Tokayev says 42 ethnic association representatives join Kazakhstan People's Council

September 24, 2026 at 11:49 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced at the first session of the Kazakhstan People's Council that 42 representatives of ethnocultural associations have joined the new body, accounting for one-third of its 126 members. He said the council should become a center for developing a new Concept of Unity and Accord and tasked it with consolidating ethnocultural and other public organizations.

Key Facts

The Kazakhstan People's Council has 126 members, including 42 representatives of ethnocultural associations.
The 42 seats for ethnocultural associations equal one-third of the council's total composition.
Previously, only five members of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan held parliamentary quota seats in the Senate.
Tokayev proposed that the council become a center for developing a new Concept of Unity and Accord.
The regional network 'Qogamdyq kelіsіm' will continue operating on the basis of Friendship Houses.

Council Composition

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced at the first session of the Kazakhstan People's Council that 42 representatives of ethnocultural associations have joined the body. The council consists of 126 members from culture, education, sports, public activities, and other spheres. Tokayev compared the new representation to the previous parliamentary quota of five Assembly of People of Kazakhstan members in the Senate. He said the 42 seats constitute one-third of the council and confirm the importance of the Assembly's mission for Kazakhstan's development.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Tokayev stated that the council's main task is to ensure long-term continuity in approaches to strengthening interethnic and interfaith harmony. He proposed that the Kazakhstan People's Council become a center for developing a new Concept of Unity and Accord. The council is to consolidate ethnocultural associations and other public organizations working in this sphere. At the regional level, the 'Qogamdyq kelіsіm' network will continue its work on the basis of Friendship Houses. Representatives of ethnocultural associations will be included in local public councils and may participate in standing committees, sectoral commissions, and advisory bodies of the council.

First Session

The first session of the Kazakhstan People's Council opened in Astana on September 29, 2026. Tokayev proposed electing Erlan Koshanov as chairman of the council, citing his experience in implementing large-scale reforms. The session is being held at the Palace of Independence in Astana.