- 25.02.2026
“Constitutional Foundations for the Development of Volunteerism: Its Role in Shaping Legal Culture”.
On February 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the Youth Volunteers Forum titled “Constitutional Foundations for the Development of Volunteerism: Its Role in Shaping Legal Culture” was held at the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University in Almaty.
The event was organized on the eve of the national referendum on the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with the participation of the National Volunteer Movement “Accelerator of Kindness: Izgilik Elshisi.”
The forum served as a dialogue platform to discuss the role of volunteerism as an important institution of civil society in the context of the ongoing constitutional reform. Particular attention was given to fostering legal culture among young people, promoting civic responsibility, and strengthening the values of legality and integrity.
Students of Kунаев University took part in the forum, along with the University President, Zhalairi Ömiräli, and Vice-Rector for Educational, Social and Cultural Development Dusebayev Talgat Turashevich.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by representatives of government bodies and public institutions. A video address was presented by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek. Speeches were also delivered by Igor Rogov, Chair of the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Artur Lastaev, Human Rights Ombudsperson of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Meyirzhan Otynshiyev, Chairman of the Almaty City Maslikhat; Omirali Zhalairi, President of the Kazakhstan Criminological Association; and Ainur Sabitova, Founder of the volunteer movement “Accelerator of Kindness: Izgilik Elshisi,” Deputy Chair of the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Director of the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute of Abai KazNPU.
The forum program included an expert session devoted to constitutional innovations and civic engagement, presentations of student volunteer projects, and discussions of anti-corruption, social, and environmental volunteering practices. A ceremonial induction of new members into the “Accelerator of Kindness: Izgilik Elshisi” movement was also held, and the most active volunteers were awarded letters of appreciation.
At the conclusion of the event, students and the delegation of Kунаев University were awarded letters of appreciation for their active participation in the forum and their contribution to the development of the volunteer movement.
The organizers emphasized that the development of volunteerism has become an important element in shaping the legal culture of society and encouraging youth participation in socially significant processes. Participants highlighted the need to consolidate the efforts of the educational and expert communities to promote the values of justice, social responsibility, and the rule of law.
Author: Madina Ergazykyzy
