Astana, January 1, 2026 – The Europe Today: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Kazakhstan on the occasion of the New Year, highlighting the country’s achievements in 2025 and outlining key priorities for 2026, the Akorda press service said.
In his traditional New Year address, President Tokayev described the outgoing year as momentous and successful, noting that Kazakhstan had confidently embarked on a path of steady and sustainable development despite a challenging global environment. He said the country’s gross domestic product grew by more than six percent, while gold and foreign exchange reserves exceeded 62 billion US dollars. Significant investment was attracted, and a number of large-scale projects were implemented across the country.
Among major infrastructure achievements, the President cited the commissioning of the second line of the Dostyk–Moyynty railway, the largest railway project in Kazakhstan’s period of Independence, as well as the construction and repair of about 13,000 kilometers of highways, which substantially strengthened the country’s transit potential.
President Tokayev also praised the agricultural sector, noting that rural workers achieved high results for the second consecutive year, harvesting generous crops and strengthening grain reserves. For the first time in the country’s history, farmers received unprecedented financial support, with one trillion tenge allocated to agriculture and rural development.
In the social sphere, more than 19 million square meters of housing were commissioned in 2025, enabling thousands of families to acquire their own homes. Over one hundred modern schools and around two hundred healthcare facilities were built, while branches of leading international universities opened in Kazakhstan. The President emphasized that attention to the protection of human rights was being consistently strengthened, with the principles of law and order, legal culture and civic responsibility taking firmer root in society.
He highlighted achievements by Kazakhstanis in education, science, culture and sports, noting the successes of school students in international academic competitions and strong performances by athletes on the world’s largest arenas, raising the country’s Blue Flag with pride.
Reflecting on the Year of Working Professions, President Tokayev underscored continued state support for workers, teachers, doctors, and representatives of culture and science, stressing that honest and conscientious labor remains the foundation of the nation’s bright and reliable future.
Looking ahead, the President said 2026 would mark a new stage of modernization for Kazakhstan, with an upcoming constitutional reform expected to play a key role in the country’s long-term development. He outlined priorities including strengthening energy potential, developing the agro-industrial complex, improving water management, advancing transport and logistics, modernizing housing and utilities infrastructure, and supporting small and medium-sized businesses across all regions.
President Tokayev announced the decision to declare 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, saying the introduction of advanced technologies would enhance the country’s potential in all sectors. He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to social obligations, including education and healthcare, and announced that funds under the National Fund for Children initiative would be credited to the accounts of every child for the third time.
The President emphasized the national importance of the Clean Kazakhstan project, calling for efforts to make cities and villages clean, green and comfortable, particularly as the country approaches the 35th anniversary of Independence. He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to stability, social harmony and a constructive, balanced foreign policy in line with international law and national interests.
President Tokayev noted that, at Kazakhstan’s proposal, the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers, highlighting the values of solidarity and compassion embodied by the global volunteer movement.
Concluding his address, the President expressed gratitude to citizens working during the holiday period and called on all Kazakhstanis—especially the youth—to believe in their abilities, work hard and contribute to the country’s prosperity. He wished all citizens good health, happiness and success, and expressed confidence that unity and shared effort would ensure new achievements for Kazakhstan in the year ahead.
