Dear friends!
Dear young scientists!
I am glad to meet you today. "Gylym Ordasy" is the cradle of Kazakh science.
As you know, this building has become quite dilapidated in recent years. Therefore, two years ago I gave the order to carry out major repairs here. In accordance with modern requirements, restoration work was carried out both inside and outside the building. The most important thing is that its historical appearance was preserved. By the end of the year, the work will be fully completed and improvements will be carried out. "Gylym Ordasy" will continue to serve today's and future scientists.
Many outstanding scientists, whose names are inscribed in the history of the country, worked here. One of such greatest representatives of our people is Academician Kanysh Satpayev. This year marks the 125th anniversary of his birth. Kanysh Satpayev made a huge contribution to the development of our country. His scientific discoveries continue to serve the benefit of people to this day. It is not for nothing that they say: "Galimnyng haty olmeydi" ("The words of a scientist never die").
We live in the era of science and education. For the sake of the prosperity of our Motherland, we must pay special attention to the development of these areas. There is no other way.
A country that relies only on raw materials has no future. We need scientists, engineers, inventors. Our specialists must be educated and qualified to withstand global competition.
In this difficult period, when rivalry between states in all areas has intensified, our country has begun the transition to a new economic model. We have begun to create a fair, inclusive and competitive economy. It must be based on science and innovation.
We need to become one of the leading, not the led countries. In a word, we must increase our scientific potential. In general, work in this direction is underway. At the meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology, I gave a number of specific instructions. All problems are being resolved under my direct supervision.
The bill "On Science and Technology Policy" is currently being considered in Parliament. Yesterday, the Senate approved it in the first reading. This is a very important and long-awaited document. It is necessary to improve the science management system. The issue of social support for scientists is of particular importance. Therefore, the law will take into account the interests of the scientific community as much as possible.
As is known, funds allocated for science are constantly growing. The number of grants for training qualified personnel has increased by one and a half times in recent years.
There are 12 branches of prestigious universities in the world in Kazakhstan. Several more will be opened in the near future. The number of universities conducting scientific research is growing. Technology parks and engineering centers are opening. Every year, 500 scientists undergo internships abroad. The Ministry allocates thousands of grants to young scientists. I am sure that all this will have a positive impact on the development of science.
During my visits abroad, I often meet with scientists and encourage them to establish close ties with Kazakh scientists. Last week, I had a special meeting with scientists and rectors of higher education institutions in Singapore. Now we will train our scientists there. In general, we have a lot to learn from countries with advanced economies like Singapore.
In the post-industrial era, the most important factor in the success of any country is openness to the world and the desire for innovation. Therefore, we carefully study and adopt the best international experience, implement advanced technologies and ideas.
By pursuing a balanced, constructive foreign policy, we build equal and mutually beneficial relations with all interested states. We focus on partnership, consistently building bridges of cooperation and mutual understanding, rather than walls of alienation and mistrust. However, in the modern world, where conflicts and wars do not subside, such a constructive policy is a very thorny path, overcoming which will require firmness and patience.
By choosing diplomacy and dialogue, we demonstrate our commitment to building a harmonious and fair international structure. We are in the process of implementing comprehensive reforms within the country, and we are also pursuing a balanced foreign policy based on our national interests, and not on considerations of any political expediency or to please biased opinions from outside.
For me, as the Head of State, the values of our Independence, the well-being of the people and the progressive development of the country are in the first place. I always follow this fundamental principle. Over the past five years, we have managed to implement truly large-scale institutional transformations in almost all key areas, from politics and economics to culture and education. But most importantly, we have awakened in people the faith in the reality of change. And we will not deviate from the intended path, we will continue to systematically implement all the planned reforms.
Our strategic course is aimed at the progressive strengthening of our statehood and increasing the well-being of the people. It is important that all citizens, especially young people, understand this well and do not remain on the sidelines of reforms.
It is the new generation that will have to join the process of transformation and fully experience the fruits of the reforms carried out in our country. Gifted, purposeful and hardworking youth, including scientists, are a bright symbol of modern Kazakhstan. Young highly educated citizens are the main capital of our nation and the key driver of positive changes in society.
At all times, our people have been open to everything new, strived for knowledge, creativity and creation, extolled the values of unity and solidarity. Today, a high level of education, progressive thinking, civic responsibility, unique multilingualism and cultural diversity are the basic components of our national identity and key elements of the so-called Kazakh soft power.
At one time, such outstanding figures as Shokan, Abay, Alikhan, Akhmet, Kanysh amazed people with their intellect. The attitude of other nations towards the Kazakhs was formed thanks to such great personalities. Now there are many young people who have gained worldwide fame thanks to their knowledge and talent. They easily master foreign languages, quickly adapt to any environment.
Abroad, we are considered an open and educated people. Curiosity, hard work, determination and creativity are the qualities that we are endowed with. We must always be able to effectively use these qualities.
We place great hopes on young scientists who possess modern technologies. We create the best conditions for young people to engage in science. This year, the Council of Young Scientists was created under the National Academy of Sciences. I hope that this council will unite talented young people and guide them on the path of science. Shakarim used to say: "Zhas könilde zharyk bar" ("There is light in the young soul").
Our youth must be creative and innovative. Youth is not a time to be wasted, but a time to be dedicated to selflessly serving the country. The life of academician Kanysh Satpayev is a vivid example of this. The scientist began writing the textbook "Algebra" when he was only 25 years old. At the age of about 30, he discovered a deposit in Zhezkazgan.
Young scientists should be useful to their native country. It is important that the younger generation is educated and patriotic. Every young person should strive to become a responsible citizen - Adal azamat. Only responsible citizens devoted to the country and their work will be able to lead Kazakhstan to prosperity.