Kazakhstan's model of family and demographic policy is presented at the international summit in Hungary

Budapest, September 14-15, 2023 - The V Budapest Demographic Summit was held in the Hungarian capital on the theme: «Family: Key to Security».

This international Summit is held every two years and is a platform where politicians, experts, representatives of religions, business, science and media from different countries discuss the problems of demography and key issues affecting the institution of the family. This year, representatives from 60 countries participated.

At the invitation of the Hungarian side the Minister of Culture and Information, the Chairman of the National Commission on Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva took part in the summit.

The Minister, along with representatives from Ecuador, Hungary, Qatar, Turkey, UAE, Serbia, Slovenia, Morocco, Qatar and a number of other countries, spoke at an interactive panel session of ministers with family policy responsibilities.

In her speech, Aida Balayeva emphasized the important role of the family institution for the sustainable development of the state, noting that «It is in the family circle that the young generation receives values, love and care, thanks to which they can feel protected and strong enough to create their own families in the future».

The Minister noted a number of demographic features of Kazakhstan – «Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic state. Representatives of more than 100 ethnic groups and 18 religious denominations live in the country».

Among the important features of the country Aida Balayeva also highlighted the average age of Kazakhstanis: «Kazakhstan is a country of young people, the average age of Kazakhstanis is 32 years. In the structure of the population, young people make up about 30%».

Then the Minister continued, - «Demographers talk about the risks, but we are doing everything to turn the young energy of the state into opportunities for development. This is the course of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev» - said in her speech the Minister.

The Kazakhstani politician also spoke in detail about the development of institutional foundations for the formation of family and demographic policy of Kazakhstan, including reforms and social support system, the introduction of the Digital Family Card and a number of special programs implemented in the country.

In addition, the Minister dwelt on the problems that have a significant impact on the process of child rearing and spoke about the measures taken to address them in Kazakhstan.

Aida Balayeva also suggested that the next Summit should discuss the impact of new media on the formation of values and increasing the role of the family in the prevention of modern challenges. According to the Minister, these factors were repeatedly heard from the speakers of the Summit and require attention.

A number of bilateral meetings were also held on the margins of the summit. In particular, with the Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary János Csák and the Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova.

The sides discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and confirmed mutual interest in building up interaction between the two countries in the field of family and demographic sphere and cultural and humanitarian relations.

Source: Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan