Kazakhstan President Tokayev Opens First Kurultai Session
Astana – 28 August 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the opening of the first session of Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai, describing the new unicameral legislature as the beginning of a new phase in the country’s political development under the new Constitution.
President Tokayev highlighted the formation of the Kurultai and Government, the nomination of Aibek Dadebay as Chair of the Kurultai, and plans for the formation of the Kazakhstan People’s Council in the second half of September. He said the new body would represent the country’s ethnic, regional, social and political diversity and have the right of legislative initiative.
The President stressed the Kurultai’s expanded role in institutional checks and balances, including approval of reports on the execution of the national budget, consideration of appointments to key state institutions, and oversight of the Government. He called on deputies to review existing legislation and align it with the new Constitution, says press note.
Tokayev also outlined priorities for digital government and artificial intelligence, urging the rapid introduction of the E-Parliament system and responsible use of AI to improve legislative quality and reduce corruption risks. He said legislation on digital assets, digital development, online platforms and mass media would also be addressed.
On economic modernisation, the President emphasised industrialisation, new production facilities, foreign and domestic investment, and the renewal of municipal, transport, energy and water infrastructure. He also supported migration reforms and the Golden Visa initiative to attract highly qualified specialists, advanced technologies and foreign capital.
The address placed particular emphasis on strengthening energy resilience and developing alternative energy sources as part of Kazakhstan’s broader economic modernisation agenda.
On social policy, Tokayev called for comprehensive support for children with disabilities, including improved access to education, healthcare and social services. He also endorsed the proposal to prohibit children under 16 from registering on social-media platforms and called for new legislation on libraries and publishing.
Regarding foreign policy, Tokayev described Kazakhstan as a middle power in an increasingly unpredictable international environment. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace, friendship and mutually beneficial partnerships, while stressing the importance of strengthening national capabilities in the economy, science, defence and diplomacy.
The President noted that more than 74 percent of citizens participated in the Kurultai election, with around 800 international observers visiting Kazakhstan. He said the election demonstrated political diversity and a new phase of political participation.
Tokayev also highlighted the increased representation of women and young people in the Kurultai and called for a culture of responsibility, legality, transparency, mutual respect and pluralism among deputies.
Concluding his address, President Tokayev stressed the importance of national unity, knowledge, science, hard work and self-discipline in building a Just, Safe, Clean and Strong Kazakhstan.
