On July 1, 2026, Kazakhstan marked a new milestone in its constitutional development as the country’s new Constitution officially entered into force. To commemorate the occasion, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted the scientific and practical conference “The New Constitution: An Institutional and Legal Foundation for Sustainable Development.”
The event brought together more than 150 participants, including representatives of government agencies, Parliament, the judiciary, international organizations, and leading academic and expert institutions from Kazakhstan and abroad. Nazarbayev University was represented by its President, Professor Waqar Ahmad.
In his keynote address, Professor Ahmad emphasized that the new Constitution establishes a long-term vision for Kazakhstan’s development by placing education, science, innovation, and human capital at the heart of the country’s national priorities.
“A constitution reflects a nation’s values, aspirations, and vision for the future. The new Constitution recognizes the development of human capital, education, science, and innovation as one of the key pillars of Kazakhstan’s social, economic, and technological development strategy.”
Professor Ahmad noted that research universities are indispensable partners in preparing future leaders, advancing scientific knowledge, and driving innovation. As examples of Nazarbayev University’s contribution, he highlighted the development of the first large language model for regional languages KazLLM, the creation of technology for long-term preservation of donor organs, and pioneering research on advanced materials for next-generation energy storage systems.
“Every technological breakthrough—whether in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy, or advanced materials—begins with scientific research. Today, Nazarbayev University is already contributing to national priorities through world-class research and innovations developed by our scientists.”
According to Professor Ahmad, the mission of research universities extends beyond generating new knowledge to ensuring its practical application across healthcare, industry, and public policy.
“Kazakhstan’s future will be shaped not only by the natural resources beneath our soil, but above all by the talent we nurture, the knowledge we create, and our ability to translate that knowledge into tangible benefits for society. Nazarbayev University is proud to contribute to this national vision.”
Discussions focused on strengthening the rule of law, advancing legislative reform, safeguarding digital rights, and promoting legal literacy. The program also included the presentation of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Braille, introduced under the Constitution for an Inclusive Society initiative to support greater accessibility and inclusion.
The new Constitution marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kazakhstan, where education, science, and innovation are recognized as key drivers of sustainable national development. Nazarbayev University remains committed to supporting these strategic priorities through excellence in education, cutting-edge research, and the continued development of the country’s innovation ecosystem.
