For Kazakhstan, patriotism is not merely about one's attitude toward the country, but also about the willingness to engage in social life, help others, preserve the environment, and support public initiatives. These are precisely the areas that unite the volunteer movement in our country. The First CIS Volunteer Forum, currently taking place in Astana, is dedicated to the international development of this movement.

The initiative to hold the forum came from President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the decision was supported by the CIS Council of Heads of Government. The two-day event brings together around 300 delegates from seven countries – Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva, Executive Director of the UN Volunteers Programme Toily Kurbanov, Secretary General of CICA Kairat Sarybai, Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Nurlan Seitimov, as well as representatives of volunteer organisations and delegations from the Commonwealth countries.

Aida Balayeva delivered the welcoming address of the President of Kazakhstan to the forum participants.

"It is highly symbolic that this important event is taking place during the International Year of Volunteers, proclaimed by the UN on Kazakhstan's initiative. This is a recognition of the enormous role that volunteers play in addressing numerous social, humanitarian, and environmental challenges," the President's address reads.

According to the Head of State, the initiative to hold the forum is aimed at creating a permanent platform for interaction among volunteers from the Commonwealth countries.

"By proposing this forum, Kazakhstan sought to establish an ongoing CIS platform for experience exchange and the consolidation of volunteer initiatives on the international stage. It is particularly important for us to focus on building bridges of friendship, strengthening such values as solidarity, mercy, and compassion," the address by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasises.

The President also highlighted the significance of volunteering for Kazakhstan itself.

"In Kazakhstan, volunteering serves to develop human potential, promote the idea of responsible citizenship, and shape a new social ethic. As of 1 July, the new Constitution came into force, which for the first time in the country's history enshrined state support for volunteer activities at the highest legal level," the welcoming message states.

According to the Head of State, one example of a large-scale civic initiative is the "Taza Kazakhstan" (Clean Kazakhstan) movement.

"The noble aspirations of volunteers are an inexhaustible source of inspiration and a powerful transformative force. A striking example is the nationwide 'Taza Kazakhstan' movement. This good initiative has, in a short time, united many citizens, especially active young people. Overall, during the Year of Volunteers, thousands of events have been held, and the number of volunteers in the country has reached nearly 300,000 people," Aida Balayeva announced.

As noted in the President's address, the forum is part of the further development of humanitarian ties between the Commonwealth states.

"I am confident that this forum will make a significant contribution to the development of humanitarian cooperation among our countries and will help strengthen human bonds, trust, and good-neighbourly relations. The main goal is to turn the Commonwealth into a space of creativity and progress, unity and mutual understanding," the address states.

On behalf of the Head of State, the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their dedication and readiness to make the world a better place.

Over the course of two days, forum participants – representatives of government bodies, volunteer organisations, and civic movements – are discussing the development of environmental volunteering, social and inclusive support, and youth initiatives.

Panel sessions and thematic discussions are exploring opportunities for joint projects and new formats of interaction between volunteer organisations.

The First CIS Volunteer Forum in Astana will conclude after two days of discussions and meetings. It is expected to be held on an annual basis.

Linarа SAKTAGANOVA
Astana