A youth volunteer forum entitled “Constitutional Foundations for the Development of Volunteerism. Its Role in Shaping Legal Culture” was held at the The Sorbonne–Kazakhstan Institute of Abai University. The event, organized on the eve of the national referendum, was jointly hosted by the Комиссия по правам человека при Президенте Республики Казахстан and the national volunteer movement Accelerator of Kindness – Izgilik Elshisi.

The forum, which brought together socially engaged young volunteers committed to the country’s future, was opened by the Chairman of the Board – Rector of Abai KazNPU and member of the national coalition “People’s Constitution for a Just and Progressive Kazakhstan!” Bolat Tilep. In his remarks, he emphasized that the new Constitution recognizes volunteerism not merely as a form of social assistance, but as an integral component of the state’s social responsibility and its support for civil society institutions.

In particular, Paragraph 2 of Article 31 of the updated Basic Law now states: “…The Republic of Kazakhstan supports social insurance, other social guarantees, volunteer (voluntary) and charitable activities.” This provision confirms the official recognition of volunteer activity at the constitutional level.

The forum was moderated by Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Игорь Рогов. Participants included the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan Артур Ластаев, Chairman of the Almaty City Maslikhat Meirzhan Otynshiyev, President of the Kazakhstan Criminological Association Omirali Zhalairi, Head of the volunteer movement “Accelerator of Kindness – Izgilik Elshisi” Ainur Sabitova, as well as more than 200 student volunteers from various higher education institutions.

In his speech, Commissioner for Human Rights Artur Lastaev elaborated on the fundamental human rights enshrined in the new Constitution and noted:

“For the first time, provisions on state support and encouragement of volunteer activities have been закреплены at the constitutional level. This is your shared achievement, dear volunteers. This development clearly demonstrates that volunteerism is not merely a private initiative of individual citizens, but a constitutional value recognized and protected by the state.”

A special video address was delivered by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayassat Nurbek, who highlighted the importance of students’ civic engagement and participation in public initiatives.

The Minister expressed particular appreciation to participants of the “Accelerator of Kindness” project within the national volunteer movement “Izgilik Elshisi,” emphasizing the high social significance of their legal awareness efforts, anti-corruption initiatives, and activities aimed at promoting environmental culture. He noted that holding the forum jointly with the Commission on Human Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan clearly demonstrates effective cooperation between the state, educational institutions, and civil society organizations.

The Minister also подчеркнул that the volunteer movement contributes to the formation of a new generation of leaders characterized by a strong sense of responsibility and adherence to the principles of mutual assistance and the rule of law. He further stressed the public importance of volunteers’ legal education initiatives, anti-corruption activities, and environmental advocacy.

The forum served as an effective platform for discussing the support of volunteerism in the context of constitutional reform, fostering youth legal culture, strengthening civic responsibility, and promoting the principles of legality and integrity. During the expert session, participants reviewed the substance of the constitutional amendments, mechanisms for enhancing civic engagement, and student volunteer projects. Anti-corruption, social, and environmental volunteer practices were widely discussed.

It is worth noting that the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev put forward an international initiative to support volunteerism, which received backing at the 75th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, including a proposal to declare an International Year of Volunteers. The forum, organized within the framework of this initiative, became an important step toward strengthening the legal and institutional foundations of the volunteer movement.

At the conclusion of the event, a ceremonial induction of new members into the “Accelerator of Kindness: Izgilik Elshisi” movement was held, and active volunteers were awarded letters of appreciation.

Media Center Abai University