- The year of the volunteer was a special year, it showed the true noble qualities of our youth. It was a time of compassion, responsibility and care. We provided assistance to those in need and together struggled with various difficulties. Our society has confirmed its commitment to moral values. The pandemic that has engulfed the world has clearly demonstrated how important charity and kindness are. A dangerous virus has put to the test not only the health of the people, but also our unity. We have passed this test with honor, preserving unity and harmony, " the President said.

During the year, more than 100 thousand people participated in volunteer activities. New areas of volunteering have also been effectively developed. The head of state expressed confidence that the country with a large number of concerned residents will have a bright future, and volunteer activities will serve as an example for all citizens and contribute to the formation of a new image of the nation.

- The national initiative "Birgemiz" in a short time brought together many caring compatriots who provided the necessary support to those in need during the difficult period of the pandemic. The projects "Qamqor", "Saulyq", and "Sabaqtastyq" launched as part of the initiative have helped hundreds of thousands of our citizens. The activities of the Taza Alem volunteer movement to clean up rivers, forests, plant trees, and sort garbage found a wide response. Today, eco-activism is not a tribute to any fashion trends, but an urgent necessity, a vital principle that will allow us to preserve nature, " said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President believes that state bodies, archival organizations, and research institutes need to use the resource of volunteers more productively. Taking into account the experience of Arys and Makhtaaral, it becomes important to provide comprehensive training of volunteers for rescue operations after complex man-made disasters. Special attention should be paid to the issues of environmental protection and animal protection. A separate priority remains the issue of systematic support for charitable activities. On behalf of the President, a new law on charity is being prepared, which will eliminate the existing gaps in this area.

- We need clear and effective legal mechanisms for stimulating and encouraging socially oriented activities. To do this, the Government needs to work out a set of tasks. Provision of preferential loans in the first years of formation and development of charitable organizations, as well as the possibility of preferential use of state property objects by them. It is important to introduce effective mechanisms to indirectly encourage businesses and individuals to participate in charitable and volunteer projects, including through the provision of priority rights in the provision of state support measures. We should significantly expand financial and non-financial support for charitable and volunteer organizations, both from the state and from business. I ask the Government to prepare appropriate proposals – " the Head of state instructed.

In order to ensure transparency of charitable activities, Kassym-Jomart instructed to consider the issue of introducing a Register of charitable organizations. It should be integrated into all existing information systems in this area and made available to anyone who wants to get acquainted with the activities of charitable organizations and their financial statements. It is equally important to build a system to protect citizens from fraud in the field of electronic charity.

- Today, this is one of the most popular forms of financial aid transfers. Every third citizen of Kazakhstan prefers to make online donations. In order to eliminate fraud and not undermine people's trust, it is necessary to introduce the so-called revolving (operational) donations through online banking. This will allow you to track the passage of funds, ensuring their targeting, - the President believes.

The head of state pointed out the need to continue supporting volunteer organizations and providing them with special grants. To continue good deeds, it is important to develop a road map for the development of volunteerism, as well as a volunteer training Program. The government has been instructed to develop a unified standard for supporting volunteer activities.

- Volunteering is not just a social phenomenon, not a habit or skill that is formed in one day. This is a lifestyle deliberately chosen by many people. Charity is a quality that is instilled in a person from childhood. Therefore, it is extremely important to form a readiness for good deeds in the younger generation. I propose to introduce thematic classes and optional hours in all educational institutions. Our children, who have learned to serve society, become real citizens. "A fiery soul, a bright mind, a kind heart" - these noble qualities, which the wise Abai wrote about, are now as necessary as air. I am sure that they are inherent to everyone who wants to become a volunteer – " said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

In his speech, special attention was paid to building the potential of social partnership in the framework of volunteer and charitable activities, as well as the development of corporate volunteerism.

Kazakhstan has become one of the active participants of the UN volunteer Program, helping those in need in different countries of the world. At the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a proposal to proclaim the International year of volunteer mobilization. This initiative shows the special attitude of Kazakhstan to the development of traditions and culture of volunteerism not only in our country, but also around the world.

- In a few days we will enter the year of the 30th anniversary of Independence. This is a major milestone in the country's development, a historical milestone. This is the time when we analyze our achievements and plan our future. We attach particular importance to the content of next year's anniversary events. Each event should have a deep meaning and bring benefits to society, be an example for the younger generation. In this regard, I propose to organize a "Marathon of good deeds" at the national level. This important initiative will bring us all together. It is obvious that in such a difficult period, good deeds will strengthen our country and unite society, " the Head of state is convinced.

The President of Kazakhstan thanked everyone who did not stand aside during this difficult time of the pandemic and continues to help people, and also supported a number of proposals and initiatives of volunteers.

The event was also attended by Vera Kim, Chairman of the national volunteer network, Olzhas Mamyr, a volunteer from Arys, Toyli Kurbanov, acting Executive coordinator of the UN Volunteers program, and Chairman of the veterans ' Council. Temirtau Berikbai Ordabayev, national coordinator of the group "Public control" said Taukelev, the President of the Association of voluntary initiatives of Russia Artem Metelev, officer of project office of "Sanali Urpak" Bogdan Petrov, the President of the animal protection organization "INUCOBO" Liliya Sarsenova, international volunteer UN volunteers Ainur Kanafina, the volunteer staff of the "Step forward" Maxim Panchenko, head of the Atyrau volunteer corps, "AVC" Bekasi Samigolla, Chairman of unified children and youth organization "Zhas Ulan" of Dinara Sadvakasova.

The full text of the President's speech can be found here http://www.akorda.kz/ru/speeches/internal_political_affairs/in_speeches_and_addresses/vystuplenie-glavy-gosudarstva-kasym-zhomarta-tokaeva-na-ceremonii-zakrytiya-goda-volontera