The Presidential Address: Kazakhstan’s Development Priorities — Insights from a Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

On 28 October 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Astana time, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev delivered his annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan entitled “Current Priorities of Kazakhstan in a New Historical Cycle”.

In connection with this important public and political event, the academic staff of the Higher School of Economics and Business at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University gathered in Conference Hall, Room 201, under the leadership of the Dean of the Higher School, Zhanna Zhandarbekovna Yermekova. The faculty members watched the live broadcast of the Head of State’s address and familiarised themselves with its key provisions.

Following the event, the Press Service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University interviewed Baglan Muratovna Aliyeva, Candidate of Economic Sciences and Assistant Professor of the Department of Finance and Accounting, to obtain her expert assessment of the priority areas outlined in the President’s Address.

In her comments, B.M. Aliyeva noted that the provisions concerning the development of science, education, innovation and human capital are of particular importance to the university community. The Head of State emphasised that knowledge, science and innovation are the key drivers of the modern era, and that the country needs highly qualified specialists, researchers, engineers and educators. In the lecturer’s view, these priorities highlight the importance of improving the quality of higher education, developing research activities, introducing digital technologies and training competitive specialists capable of responding to the challenges of the modern economy.

The Address places particular emphasis on infrastructure modernisation, regional development, the establishment of new industries, support for entrepreneurship, digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence. These areas are directly relevant to achieving sustainable economic growth, expanding employment opportunities and improving the quality of life. Aliyeva B.M. also highlighted the importance of rational water resource management and the introduction of water-saving technologies, which reflect the need for a responsible approach to natural resources.

The event and the expert interview contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, SDG 4, “Quality Education”, is associated with the development of science, knowledge and professional competencies; SDG 8, “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, with support for entrepreneurship, innovation and labour productivity; SDG 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, with the modernisation of urban and social infrastructure; SDG 12, “Responsible Consumption and Production”, with the rational use of resources; and SDG 16, “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, with strengthening the principles of legality, public order, accountability and effective public administration.

Thus, discussing the Presidential Address within the university community helps deepen understanding of the country’s strategic priorities, strengthen civic responsibility and highlight the role of higher education in implementing large-scale transformations. The participation of academic staff in discussions of current government initiatives also demonstrates the importance of integrating the university’s educational, research and public engagement activities.