The new Constitution of Kazakhstan has received the support of ENU’s academic community

Expert hearings were held at The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University on the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, submitted to a referendum and published in the media. The event was attended by deputies of the Mazhilis, representatives of the academic community and leading legal scholars.

The discussion was attended by Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of RK Nikita Shatalov, Deputy Director of the KISI under the President of RK Alua Zholdybalina, Director of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies Aigul Saduakasova, PhD, Deputy Director of the Institute of State History Yerkebulan Zhumashev, Doctor of Law, Associate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Law Bauyrzhan Smatlayev.

The participants focused on the conceptual foundations of the document, its key provisions and institutional innovations. The experts stressed that the draft of the new Constitution prioritizes the safety and protection of citizens' rights, strengthening mutual trust between society and the state. The document was described as the most important guarantee of the unity of the country, its territorial integrity and respect for human rights.

The moderator of the round table was Indira Rystina, ENU Vice Rector for Quality Assurance and Internal Control. According to her, Kazakhstan is currently experiencing a historic stage of development.

"We are standing at an important milestone in state-building. The new Constitution, put to a referendum, is a strategic document defining the future of the country. The first article states: "The highest value of the state is a person, their life, rights and freedoms." That is why the constitutional reform has provoked a wide public response. At a meeting of the National Kurultai, Head of State announced large-scale changes, opening a new stage of political modernization. The Constitutional Commission includes representatives of various fields, including the scientific community. The project attaches special importance to science, education, culture and innovation. In the future, making a documentary about the process of preparing each article would be a valuable contribution to the history of the Constitution.

The new Constitution pays special attention to the field of science and education. Funds are being allocated for these areas, and various projects are being implemented. However, all this could have remained only at the level of government campaigns. The inclusion of science and education in the Constitution indicates that they are defined as long-term strategic priorities. One of the key areas of the university's mission is not only education and scientific activity, but also the socialization of young people. That is, the formation of a culture of life in society among students, explaining their rights and obligations is also of great importance. In this regard, it is our teaching duty to provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the draft of the new Constitution, express support, and explain its significance and impact on their future. The teachers will conduct systematic and comprehensive work in this area," Vice-Rector noted.

During the discussion, special attention was paid to strengthening the constitutional foundations of State power, ensuring a balance between its branches, improving the system of public administration, strengthening the rule of law and developing democratic institutions. Issues of human rights and civil responsibility were discussed in a separate block.

Nikita Shatalov, Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of RK, noted that the constitutional reform had been widely discussed for a long time, and all its stages were conducted in an open and public format. According to him, citizens, experts, political parties and public organizations freely expressed their proposals, and the Constitutional Commission comprehensively considered them. He emphasized that the openness of this process and the active participation of society made it possible to draft a new Constitution on a truly popular basis.

"One of the main features of the new Fundamental Law is its reliance on the principle of openness. During the drafting of constitutional amendments, public discussions were held, and suggestions from citizens were taken into account. This is an important step towards strengthening trust between the State and society. Therefore, I consider the new Constitution to be a historic document aimed at building a state that is fair, open and listens to the voice of the people," the MP said.

The hearings were held in the format of expert reports, an open discussion and a Q&A session. The participants agreed that constitutional modernization is not only the updating of a legal document, but also the formation of a new social contract based on the values of education, innovation and critical thinking.

"I have carefully read the draft of the new Constitution in Yegemen Kazakhstan newspaper. As a member of the Constitutional Commission, I would like to note that the document reflects the proposals and opinions of citizens. This is clear evidence of progressive democratic development," Aigul Saduakasova emphasized.