National Values and Digitalization within the Framework of K.K. Tokayev’s Initiatives

SDG 16: National Values, Digitalization, and Effective Institutions – Discussion of the President’s Address at KazNU

On March 13, 2026, at the JSC «Al-Farabi Kazakh National University», an open event was held among graduate students on the topic “National Values and Digitalization within the Framework of K.K. Tokayev’s Initiatives”. The event focused on the discussion of the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the people of Kazakhstan on September 8, 2025, titled “A Fair Kazakhstan: Law and Order, Economic Growth, Public Optimism.” Special attention was paid to areas of public policy directly related to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

During the meeting, graduate students actively participated in discussions, shared opinions, and asked questions regarding the digital transformation of public services, the implementation of modern technologies in education and science, and how these processes enhance the transparency, efficiency, and openness of public institutions. Students also discussed the importance of preserving national identity, language, culture, and traditions, which form civic consciousness and strengthen social unity.

During the interactive session, participants examined:

·        the role of the rule of law and principles of justice in building a society of trust;

·        the significance of effective public institutions and transparent procedures for strengthening citizens’ trust;

·        the use of digital technologies as a tool to improve efficiency in education, science, and public services;

·        the importance of preserving national values as a foundation for civic responsibility and social cohesion.

 Event organizers: 1st-year doctoral students Baymakhanova B.S. and Ötegenova B.O.; faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Technology of Organic Substances, Natural Compounds and Polymers – PhD, Associate Professor Yu.A. Litvinenko, PhD, Associate Professor B.M. Kudaybergenova, PhD, Senior Lecturer A.K. Umbetova.

 Event objectives:

·        to explain the significance of national values and traditions in the context of a rule-of-law state;

·        to demonstrate the role of digitalization in enhancing transparency and efficiency of public institutions;

·        to show how modern technologies and national traditions can interact to strengthen civil society;

·        to foster graduate students’ understanding of each citizen’s responsibility in upholding laws and maintaining public order.

 Outcomes: graduate students gained in-depth knowledge of public policy priorities, digitalization processes, and strengthening effective institutions. The active discussion enabled students to appreciate the importance of preserving national values, forming civic engagement, and understanding each individual’s role in maintaining a fair and peaceful society. The event served as an important platform for developing critical thinking, initiative, and responsibility among youth, directly contributing to the achievement of SDG 16.