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As part of the nationwide coalition “For a Just and Progressive Kazakhstan People’s Constitution!” in Turkestan Region, a delegation led by the university rector, Zhanar Temirbekova, joined local residents to discuss the draft of the new Constitution. The event was held at the Congress Hall in Turkestan and was attended by over a thousand participants.

Scholars, intellectuals, doctors, educators, entrepreneurs, veterans, youth, and volunteers took part, listening to the coalition members’ perspectives on the draft Constitution and sharing their own suggestions and questions.

Held in the sacred city of Turkestan, the gathering became a meaningful and open public dialogue on the country’s future. Participants noted that one of the historical documents laying the legal foundations of Kazakh statehood — Tauke Khan’s “Zheti Zhargy” — originated in this region, emphasizing that the new Constitution should continue the tradition of intergenerational responsibility and historical continuity.

Coalition members, led by Yerlan Koshanov, Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, outlined the draft Constitution’s main priorities, highlighting that its primary goal is to institutionalize the principle of “the state for the person.”

Saiassat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, drew attention to demographic trends, the global values crisis, and the impact of digital platforms on youth development. He stressed that the new Constitution places special emphasis on human capital development, support for science and innovation, and the family institution.

He stated: "Article 3 of our new Constitution clearly defines Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities — human capital, education, science, and innovation. The second major, very powerful force is science and technology. As you can see, fundamental changes are taking place in artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedicine, biochemistry, and new thermonuclear energy. We work daily with international experts — indeed; the world is experiencing the fifth industrial revolution. Accordingly, the convergence of science and technology is strengthening, giving rise to a new era of development."

Renowned scholar and public figure Zhaksybek Kulekeyev emphasized the historical significance of adopting a new Constitution, noting that it builds on the millennia-long legacy of Kazakh statehood, continuing the traditions of “Kaska Zhol,” “Eski Zhol,” and “Zheti Zhargy.” He explained that updating the Constitution is a timely strategic step that will ensure the country’s long-term sustainable development.

Additionally, Mazhilis deputies Unzila Shapak and Kairat Balabiev, along with Jeñisbek Maulenkulov, Chairman of the Turkestan Region Veterans Council, spoke about the importance of the draft Constitution for society. It is worth noting that Unzila Shapak and Zhaksybek Kulekeyev have previously visited the university several times to meet with faculty and students.

The meeting was moderated by Samat Sulei, Managing Director of Turkestan TV and a lecturer in the university’s Department of Journalism.

During the event, Aliya Kassymbek, Dean of the Faculty of Law, spoke about the role of the new Constitution in establishing a rule-of-law state. She highlighted the significance of the norms enshrined in Article 5, Paragraph 5, noting that the principle of non-retroactivity of laws is one of the key guarantees of citizens’ legal security.

According to the Dean, laws that worsen citizens’ conditions or increase liability cannot be applied retroactively, while laws that reduce or eliminate responsibility are applied in accordance with the principle of justice. These principles strengthen the rule of law and create a fair legal space based on trust between the state and citizens.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants emphasized that the draft Constitution is aimed at building a just society and strengthening citizens’ rights and freedoms, and they encouraged active participation in the referendum scheduled for March 15.