Visually-Impaired Version 
Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) hosted the international symposium The National Fund for the Children of Kazakhstan: Innovative Policy and Potential for Global Impact. The event brought together experts to discuss issues of social policy, child protection, and new mechanisms for ensuring equal opportunities for every child.
The initiative for the symposium came from representatives of Washington University in St. Louis (USA), who expressed strong interest in the National Fund for Children programme. The programme, launched last year under the instruction of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aims to improve the well-being of future generations by creating conditions for a successful start in life and supporting young people’s education. Under this initiative, 50% of the annual investment income of Kazakhstan’s National Fund is transferred annually to savings accounts opened for every child in the country.
“This is the world’s first initiative where revenues from natural resources are directed towards the education and development of every child. International exchanges of knowledge and practice, such as this symposium, help generate new solutions and strengthen global standards for child rights protection,” emphasised Nasymzhan Ospanova, Chair of the Committee for the Protection of Children’s Rights of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The symposium served as an international platform for knowledge exchange and brought together experts from the USA, China, Singapore, South Korea, Azerbaijan, and Mongolia. Among the participants were senior representatives of Washington University in St. Louis, MNU, the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, the China Population and Development Research Centre, Peking University, the National University of Singapore, Sungkyunkwan University (South Korea), the Centre for Economic and Social Development of Azerbaijan, the Centre of Excellence in Social Work of Mongolia, and the Zertteu Research Institute. Participants noted that the implementation of the National Fund for Children programme marks a new chapter in public policy focused on the well-being of the younger generation.
“The programme is a groundbreaking initiative that sets an example for the entire world. It must be emphasised that this project reflects the strategic vision of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and his commitment to investing in the development of all children, whether they live in urban or rural areas. All seven million children of Kazakhstan are beneficiaries of this remarkably forward-looking project,” said Li Zou, International Director of the Centre for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis.
The expert also noted that Kazakhstan is fortunate to have a leader with a long-term vision focused on investing in children and strengthening human capital. During the symposium, participants were also introduced to the national S.A.F.E. programme, aimed at enhancing child safety and well-being. The programme consists of four core strategies being implemented in Kazakhstan to reduce and prevent violence, bullying, and suicide risks among children aged 0 to 17.
It is worth noting that earlier this year, the total amount credited to participants of the National Fund for Children programme reached USD 888.8 million.
