The Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the official closing ceremony of the Year of the Volunteer.
In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the Year of the Volunteer successful. According to him, thanks to the mercy and responsiveness of tens of thousands of Kazakhstanis, the nationwide idea of "good deeds" has become a reality, despite the fact that this year fell on one of the most difficult, dramatic periods in history not only for our country, but for the whole world. As the President noted, the people of Kazakhstan confirmed the inviolability of the spirit of the nation, demonstrated unity and cohesion, community, solidarity, indifference and care for each other.
During the year, over 100 thousand people participated in volunteer activities. New areas of volunteering have also been effectively developed. The Head of State expressed confidence that a bright future awaits a country with a large number of caring residents, and volunteering will serve as an example for all citizens and contribute to the formation of a new image of the nation.
- The nationwide initiative "Birgemiz" in a short time brought together many caring compatriots who, in the difficult period of the pandemic, provided the necessary support to those in need. The projects “Qamqor”, “Saulyq”, “Sabaqtastyq” launched within the framework of the initiative have helped hundreds of thousands of our citizens. The activity of the volunteer movement "Taza Alem" on cleaning rivers, forests, planting trees, sorting garbage found a wide response. Today, eco-activism is not a tribute to any fashion trends, but an urgent need, a life principle that will allow us to preserve nature, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The President believes that government agencies, archival organizations, scientific institutes need to use the resource of volunteers more productively. Taking into account the experience of Arys and Makhtaaral, it becomes important to comprehensively prepare volunteers for rescue operations after complex man-made disasters. The issues of environmental and animal protection require special attention. A separate priority is the issue of systematic support for charitable activities. At the initiative of the President, a new law on charity is being prepared, which will eliminate the existing gaps in this area.
In order to ensure transparency of charitable activities, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed to work out the issue of introducing the Register of charitable organizations. It should be integrated into all existing information systems in this area and become available to anyone who wishes to get acquainted with the activities of charitable organizations, their financial reporting. It is equally important to build a system for protecting citizens from fraud in the field of electronic charity.
The Head of State pointed out the need to continue work to support volunteer organizations and allocate special grants to them. For the continuation of good deeds, it is important to develop a Roadmap for development of volunteering, as well as a Volunteer Training Program. The government was tasked to develop a unified standard for supporting volunteer activities.
Volunteering is not just a social phenomenon, not a habit or a skill that is formed in one day. This is a way of life deliberately chosen by many people. I propose to introduce thematic classes and optional hours in all educational institutions,” - noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In the speech, special attention was paid to building the potential of social partnership in the framework of volunteer and charitable activities, as well as the development of corporate volunteering.
Kazakhstan has become one of the active participants in the UN Volunteers Program, helping those in need in different countries of the world. At the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a proposal to declare an International Year of Volunteer Mobilization.
- In a few days we will enter the Year of the 30th Anniversary of Independence. This is the most important milestone in the development of the country. In this regard, I propose to organize a "Marathon of Good Deeds" at the national level. This important initiative will bring us all together. It is obvious that in such a difficult period good deeds will strengthen our country, unite society, the Head of State believes.
The President of Kazakhstan thanked everyone who, in this difficult time of the pandemic, did not stand aside and continue to help people, and also supported a number of proposals and initiatives of volunteers.
During the event, the chairman of the ALE "National Volunteer Network" Vera Kim, a volunteer from Arys Olzhas Mamyr, acting Executive Coordinator of the UN Volunteer Program Toili Kurbanov, Chairman of the Council of Veterans of Temirtau Berlikbay Ordabaev, Republican Coordinator of the "Public Control" group Saida Taukeleva, Chairman of the Center of the Association of Volunteer Initiatives of Russia Artem Metelev, Officer of the Sanaly Urpak project office Bogdan Petrov, President of the Animal Protection Organization INUCOBO Lilia Sarsenova, international volunteer of UN volunteers Ainur Kanafina, volunteer of the“ Step towards” headquarters Maxim Panchenko, head of the Atyrau volunteer corps “AVC” Bekasyl Samigolla, chairman of the united children's youth organization“Zhas Ulan Dinara Sadvakasova also made reports at the meeting.
