The New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Legal Foundations, Civic Responsibility and Sustainable Development

A round table dedicated to the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, its key principles, practical significance for citizens, and the impact of constitutional reforms on the country’s socio-economic development was held at the Higher School of Economics and Business of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The event brought together the leadership of the Higher School of Economics and Business, faculty members, young researchers, PhD students, legal experts, and students. The round table was particularly significant due to its interdisciplinary nature: the provisions of the Fundamental Law were considered not only from a legal perspective, but also through the lenses of economics, human capital development, digital transformation, education, and youth civic engagement.

As a speaker at the round table, Nazdana Adilova, PhD, Associate Professor-Researcher at the Department of Business Technologies, delivered a presentation entitled “The New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Content, Principles and Practical Significance.” The presentation emphasized the importance of viewing the Constitution not as an abstract legal document intended solely for lawyers or public officials, but as a fundamental framework defining the rights, opportunities, and responsibilities of every citizen. Particular attention was given to the human-centered nature of constitutional norms, the protection of human rights in the digital economy, personal data protection, and new legal challenges associated with the development of artificial intelligence and digital platforms.

An important part of the presentation focused on the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. It was noted that legal certainty and the predictability of legislation are essential conditions for trust between citizens, businesses, and the state, and are directly linked to the investment climate, entrepreneurial activity, and sustainable economic development. At the same time, the understanding of human rights is expanding in response to the development of the digital economy and modern technologies. Banking applications, government digital platforms, social networks, educational information systems, and artificial intelligence technologies are creating a new digital environment in which the protection of personal data and citizens’ rights is becoming increasingly important.

For the university community, the principles of work, knowledge, and progress are of particular relevance. The presentation emphasized the importance of human capital, education, science, and innovation as strategic factors in the development of the state.

The round table was directly linked to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event contributes to SDG 4 “Quality Education” by improving students’ legal literacy and critical thinking; SDG 8 “Decent Work and Economic Growth” through discussion of entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development; and SDG 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” through its emphasis on the rule of law, protection of human rights, civic participation, and legal culture.

During the meeting, students actively participated in the discussion, asked questions, and expressed their own views. The event concluded with a key message: the Constitution acquires real significance when citizens know its content, understand their rights, and responsibly exercise the opportunities available to them.