President Tokayev Receives Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva
Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva today, according to the Akorda press service. During the meeting, Balayeva briefed the President on the ministry’s achievements in 2024 and outlined its plans for the coming year in various sectors, including culture, information, civil society, religion, interethnic relations, youth policy, creative industries, family and demography, archives, and library science.
Balayeva highlighted several key milestones from 2024, including the first-ever presentation of Kazakh artworks at the prestigious Venice Biennale and the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris. Additionally, Kazakh publishing industry products were showcased at the 2024 Frankfurter Buchmesse, reflecting the growing global presence of Kazakh culture.
A significant initiative launched this year was the Qazaq Culture information and educational platform, which is available in eight languages and aims to promote Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and traditions. Another notable cultural achievement was the opening and closing ceremonies of the V World Nomad Games, which garnered international attention.
The Minister also reported on legislative developments, including the adoption of the new law on mass media in 2024, which seeks to enhance the status of journalists. Currently, the Parliament is reviewing amendments to legislation concerning direct financing for the KazakhFilm Studio.
Balayeva further informed the President about the growing support for volunteering, with the number of active volunteers rising to 240,000 in 2024, up from 2022. More than 50 volunteer projects are being implemented annually, and seven Kazakh volunteers have been sent to work with UN structures.
The ministry has also been proactive in supporting the country’s creative industries. A new fund for creative industries has been established, and local and central executive structures’ competences have been extended. A special tax regime has been introduced for entities in the creative sector, and since the beginning of the year, 10 creative centers and hubs have been opened across the country.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Tokayev tasked Minister Balayeva with overseeing the preparations for significant events in 2025, including the 30th anniversary of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan, the 80th jubilee of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
