Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov took part in the International Forum dedicated to the Day of Social Protection System Workers of the Republic of Kazakhstan and, on the eve of the professional holiday, presented state awards on behalf of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to representatives of the social and labor sector.

The forum was also attended by representatives of the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF, the World Bank, and others.

The Head of State pays great attention to raising the status of social workers and reforming the social protection system as an important element of societal development. In his speech, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov noted the ongoing work in Kazakhstan to build an effective social protection system and emphasized the contribution of social protection workers, veterans, and representatives of public organizations in supporting vulnerable groups of citizens.

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his Address, noted that the state creates all conditions for every citizen to have a decent income, receive quality social services, and be confident in the future. Our priority tasks are to ensure social equality, develop a system of specialized social services, and introduce the best international standards in this field. An important role is assigned to large-scale digitalization in the development of the social protection system. Today, new AI technologies are being actively introduced into all areas of social and labor relations,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

The Government of Kazakhstan is systematically working to raise the status of social workers. From 2021 to 2025, salaries of social sector employees working in centers for the provision of specialized social services have doubled. Salaries of administrative and support staff, employees of state medical and social institutions, home service organizations, and temporary accommodation facilities have also been increased — the current allowances have been raised from 30% to 40% of the base salary.

In total, 40,000 specialists (medical workers, special educators, and social workers) are employed in the country’s social protection system. The Social Code of Kazakhstan provides for improving the status of social workers through training, certification, the introduction of qualification categories, and a new wage system that considers professional level and job complexity.

During the International Forum, participants were introduced to digital solutions widely used in Kazakhstan to support vulnerable citizens — including such innovative projects as the Unified Digital Platform, the Social Services Portal, and the Digital Family Map, recognized as the best project of 2024. The map contains data on 6 million Kazakhstani families, and 11 types of public services are provided to citizens proactively.

Within the development of the social protection system, Kazakhstan actively cooperates with international organizations. A number of joint projects have been implemented to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and vulnerable population groups and to develop the system of special social services. The Concept of Inclusive Policy for the next five years has been adopted, and UN Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have been ratified. In partnership with the International Labour Organization, coordinated work is being carried out to improve national legislation.

President of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Dr. Mohammed Azman, congratulated Kazakhstan’s social workers in a video message on their professional holiday.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Prime Minister was introduced to several technological innovations. In particular, domestic startup developers from the Zhambyl region presented a method for controlling digital technologies and a wheelchair using tongue and head movements integrated with artificial intelligence.

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By decree of the Head of State, for contribution to the development of the social protection system, the following were awarded:

Order “Qurmet”

• Maigul Zhakanova – Honored Worker of the Social Sphere

• Almakul Dautova – Honored Worker of the Social Sphere

• Marat Zhanybekov – Deputy Chairman of the Board, JSC “State Social Insurance Fund”

Medal “Yeren enbegi úshin” (For Distinguished Labor)

• Muratbek Ishchanov – Head of the Technological Department, RSE on REU “National Scientific Center for the Development of the Social Protection Sphere”

• Kulpash Temirbekova – Deputy Head of the Actuarial Calculations and Analysis Service, JSC “State Annuity Company”

• Nurgul Dukenova – Social Worker, “Home Social Assistance Department for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities,” Aksuat District Center for Special Social Services, Abai Region

• Bolat Usembayev – Social Worker, KSU “Center for Rehabilitation and Adaptation of Children with Disabilities,” Sarysu District, Zhambyl Region

• Gulnaz Tleuberlinova – Chair of the Public Association “Zhan Shuak – Zhetysu,” Zhetysu Region

• Rafisa Rizvanova – Social Worker for the Elderly and Disabled, KSU “Center for the Provision of Special Social Services,” Kostanay Region

• Irina Koliber – Home Care Social Worker for the Elderly and Disabled, KSU “Center for Social Services,” Pavlodar Region

• Amangul Nurlayeva – Director, KSU “Center for the Provision of Special Social Services No. 1,” Department for Employment Coordination and Social Programs, Mangystau Region

Medal “Shapagat” (Mercy)

• Kurmanay Kaliyeva – Chief Specialist, Department of Pension and Social Support, Committee for Regulation and Control in the Field of Social Protection of the Population, Atyrau Region

• Tatyana Silko – Nurse, KSU “Center for the Provision of Special Social Services, Pervomayka Village, Astrakhan District,” Akmola Region

• Almira Disyupova – Nurse, KSU “Zevakinsky Center for the Provision of Special Social Services,” East Kazakhstan Region

• Zauresh Aitzhanova – Senior Attendant, KSU “Center for the Provision of Special Social Services No. 3,” Karaganda Region

#Olzhas Bektenov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #President's instruction

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