Nur-Sultan held 1st meeting of National Public Trust Board

The meeting has been opened by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and discussed an important set of strategic issues taking into consideration the views of the public and the civil society, the ways for ensuring a constructive dialogue between representatives of the public, political parties, the non-governmental sector and government bodies, as well as the proposals on the Board’s programme of work.  

“The basis of my Address to the people of Kazakhstan is public wishes and interest. The initiatives put forward in the Address need to be considered and developed within the National Board”, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

“Firstly, the pluralism of opinion. The National Board includes social and professional groups as well as a wide range of economic and political views and stances. Secondly, the institutionalization of public dialogue”, the President said.

The Kazakh President outlined that the National Public Trust Board would be a unique structure to implement all the initiatives.

“We should carry on with the modernization idea founded by First Kazakh President – Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev as a people. This new format meeting will bring about positive changes. People expect concrete proposals. We hope that the National Public Trust Board will be a unique structure to implement all the initiatives”, the President said.

“We need to live up to the people’s trust. Each citizen’s interest is of importance to us. The civil society has become more active but sometimes it lacks in ripeness, however, it will be acquired eventually”, Tokayev said.

In his speech, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined that the State must listen to the citizens and most importantly hear them.

“Our democracy becomes stronger and the social awareness is based on the values of patriotism. Each of the members of the National Board has own opinion, stance, which is a very natural state of a developed civil society”, the President said.

“We should proceed from the concept announced in my inauguration speech, which goes like different opinions – one nation. Indeed, there is no development without alternatives, initiatives and activity. These are three points paving the way forward”, the President said.

The Kazakh Head of State called his power pattern as the strong plenipotentiary President, the influential, capable Parliament and the Government answerable to the people.

“I am sure that Kazakhstan should be a State with a presidential form of government. And, the Parliament should take the rightful place in the political system. It is not only about the improvement of electoral legislation but also about the fact that the Parliament could play a more significant role in adopting important government decisions”, the Kazakh Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined that the State must listen to its citizens and hear them.

“It is high time to give impetus to political competition, expand the real involvement of citizens in a political life of the country, and promote the development of a multi-party system. We should restart the country’s social policy. The national economy should work for real increase of well-being of all our citizens,” the Kazakh President said.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the creation of the National Public Trust Board on his inauguration day on 12 June 2019, leading to the signing of the Decree approving the provisions and membership of the National Public Trust Board under the President of Kazakhstan. The Board is chaired by the Kazakh President and involves prominent public figures, Mazhilis deputies, economists and politicians.

Adlet Seilkhanov

Photo by Bauyrzhan Zhuasbayev