The 1st Commonwealth of Independent States Volunteer Forum has opened in Astana. The Forum was established at the initiative of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and by decision of the CIS Council of Heads of Government as an annual platform for consolidating volunteer initiatives and sharing experiences among CIS countries. 

At the opening of the Forum, Aida Balayeva read out the President's congratulatory address. In his address, the President of Kazakhstan noted that this important event is taking place during the International Year of Volunteers, declared by the UN at the initiative of Kazakhstan.

 This recognizes the enormous role volunteers play in addressing many social, humanitarian, and environmental issues. "In initiating this forum, Kazakhstan aimed to create a permanent CIS platform for sharing experiences and consolidating volunteer initiatives on the international stage. It is especially important for us to focus on building bridges of friendship, instilling such values ​​as solidarity, mercy, and compassion. In Kazakhstan, volunteerism serves to develop human potential, promote the idea of ​​responsible citizenship, and foster a new social ethic. 

On July 1, the New Constitution came into force, enshrining state support for volunteerism at the highest legal level for the first time in the country's history," the letter states. Speaking at the opening of the forum, Aida Balayeva noted that the development of the volunteer movement in Kazakhstan has been consistent. A significant milestone was reached in 2020, when President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared it the Year of the Volunteer.

 That same year, speaking at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, the Head of State proposed declaring an International Year of Volunteer Mobilization for Development. Today, we are seeing significant results from this initiative. Over the past six years, the number of active volunteers in our country has increased sixfold, from 50,000 to 300,000. The number of volunteer organizations has tripled, reaching 810, and volunteer groups have increased tenfold, reaching 3,500. "Over these years, Kazakhstan has also established a systemic foundation for the further development of the movement. The Law "On Volunteer Activity" is in effect, the support infrastructure is developing, and educational and grant programs are being implemented. 

Today, we face the following task: not just expanding the movement, but making volunteering an accessible and natural part of public life. This is precisely the goal of the draft Concept for the Development of the Volunteer Movement until 2030, developed jointly with the volunteer community. The main focus is on professional and industry-specific volunteering, training leaders, improving support mechanisms, and using modern digital tools.

 Among other things, we are working on creating a digital volunteer passport, which will allow us to systematize an individual's experience, competencies, and contribution," the Deputy Prime Minister said. Furthermore, Aida Balayeva emphasized that environmental volunteering, which currently unites over 100,000 citizens, remains a key focus. The nationwide movement "Taza Kazakhstan" has given significant impetus to this area. 

Over the course of its implementation, more than 1,500 environmental events were conducted, approximately 2 million tons of waste were collected, over 2.8 million hectares of land were cleaned, and approximately 4.5 million trees were planted. "The next step should be practical cooperation between the volunteer communities of our countries. We need to develop joint projects, exchange effective methods, and train leaders and coordinators.

 At the same time, volunteer experience should receive public recognition and become part of an individual's educational and professional development," noted Aida Balayeva. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister proposed, following the forum, compiling a list of joint initiatives in three priority areas: ecology, social and inclusive support, and youth volunteering. One of the first projects proposed is the participation of volunteers from CIS countries in the International Volunteer Week for the Restoration of the Aral Sea Nature in October. 

The main theme of the first forum was "Unity through Volunteering: Partnership, Trust, Development." The forum will focus on environmental projects, inclusive and cultural volunteering, and the development of international volunteer initiatives in the CIS.

 The two-day forum will feature panel sessions, thematic discussions, and presentations of successful volunteer practices. The CIS Volunteer Forum is expected to become an annual platform for exchanging experiences, developing the volunteer movement, and strengthening international cooperation. It will be hosted by CIS countries on a rotating basis.