Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Speech at the Forum “Kazakhstan – The Territory of Academic Education”: A New Vector for the Development of Science and Education

On October 31, 2025, Astana hosted the International Forum of Strategic Partners “Kazakhstan – The Territory of Academic Education”, a landmark event that marked a new stage in the development of national higher education and science. The forum brought together rectors of leading universities from around the world, representatives of international accreditation agencies, and prominent scholars.

In his address, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev identified education and science as strategic priorities for the nation’s development. According to the Head of State, “Education and science are the main forces capable of changing the world.”

1. Equal Access to Quality Education – The Foundation of Social Justice

One of the key issues emphasized by President Tokayev was ensuring equal access to quality education. He stressed that education should not be a privilege limited to large cities or elite universities — it must become a vital opportunity available to every citizen.

2. Support for Young Scientists – A Guarantee of Intellectual Renewal

The Head of State highlighted the need for institutional and financial support for young scientists as one of the main priorities in the development of science. This measure is aimed at preserving the country’s scientific and human potential and fostering a new generation of researchers capable of driving Kazakhstan’s innovative progress.

3. Academic Freedom and International Partnership – The Guarantee of Quality Higher Education

President Tokayev also underlined the importance of expanding universities’ academic freedom and strengthening international cooperation. As the global educational landscape is changing rapidly, timely adaptation to these transformations opens new opportunities for Kazakhstani universities to achieve qualitative renewal and growth.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s speech at the forum gave new momentum to the national policy in education and science. Equal access to education, support for young scientists, and the development of academic freedom are not merely tasks within the education sector — they are key conditions for the country’s intellectual and economic advancement.

Today, Kazakhstan’s strategic goal is to make education and science the main capital of the nation. In this regard, the President’s initiatives have given real substance to the idea of national renewal and laid a solid foundation for building Kazakhstan as an intellectual nation.

S.T. Nazbekova PhD Student, Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies