Continuing its mission to promote the Kazakh language, the Otandastar Foundation will launch a new series of free online Kazakh language courses starting in March 2026!
Language is not only a mirror of the nation but also a tool to better understand your own history. This course will help expand your cultural and linguistic horizons.
Ethnic Kazakhs living abroad, former compatriots, or citizens of Kazakhstan residing abroad;
No age restrictions;
Interest in learning and developing Kazakh language skills;
Ability to attend online classes regularly;
Basic equipment: a computer or smartphone with internet access.
Develop skills in speaking, writing, and understanding Kazakh fluently;
Learning the language opens new opportunities in government, business, and cultural events.
The online courses comprehensively develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate by meeting the following requirements:
Complete all lessons:
– Attend all lessons;
– Complete assignments and pass tests.
Pass a final exam or test:
– A final exam or test will be conducted to assess overall knowledge;
– Oral or written tasks may be required.
Show active participation:
– Certificates will be awarded to those who attend regularly and actively participate in classes.
In addition to language, participants will have the opportunity to learn about Kazakh culture and traditions.
As participants improve their language skills, they will gain confidence in expressing themselves in new environments.
Interactive lessons designed for you;
Engaging video materials and literary works.
The online Kazakh language course is offered in A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels for Turkish-speaking and Russian-speaking audiences.
To register and join the course, take a placement test using the links below:
Test in Russian:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHSwC1Bh7oodrUEqaCIVwPXmIlR4yGaMOZa2JjlKkVrwQG6Q/viewform?usp=dialog
Test in Turkish:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoCUYTiYCmNHLKhoGF12NZ00La_c_xHs51ZX8LP31pJrjjSQ/viewform?usp=dialog
A1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LjaLJXMkz8d4G9MuMF3uUy
A2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Eo9wP7FYd7YLqnBEPDEw4n
B1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JlVlOJjHNZhLsZK2gaeX4H
B2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JOkqN6WOmRxCnWg96G5X81
A1: https://t.me/+TmqhiKZHeVJiOWEy
A2: https://t.me/+erC61FUMki00YTAy
B1: https://t.me/+tbNy0C7bOoNlNDA6
B2: https://t.me/+A3V_axFsPp40ZmM6
Once you join the WhatsApp group, please wait for the instructor’s guidelines. The instructor will send the schedule after all participants complete the placement test. The online Kazakh language course is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
We are #Kazakhstan. We are #BornBold
It’s in our DNA. It’s a way of life. It’s what makes us one of the world’s most dynamic investment destinations.
Discover more at: www.boldkazakhstan.com
On December 9, in Minsk, in the historical building of the Belarusian Society for Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, deputies of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, prominent cultural figures, representatives of leading universities of the Republic of Belarus, political scientists, experts, journalists gathered at a round table to discuss cooperation with Kazakhstan, which in December two dates are celebrated - Independence Day and the Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev.
In his welcoming speech, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belarus Askar Beisenbayev noted that the phenomenon of political leadership of Nursultan Nazarbayev manifested itself throughout his multifaceted leadership activities, and he entered the pages of national history as the founder of independent Kazakhstan, a wise strategist, a great reformer and an outstanding political Leader of our time.
Thanks to the wise and balanced policy of the First President-Elbasy N. Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan implemented successful and large-scale market reforms, the country managed to embark on the path of a market economy, create the foundations of social policy, and ensure the sustainability of the political reform process aimed at further liberalizing public relations.
A. Beisenbayev spoke about the main aspects of the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev to the people of Kazakhstan "Kazakhstan in a new reality: time for action", which concentrated in itself specific steps aimed at increasing the efficiency of the management system, the economy in new realities, the disclosure of industrial potential, development of agriculture, transport and logistics complex, small and medium-sized businesses, the financial sector, modernization of the country's territorial development and increasing the social well-being of Kazakhstanis.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan emphasized that, continuing the course of Elbasy, President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev ensures the further successful development of the country.
Chairperson of the Presidium of the Belarusian Friendship Society Nina Ivanova noted that over the past 29 years, Kazakhstanis have managed to reform the country in accordance with new realities, ensure interethnic and interfaith harmony, and build a balanced foreign policy.
“It is important to understand that all this became possible with the presence of a Leader - a far-sighted, shrewd politician, bright and smart tactician, charismatic and courageous person - Nursultan Nazarbayev, who led the country at an important historical stage and adequately carried the burden of responsibility in decision-making and their implementation” , - N. Ivanova emphasized.
Deputy of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Chairman of the Working Group on Cooperation with the Parliament of Kazakhstan Svetlana Lyubetskaya emphasized that Belarus and Kazakhstan are the most important political and economic partners, and relations between the two countries are a model for other states. The key role in achieving the existing level of relations certainly belongs to the presidents of the two countries and the parties intend to further develop friendly relations.
S. Lyubetskaya noted the importance of strengthening the inter-parliamentary dialogue, a significant contribution to which is made by the participants in the Speakers' Meetings, interaction within groups for cooperation between the Parliaments of the two countries.
In turn, the Belarusian poet, prose writer, translator, chairman of the Minsk city branch of the Writers' Union of Belarus, laureate of the National Literary Prize of the Republic of Bashkortostan Mikhail Pozdnyakov spoke about the successful interaction of writers from the two countries and noticed the need to continue the cultural dialogue between Belarus and Kazakhstan. He emphasized the primary role of the First President of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev in the creation and formation of the Eurasian Union, which brought a new, strong breath to the development of economic relations between countries.
The roundtable participants emphasized the importance of continuing the continuity of the strategic course of the country's development, highly appreciated the political, economic and social transformations in Kazakhstan and wished success to the new political undertakings in the country initiated by President K. Tokayev.
The round table was organized with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Belarus.
Representatives of the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Belarus recently visited the checkpoints of the Brest and Grodno Regional Customs authorities located on the Belarusian-Lithuanian and Belarusian-Polish sections of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) border.
During the trip, Kazakhstan's diplomats got acquainted with the process of customs control at the border, the procedure for passport control by customs officers, the infrastructure of checkpoints «Kamenny Log», «Bruzgi», «Kozlovichi», «Brest – Zapadny» and transport and logistics centers «Kamenny Log – Beltamozhservis», «Bremino – Bruzgi», «Brest – Beltamozhservis-2».
Topical issues of customs cooperation, as well as problematic situations that arise for Kazakhstani carriers, were discussed with the Head of the Grodno Regional Customs Mr. Andrei Kovalchuk and the Head of the Brest Customs Mr. Alexander Pihun.
An agreement was reached on comprehensive assistance in resolving issues of customs administration during the movement of goods and vehicles across the external borders of the EAEU.
Every year, about 40 thousand vehicles pass through the Belarusian section of the external border of the EAEU to the Republic of Kazakhstan, and about 15 thousand – from the Republic of Kazakhstan.
For 10 months of 2020, representatives of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belarus assisted on 42 requests of Kazakhstani carriers of different nature. In close cooperation with the Customs service of the Republic of Belarus, various questions that required clarification on more than 160 customs declarations were processed.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a video message at the High-Level Meeting to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations within the anniversary session of the UN General Assembly, held in an online format due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Head of State began his speech with the famous quotation of former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld: “The United Nations was not created to bring us to heaven, but to save us from hell”. According to the President, though conceived primarily as a system for collective security, the UN has in fact consolidated nations around much broader common aspirations and principles, resulting an era of really active and broad international cooperation.
President Tokayev expressed concern over the existing global challenges. In particular, he drew attention to the risks for the principles of multilateralism, difficulties in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic, the threat of looming second arms race, and setbacks in achieving strategic development goals. Moreover, in his speech, he also questioned the position that the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter are no longer realistic.
“As President of my country and former senior manager of the UN I strongly disagree. More than ever, we must give rein to the horse of our hopes, not pull back out of fear. We must galvanize efforts in pursuit of those shared ideals, not abandon them. We must continue to build a rules-based community, not return to lawlessness,” Kazakhstan President believes.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the crucial importance of the next decade in the context of striving to implement the 2030 Agenda. In his opinion, this formidable goal demands a common endeavour and responsibility.
President Tokayev commended the strong leadership of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and supported his ongoing work to boost effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the UN.
“Kazakhstan adds its voice in a clear statement of commitment to the UN mission and Charter, and to the shared aspiration of building a more peaceful, just and prosperous world,” Kazakhstan’s President underscored.
In conclusion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his conviction that the United Nations as a single universal and most representative international organization is indeed indispensable.
The full speech of the President is available here.
On July 17, in his video address for the press conference of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan in Nur-Sultan, Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, noted the following: “Having received over the past few months new knowledge about the COVID-19 infection and measures to combat it, the WHO has introduced new codes to classify this disease. There have been reports from Kazakhstan of a marked increase in cases of pneumonia, one of the explanations of which is COVID-19.”
Dr. Kluge thanked Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health for agreeing to confirm the possibility of testing in the WHO reference laboratories. As such, it has been confirmed that there is no new dangerous infection in Kazakhstan; all previously reported cases of detected pneumonia according to the WHO classification relate to COVID-19. Earlier, some foreign media outlets mistakenly indicated the appearance in Kazakhstan of some unknown disease. This caused a substantial commotion in the world.
