"Based on extensive scientific research": Bektenov discusses the implementation of a unified time zone in Kazakhstan.

During a working trip to the Kostanay region, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, visited factories where he held meetings with the management and staff of the enterprises.

The discussions focused on the prospects for the socio-economic development of the region, enhancing the workforce potential, and addressing infrastructure challenges.

Attention was also given to the issue of a unified time zone. According to the speakers, the introduction of a unified time zone had previously been raised by residents of the Kostanay region, as the former time zone did not align with the natural time. Consequently, the decision to adopt a unified time zone has simplified daily life processes. In this regard, the participants of the meeting expressed their support for the unified time zone.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, in a conversation with residents, noted that scientific evidence supports the positive impact of natural time on the health and well-being of citizens. In 2017, a group of American scientists was awarded the Nobel Prize for their research on human circadian rhythms, confirming that living in accordance with natural time is most beneficial for health. Based on this work and other scientific studies, the Barcelona Declaration was adopted in 2022, signed by scholars and public figures from over 80 countries.

The head of the government thanked the residents of the Kostanay region and all Kazakhstanis for their understanding and support of this important decision.

"The decision was made based on very in-depth scientific research conducted not only in Kazakhstan but also abroad. In 2017, a group of American scientists was awarded the Nobel Prize for their study of human circadian rhythms. In this research, scientists proved that it is best and most beneficial for health when a person lives according to their natural time. Therefore, progressive countries around the world are striving to transition to their natural time zone. For Kazakhstan, the natural time zone is the one we currently live in, UTC+5. Previously, as you know, we were in another one – UTC+6.

At one time, the country was directive moved to a time zone that is not natural for us. Now, on the contrary, we have aligned the time with solar cycles. I understand that the transition to a unified time zone may cause discomfort for some. The body gradually adapts. This decision has been made. If there are any inconveniences in the regions, we need to work on infrastructure, lighting, and organizing flexible schedules, which our labor legislation allows. We will address all these issues moving forward," emphasized the Prime Minister.

During the meeting with the factory staff, issues regarding working conditions and other support measures were also raised in anticipation of the upcoming Year of Working Professions, as announced by the head of state.

Transition to a Unified Time Zone in Kazakhstan

As of March 1, a unified time zone of UTC+5 became effective across the country.

During this transition, many citizens faced problems: people complained that the automatic time adjustment on their gadgets did not work.

Additionally, some Kazakhstanis found that their birth dates had changed in digital documents. The National Information Technologies JSC explained why this occurred.

At the end of February, doctors reported that the transition to a unified time could affect the biorhythms of residents, but the adaptation period would only take a day.

Many Kazakhstanis criticized the switch to a unified time, citing inconvenience and disruptions to their bodies.

On June 7, a petition proposing to cancel the time change in Kazakhstan garnered 50,000 votes from citizens and was accepted for consideration by government authorities.

During public hearings regarding the petition "Return the Time Back," the scientific basis for the transition to UTC+5 and its impact on the health of Kazakhstanis was discussed. According to Almagul Kauysheva, the director of the Department of Science and Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, improvements in the reduction of illness among people are already noticeable.

At the beginning of September, the Minister of Trade and Integration announced that there are no plans to change the time zone in Kazakhstan in the coming years.