Preserving the Cultural Code: The Role of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and New Prospects for the Development of Ethnoculture
“Unity and solidarity have always been and will remain our core values and a steadfast guideline for all state policy,”— President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart TokayevThe thirtieth anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) has become not only an occasion for celebration but also for deep reflection on the path the country has taken in strengthening interethnic harmony. Today, as issues of national identity and the preservation of the cultural code come to the forefront, the Assembly demonstrates a unique model that harmoniously combines traditions with modern approaches to managing ethnocultural diversity.A nationwide scientific and practical conference titled “30 Years of the APK: Experience and Prospects for the Development of Kazakhstan’s Model of Interethnic Tolerance” was dedicated to these issues. The forum, held at the House of Friendship in Astana in late September, brought together representatives of government agencies, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, and the academic community from Kazakhstan and abroad. It served as a platform for reviewing achievements and discussing new prospects for strengthening unity.Representatives of state bodies emphasized that the future of interethnic policy largely depends on the development of a strong research base and the introduction of innovative forms of social interaction — in which the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan plays a pivotal role.The APK as the Guardian of the Cultural CodeEstablished in 1995, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) was created with the primary goal of strengthening interethnic harmony and ensuring equal rights for all ethnic groups in the country. Today, Kazakhstan is home to representatives of more than 130 ethnicities and nationalities, each carefully preserving its language, culture, and traditions.The APK has become a unique platform for open dialogue where ethnocultural associations not only represent their interests but also participate in decision-making at the state level. Deputies from the Assembly are represented in the Mazhilis (the lower house of Parliament), while regional Houses of Friendship serve as centers of cultural diplomacy within the country, fostering active communication among ethnic groups.Over three decades, the Assembly has established itself as one of the key institutions of social harmony and as a custodian of Kazakhstan’s cultural code. Amid globalization and migration processes, the APK has become a systemic mechanism for supporting national cultures and languages, thereby strengthening internal stability and shaping a shared civic identity.Modern Focus and New InitiativesThe anniversary year has shown that the Assembly continues to evolve, adapting to the challenges of modern times. More than two thousand events have been held, including such projects as “Inclusive Assembly,” “50 Young Leaders,” and “El Tanu APK.” The development of international youth cooperation with UNESCO and the Council of Europe further demonstrates that the APK confidently moves forward on the path of modernization, engaging the younger generation in the values of peace, unity, and shared responsibility.Today, the APK functions not only as an instrument of interethnic harmony but also as a distinctive model of integration recognized internationally as the “Kazakhstan model of tolerance.”One of the Assembly’s greatest achievements is the formation of a solid foundation for civic unity — where ethnic diversity is viewed not as a source of division, but as a source of strength. Kazakhstan has built a system of legislative, institutional, and social mechanisms that ensure stability, depoliticize interethnic relations, and cultivate a culture of mutual respect and dialogue.Preserving Continuity and Developing EthnocultureMinister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva has repeatedly emphasized that the preservation of the cultural code is not only the responsibility of government agencies but also a shared mission of society as a whole.“Kazakhstan’s model of interethnic harmony has proven its viability. Yet today we face new challenges that require preserving the continuity of traditions while reinterpreting them for future generations. Ethnoculture is the foundation that unites us and makes our country truly unique,”— said the Minister.In this context, state policy in the field of culture and interethnic relations is centered around preserving identity, respecting traditions, and fostering the harmonious coexistence of different ethnic groups.Growth Points and Institutional PrioritiesThe 30th anniversary of the APK has become not only a milestone but also a starting point for new initiatives. As Kazakhstan shapes an ideological platform based on national culture and a careful attitude toward historical heritage, the role of the Assembly and the Ministry of Culture and Information gains particular importance.In recent years, the APK has placed special emphasis on cultural, educational, and enlightenment projects: the Festival of Languages of the People of Kazakhstan, Unity Day, the youth program “Menin Kazakhstanim”, and regular ethnocultural forums — all of which strengthen mutual understanding and demonstrate that cultural diversity is the cementing factor of the nation, not a source of division.Knowledge, Education, and the Formation of a New IdentityExperts note that the conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the APK outlined the strategic directions of Kazakhstan’s future ethnopolitics: the development of scientific potential, active involvement of youth, and preservation of the cultural code as the foundation of national identity. This is not merely a task for government institutions — it is a nationwide mission on which the harmonious development of society depends.Particular attention is given to education and awareness. Programs such as “Ethnopolitical Literacy” and “Ethnojournalism,” the establishment of APK departments in universities, and the production of documentaries and books represent investments in a sustainable future where knowledge and respect for cultural diversity become integral to civic consciousness.The Assembly as a Social PhenomenonFrom the perspective of social capital, the Assembly unites more than 5,000 organizations and tens of thousands of active citizens engaged in volunteering, philanthropy, and cultural initiatives. Over the past year alone, hundreds of charitable projects worth hundreds of millions of tenge have been implemented — clear evidence of the Assembly’s vitality and practical relevance.The thirty-year history of the APK is the story of building a resilient architecture of trust, where a culture of interaction among ethnic groups has become part of Kazakhstan’s national code. This experience proves that unity cannot be imposed by decree — it is built through shared values, dialogue, and mutual respect.The Future VectorToday, amid large-scale reforms and the national movement toward building a Fair Kazakhstan, the role of the Assembly as an institution of social unity continues to grow. Its strategic vector is the development of public diplomacy, international cooperation, and transformation into a modern expert and digital platform concentrating the experience of 21st-century interethnic policy.Thus, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan is not merely an institution under the President — it is a living social organism that helps maintain balance, strengthen trust, and foster civic unity, without which sustainable development would be impossible.
