Welcoming the forum participants, Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized that the development of science and a knowledge-intensive economy are of strategic importance for Kazakhstan. The head of state, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, places priority on systematically supporting young scientists and strengthening the potential of domestic science.
In this context, the Senate speaker highlighted the significant mission of the Alliance in facilitating the realization of young scientists' potential. He also pointed out the efforts and achievements of the organization, including consultations and the promotion of research projects by Kazakhstani researchers.
“In a Fair Kazakhstan, science, innovation, and new technologies are viewed as the foundation for the country's sustainable development. At the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, the National Council for Science and Technology has been established to ensure the adoption of effective, strategically significant decisions in the field of scientific and technological development. The institutional role of the National Academy of Sciences has been significantly strengthened, and it is expected to become a crucial support link for the scientific community. Over the past four years, funding for science in Kazakhstan has increased more than threefold – from 80 billion to 250 billion tenge,” said Maulen Ashimbayev, informing forum participants about legislative reforms in this area being implemented by the Senate.
As Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized, science must be closely integrated and synchronized with national strategic goals and competitive advantages. He also outlined priority areas for upcoming collaborative work between Parliament and the scientific community.
“First and foremost, to ensure the country's food security, it is essential to develop agricultural science. In-depth research, innovative developments, and technologies that will help preserve and rationally utilize our natural resources are also necessary. The development of sectors such as chemistry, oil and gas chemistry, and space science is becoming strategically important. The advancement of nuclear energy and new approaches to the use of renewable energy sources is critical for achieving sustainable growth. Another important direction is artificial intelligence. Science must work towards the country's strategic goals, simultaneously ensuring sustainable and dynamic economic development,” concluded the chamber chairman.
Additionally, during the forum, there was a constructive dialogue and exchange of views between scientists and practitioners on many pressing issues and challenges in the field of science, as well as common tasks were identified within the framework of the country's socio-economic development.