts, today society itself participates in shaping the Basic Law. This gives the new Constitution a truly popular character.”

In conclusion, participants agreed that the draft new Constitution reflects not only institutional reforms but, above all, a renewal of the country’s value foundations. Human-centered governance, priority of rights and freedoms, secularism, and the development of science and innovation form the trajectory of a mature and responsible state.