Tokayev stated the need to support volunteer activities

The activity of volunteers should be stimulated by providing long-term grants.President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the International Forum of Volunteers, the press service of the President reports. The International Volunteer Forum is intended to become the largest platform for the exchange of experience of volunteers from more than 30 foreign countries and all regions of Kazakhstan. In his speech, the Head of State stressed the need for consistent development of the infrastructure of institutional support for volunteer and charitable structures. To do this, he believes, it is necessary to significantly strengthen the organizational, technical and human resources potential of the Front Offices of volunteers at the national and regional levels. Also, the activity of volunteers should be stimulated by providing long-term grants. At the same time, it is important to build a sustainable partnership between public and private grant-givers, as well as productive interaction between domestic and international donors. In addition, according to Tokayev, special attention should be paid to further strengthening and promoting international cooperation in the field of volunteer activities. I am deeply impressed that volunteers and philanthropists always act in accordance with their fundamental principle: "Think globally, act locally." I personally support the volunteers. I highly appreciate your hard work and support all initiatives in this direction. Our volunteers have specially visited Jordan, Kenya, Thailand, Turkey, where they gained useful experience in their field. Therefore, I would like to thank the UN representatives who support the volunteers of Kazakhstan," the head of state said, recalling that last year Kazakhstan hosted the first forum of Central Asian volunteers, holding such important events will continue in the future. According to the president, being a volunteer means being, first of all, a patriot of your country. This is the way of life of those who put moral values above all else. Thanks to their good deeds, volunteers make a significant contribution to the development of society. Mercy is a quality inherent in the Kazakh people. Our people have always extended a helping hand to those in trouble. In a difficult moment, rallying together, people found a way out of a difficult situation. Many representatives of ethnic groups deported to Kazakhstan have found their second home here. Therefore, the purpose of today's forum is undoubtedly consonant with the way of life of the Kazakh people. Last week, the second meeting of the National Kurultai was held in Turkestan, at which I stressed that values such as patriotism, humanity, the cult of knowledge, thrift, diligence, charity should be above all. Only responsible citizens will build a fair Kazakhstan. I am sure that all volunteers can be called responsible citizens," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. He expressed confidence that international volunteer programs are the most effective in the framework of "people's diplomacy". I am also sure that those who have dedicated their lives to helping others, especially those from foreign communities, deserve recognition and should be called the true elite of humanity. Indeed, all of you are real ambassadors of peace and kindness, contributing to the rapprochement of peoples and dialogue between different cultures and civilizations. Kazakhstan is committed to further support of the volunteer movement. And we are ready to expand our cooperation with international organizations working in this area. Today's forum, held in Astana, will give a powerful impetus to the development of volunteer activities. I express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your active participation in the Forum. I wish you every success in your noble mission," the President concluded.