Kazakhstan immediately turned to the World Health Organisation for assistance. After careful examination of the information, the WHO confirmed the summer outbreak of pneumonia in Kazakhstan as a result of COVID-19. The peculiarity of this pneumonia is that all cases have a negative PCR test result, but have clinical and epidemiological signs of coronavirus. Furthermore, according to the statement of Caroline Clarinval, the head of the WHO office in Kazakhstan, an additional group of experts of the Organisation will come to Kazakhstan.
Consequently, Kazakhstan is working closely with the WHO in the framework of the fight against the epidemic. Regular working consultations with the Organisation are helping Kazakhstan to adjust the methodology for reporting the development of the epidemic and to determine its various forms. Until now, only laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Kazakhstan, as in most countries.
The situation is as follows – towards the end of June, a marked increase in viral pneumonia was observed in the country without specifying the pathogen, that is, unconfirmed in the laboratory. This, in turn, enhances the international practice of combatting the epidemic, as the new coronavirus has not yet been fully studied, and all of its possible signs are important for its treatment.
Kazakhstan’s experience is likely to be useful for those states where, according to WHO estimates, excess mortality is also currently observed, most likely due to COVID-19. Experts note that similar cases exist not just in Kazakhstan, however other places have their own specifics.
From 18th July, COVID-19 morbidity and mortality statistics in Kazakhstan will be compiled from two data sources: laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and unspecified viral pneumonia. This will automatically lead to an increase in the number of confirmed cases.
But this approach for reporting cases will make it possible to make correct forecasts of the incidence rate, adequately plan the necessary resources: medical personnel, beds, medical equipment, medicines, as well as ensure the transparency of statistics. A complete transition in Kazakhstan to the COVID-19 coding using the new codes of the international classification of diseases will be carried out from 1st of August.
The Government of Kazakhstan is well aware that this switch to a new methodology and the publication of new combined statistics will lead to a deterioration in Kazakhstan’s position in the international ranking of morbidity and mortality from coronavirus infections.
However, these Government measures emphasise the openness of Kazakhstan and its willingness to jointly confront the coronavirus pandemic and study its consequences in close cooperation with the international community.
There is no new explosive increase in the COVID-19 epidemic in Kazakhstan and no critical increase in new cases of illnesses. A sharp change in the country's position in international statistics, for example by the Johns Hopkins University or worldometer.com, is associated with the technical addition of all cases of pneumonia associated with COVID-19, as per the WHO’s classification.
All cases of illness (confirmed COVID-19 and pneumonic cases) were initially recorded by the healthcare system of Kazakhstan. But due to the fact that there was no evidence of a connection to COVID-19, these cases were not included in the general epidemiological statistics.
Overall, the introduction of quarantine measures from July 5 to August 2 in Kazakhstan resulted in the noticeable stabilisation of the situation regarding the incidence of COVID-19 in the country; the dynamics of the growth of new cases currently remains at the level of 1700-1800 people per day.
According to Dorit Nitzan, the Regional Emergency Director at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, based on the available data, the epidemiological situation in Kazakhstan is noticeably improving. Today, the country is simultaneously carrying out a program of mass testing of the population and is monitoring the fulfilment by the population of basic requirements, such as wearing masks, social distancing and restrictions on group gatherings.
The epidemiological situation related to coronavirus in Kazakhstan is under control. The Kazakhstan’s Government is taking all necessary measures on time to combat the epidemic.
First. There were some reports in foreign media (The New York Times, The Telegraph, Express, France24, etc.) noticing that Kazakhstan has entered the list of states with the fastest rates of COVID-19 spread.
In addition, the publications mistakenly wrote about supposedly repeated introduction of a strict lockdown in Kazakhstan while in fact the country announced a two-week quarantine measures.
Such highlights led to a certain misunderstanding of the situation in Kazakhstan and, as a result, to the exaggeration of epidemiological risks coming from the Republic of Kazakhstan in the media.
Second. Since the beginning of July this year, asymptomatic forms of COVID-19 in Kazakhstan have been added to the overall morbidity rate. As result the rate of infection growth has also increased significantly.
It is well known that both forms of the disease (as with symptoms, as asymptomatic) pose a potential danger to the wider public. Before July, the separate recording was carried out.
It is clear that change of record methodology has led to the fact that all cases that were not previously taken into account, were included in the national statistics.
As a result, this led to misinterpretation of the figures.
Third. Currently, there are about 48 874 cases of COVID-19 in Kazakhstan (07.07.2020), including 25 021 – with symptoms, 23 553 – asymptomatic, 1403 cases per day. The increase is about 3.0%.
Cured – 24,990 patients (51.1%, thus more than half recovered). Continue receiving treatment – 23,324 patients. Passed away – 260.
In June, the rate of virus replication in Kazakhstan was 1.3. Over the last few weeks, there is a decrease in this indicator in dynamics to 1.05.
In total, there are 11.5 million infected people registered globally. Mortality rate is 4.6% (536 thousand people). Incidence rate in the United States is 2.9 million people, 681.2 thousand people in Russia, 48.8 thousand people in Kazakhstan.
Mortality rate in the USA is 4.4%, 1.5% in Russia, and 0.5% in Kazakhstan. According to COVID-19 map of Johns Hopkins University, Kazakhstan ranks 35th by confirmed cases.
Fourth. Kazakhstan consistently carries out a mass testing programme.
In total, 1,631,817 COVID-19 laboratory tests were conducted (8746 per 100 thousand people), with the following results: 48,874 tested positive, 1,582,943 tested negative.
According to worldometers.info, today Kazakhstan ranks 19th in the world in terms of population testing, country ranks 54th in terms of the number of infected per 1 million people and ranks 113th in mortality. The difference in these indicators shows the effectiveness of measures taken in the country.
Thus, international statistics demonstrate the continued moderate dynamics of the epidemiological situation in Kazakhstan.
Note: quarantine in Kazakhstan will last between July 5-19.
The restrictions include ban on holding mass gatherings, as well as family events and memorials. The beauty salons, hairdressers, gyms, fitness centers, pools, indoor markets, beaches, water parks, culture facilities, entertainment centers, religious facilities, cinemas, kindergartens, children health camps and other institutions also suspended their activities.
At least 80% of employees of public institutions, offices, national companies and other organizations continue remote working.
It has been also decided to limit the movement of people to walking in groups of three or less. The medical centers, pharmacies, grocery stores, open markets will continue operating during this period.
Open air restaurants, construction and industrial plants with a continuous production cycle, open air agricultural and construction works will continue to operate under enhanced sanitary and disinfection measures.
The auto service and appliance maintenance will also continue in operation.
International air traffic will continue without further expansion of the list of countries. At the same time, domestic air flights and trains will be limited. The interregional bus services and city buses are suspended for the period of the quarantine.
The Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Brest announces the launch of a new project of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan https://gokazakhstan.net/, a travel portal aimed at promoting Kazakhstan as a tourism destination.
Go Kazakhstan provides recommendations, reviews, and materials on the country's cultural, historical, architectural, and natural attractions. You will find the latest tourism news, as well as tips that will allow travel lovers to plan their trip.
The site also contains interesting destinations and unique sightseeing routes in Kazakhstan. Subscribe to the Go Kazakhstan page on Facebook and stay updated! https://www.facebook.com/gokazakhstan/
Kazakhstan is implementing a substantial package of political reforms that are creating a new stage in the liberalization of its socio-political life. The new laws impact the development of the basic institutions of democracy - the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, the organization of elections and activities of political parties.
At the end of May of this year, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a number of laws important for the further socio-political development of the country. They include the laws “On the procedure for organizing and holding peaceful assemblies in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, “On introducing amendments to the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan“, “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, and “On introducing amendments and additions to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Political Parties”.
These laws and the transformations they envisage are part of the package of political reforms put forward by the President as part of the National Council of Public Trust. Their adoption is an important step towards the realization of the concept of a “state that listens” and the increasing role of civil society. New legal norms in Kazakhstan further strengthen such values as pluralism of opinions, alternative views, constructive position and responsibility.
Therefore, the new law on rallies greatly simplifies the legal regulation of peaceful assemblies. Independent experts, civic and human rights activists, and non-governmental organizations participated in the process of drafting the legislation. The result of the multi-level discussion was a change in the originally laid down provisions in the direction of further liberalization.
The law is fully consistent with Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The document sets out the basic principles of peaceful assemblies: they must be legal, voluntary, not violent, and not pose a danger to either the state or citizens. Bans and obligations restricting the activities of journalists are also excluded.
Now, public spaces in the cities of the country can be used by citizens to hold peaceful assemblies. In addition, the notification procedure for peaceful assemblies will be reduced from 15 days to 5.
“We are shaping a new political culture. Pluralism of opinions and alternative views are coming to the fore. The authorities do not believe that disagreement is destructive”, the President of Kazakhstan said. According to Tokayev, it is time for society and the state to treat correctly public expression of views. “And it is better to come to this independently, consciously, and not forcedly”, the head of Kazakhstan noted.
The previous law was adopted 25 years ago and, according to domestic experts and international observers, has long required a conceptual review. The new law of 2020 fully complies with international standards - the principles of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The law ensures the most important thing - the right to freedom of expression.
The new legislation clearly outlines the basic principles of peaceful assemblies: they must be legal, voluntary, not violent, and not pose a danger to either the state or citizens. That is, the principles of human rights are observed - “everything that is not forbidden is allowed” and “your rights end where the rights of others begin”.
Therefore, the law “On peaceful assemblies” is a demonstration of the successful implementation of the concept of a “state that listens,” announced by President Tokayev.
The new law on elections is also being improved. New laws will further strengthen the rights of women and youth to participate in the country's political life. They establish the introduction of an obligatory 30% quota for women and young people under 29 years of age to be included in party registry lists.
Currently, 22% of members of parliament are women (the average representation of women in the OECD legislatures is 30%). There are 29 women in the Mazhilis of Parliament (the Lower House), and 6 in the Senate, while young people under the age of 29 are currently not represented in Parliament.
There are 740 women in maslihats (local representative bodies), around 22%, and 53 members are under the age of 29 years. Overall there are 3,335 representatives in maslihats.
According to statistics, there are 4.5 million economically active women and 2.8 million young people aged 20 to 29 in Kazakhstan. From now on, young people and women will participate more actively in the elections to be represented in the local representative body and the lower house of Parliament.
In general, the quota policy is a fairly widespread international practice. Special party quotas are applied in European countries and are most common in Germany, Norway, France and Belgium, where these norms are enshrined in law.
The introduction of special quotas in Kazakhstan through the new law will incentivize the young generation of Kazakhstan and women to actively participate in the country's political life. The impact of the new legal norms will most likely be felt in 2021 - the year of the next elections to the Mazhilis of Parliament. (Previous parliamentary elections were held in 2016. According to the Constitution of Kazakhstan, the term of office of members of the Mazhilis of Parliament is 5 years).
The amendments to the Constitutional Law “On Elections” and the Law “On Political Parties” signed by the President have become an important part of the reform package that modernize the political system of Kazakhstan towards liberalization. Reducing the threshold number of signatures needed to create a political association that can participate in elections from 40,000 to 20,000 people is an important step for the further development of the political party system in Kazakhstan.
Therefore, the amendments to the legislation will contribute to the growth of the influence of parties on the political processes in the country. They will facilitate the creation of new parties and the overall revitalization of political party life in the country, which is expected to have a positive impact on the development and adoption of government decisions. Today there are 6 political parties registered and operating in Kazakhstan.
The measures included in the laws are aimed at reformatting the socio-political space, increasing competition in the political party field, and making electoral bodies more inclusive and balanced.
Along with the most important issues of improving the quality of life of Kazakh citizens and strengthening social policy, the President of Kazakhstan is taking substantial steps to improve the current political system.
In 2019, in his election program, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev clearly outlined the key principles of his leadership policy - “Continuity. Justice. Progress". And already during his first year as President, he has successfully implemented these principles at the legislative level.
Continuity - ensured by strengthening the role of the youth in the political life of the country, including by providing training for the young generation of Kazakhleaders, who in the future will promote the effective development of the state.
Justice - implemented through the development of gender balance through quotas for women in the country's representative bodies, as well as by strengthening the rights of citizens to peaceful assemblies, and creating new opportunities for the activities of political parties.
Progress is generally reflected in the consistent movement of Kazakhstan along the path of political modernization and the expansion of democratic practices in the life of the state.
And as demonstrated by the adopted package of political reforms, it is clear that, embodying the concept of a “state that listens”, President Tokayev, as promised, is taking into account first and foremost the requests of citizens. Thus, at a new historical stage, Kazakhstan is continuing to strengthen democracy, the course towards the development of which was originally and consciously chosen by the people of the country almost three decades ago.
Dear compatriots,
I congratulate you on the holy holiday of Muslims – Oraza Ait!
Marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan, it personifies the most important spiritual values of Islam - goodness, generosity and mercy.
Islam calls us to peace, unity and stability. These values are close and understandable not only to Muslims. Therefore, in our country, Oraza Ait unites all people of Kazakhstan, regardless of their religion.
It is important to further strengthen these traditions and value our moral ideals. This is the basis of Kazakhstan’s stable and confident development.
Oraza Ait is marked by good deeds, concern for others and compassion for those in need. The holiday helps to strengthen mutual understanding and harmony in society.
May our whole life, like this day, be filled only with good deeds, righteous thoughts, and mercy.
I wish the whole Kazakhstan’s nation spiritual strength, good health, happiness and prosperity!
Oraza Ait Kabyl Bolsyn