An open discussion on “Ethno-Political Problems in the Former Soviet Union Countries in the Context of the Study of the Socio-Political Status of the Titular Ethnic Group of Independent Kazakhstan” took place in S. Toraighyrov PSU.

The event was organized by T.S. Sadykov Regional Center for Political Studies and the Department of Sociology and Political Science of Pavlodar State University.

The event was attended by experts in the field of ethnic policy, representatives of ethnic and cultural associations of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan of Pavlodar region, members of T.S. Sadykov Regional Center for Political Studies, as well as academic staff members of S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University.

In his opening speech, Arman Akishev, Vice-Rector for Development Strategy, Education and Social Affairs of S. Toraighyrov PSU, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor, noted that one of the major achievements of the Republic of Kazakhstan since gaining independence is building a model of interethnic and interreligious harmony. 'With all the differences in nationality, religion or political views of our people, the national model of relations between the state and religious associations is based on democratic principles, respect for human rights and freedoms, the balance of public and religious interests, as well as partnership and desire for mutual understanding,' said Arman Akishev.

Nurken Kuzembayev, Head of T.S. Sadykov Regional Center for Political Studies, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, presented the results of the work carried out under the project entitled “Interethnic Harmony and Ethnopolitical Stability as the Most Important Conditions for the Formation of a Unified Civil and Political Community”. Seysenbay Zhetpysbayev, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan of Pavlodar region made a report on “Role of Ethnic and Cultural Associations in Implementation of the National Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan”. Serik Ilyasov, Candidate of Political Sciences, Associate Professor, told about the basic ideas of the Concept of Kazakhstan's National Policy.

Conceptual basis of ethnic relations in the Republic of Kazakhstan were also considered during the discussion. Doctor of Philosopical Sciences, Professor Gulmira Bilyalova presented a report on this subject. Candidate of Political Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Sociology and Political Science Ildar Kaliyev and Candidate of Political Sciences, Associate Professor Gani Yelmuratov told about sociological evaluation of the Concept of the national policy in the Republic of Kazakhstan and sustainable development of Kazakhstan's society in the context of implementation of the concept of the state national policy.