Appeal

Dear Compatriots!

We, the Academicians of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as representatives of the scientific community, being deeply aware of our responsibility for the future of the country, consider it our civic duty to openly express our position at this fateful stage of our state’s development.

Science serves as the intellectual foundation that helps us comprehend the rhythm of the modern era and provide a scientific evaluation of social processes. The Constitution, in turn, is the bedrock of development—the highest legal criterion that guides the nation's future.

In this regard, it is of paramount importance that the constitutional reform receives profound reflection within society, anchored in clear scientific criteria and a differentiated approach.

The National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the supreme scientific organization that defines the strategic directions of the country's development, studies the core issues of the economy and social life, and makes a significant contribution to shaping the scientific foundation of public policy.

Since September of last year, when the Head of State initiated parliamentary reforms in his Address to the People, the National Academy of Sciences has not stood aside from this process. Our scientists and experts have dedicated their intellectual efforts and contributed scientifically grounded proposals aimed at deepening the substance of the ongoing reforms.

This year, at the National Kurultai, the Head of State announced fundamental changes to the country's Constitution, launching a new stage of political modernization.

In connection with this, the Constitutional Commission was established, drawing members of the scientific community into its ranks alongside representatives from various other sectors. Representatives of the National Academy of Sciences, for their part, also took an active and responsible role in drafting the new Constitution.

As a result, science, education, culture, and innovation have been highlighted as the central ideas of the proposed new Constitution.

This reflects a principled approach dictating that the path of the country's development must rely not only on natural wealth but, first and foremost, on human capital, an educated nation, and intellectual potential.

One of the core ideas of the new law is a clear vision that the future of Kazakhstan must be determined by the knowledge, science, creativity, and innovative thinking of its citizens.

Thus, in the preamble of the draft Constitution, culture, education, science, and innovation are defined as core values, while Article 3 of the section "Foundations of the Constitutional Order" recognizes the development of human capital, education, science, and innovation as a strategic direction of state activity.

Article 23 of the draft Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, as well as the freedom of scientific, technical, and artistic creativity.

In turn, Article 33 preserves the right of citizens to free primary and secondary education, along with the opportunity to access higher education on a competitive basis. Concurrently, the secular nature of the education system is firmly established, clearly demonstrating that state educational standards are uniform for all.

We are convinced that the proposed draft Constitution is a confident step into the future; it will strengthen the established state structure of Kazakhstan and elevate its international standing.

Furthermore, in the new preamble, the historical roots of the past are defined as core values, the fundamental principles of the present time are clearly outlined, and the principles orienting the nation toward the future are firmly enshrined.

In this regard, the academicians and scientists of the National Academy of Sciences call upon all compatriots to carefully study the draft Constitution presented to the people of Kazakhstan, and to deeply grasp its essence and content.

Мы просим (We request you to) support the explanatory work being conducted in society and to remain resilient against false information and provocative statements that do not correspond to reality.

Only together can we contribute to the intellectual, just, and sustainable development of Kazakhstan by supporting the new Constitution.

We invite everyone to take an active part in this historic choice, which is vital for the destiny of the country, and to express their support for the new Constitution.

Academicians of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan: