This year Kazakhstan experienced the worst natural disaster in the past years as rivers burst their banks
Kazinform News Agency presents a roundup of the top headlines that shaped this year in Kazakhstan.
The floods
This year Kazakhstan experienced the worst natural disaster in the past years as rivers burst their banks in Atyrau, Akmola, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan and West Kazakhstan regions. Local factors, such as melting snow and frozen soil, contributed to the floods. To prevent future flooding, experts stress the need for better preparation, improved water management, and the training of specialists in the field.
A total of 7,393 flood-affected families have been provided with new housing to replace destroyed housing. 5,313 houses and apartments have been purchased on the secondary market and 2,080 new houses have been built.
The Government of Kazakhstan allocated 576 million tenge to prepare for the flood season by conducting bathymetric surveys. The surveys will continue in 2025, including bathymetric surveys of the water reservoirs of republican significance.
SCO Summit
The event brought together leaders of member and observer states, as well as dialogue partners. The leaders of the SCO member countries discussed various political, trade, and cultural issues. They also signed a number of key documents aimed at deepening cooperation in various fields.
During his speech at the meeting, President Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV emphasized key priorities for SCO members: enhancing trust, security cooperation, and cybersecurity. He proposed a mechanism for information exchange and best practices to ensure stable information infrastructure. Kazakhstan also suggested financial support for projects via the AIFC.
Moreover, the leaders of the SCO member countries signed a resolution of the SCO Council of Heads of State on completing the process of the Republic of Belarus joining the organization and granting it the status of a full member of the SCO.
World Nomad Games
The fifth World Nomad Games were held in Astana under the motto "Uly dala dubiri" (Meeting in the Great Steppe) from September 8 to 13. The event brought together over 2,500 athletes and thousands of visitors from 89 countries, honoring the vibrant cultural legacy of nomadic civilizations.
From the art of archery and the intensity of kokpar to the precision of horseback shooting and the elegance of eagle hunting, the World Nomad Games captured the essence of nomadic culture. The program of the 5th World Nomad Games included three main areas: sports, culture and science.
The day before the opening ceremony of the Games, the opening of the ethno-village "Universe of Nomads" took place. In this photo report, we offered a look at the most striking moments of special ethno-aul site that allowed guests to feel the spirit of nomadic life.
The scientific program of the 5th World Nomad Games in Astana included an international scientific and practical conference entitled "Nomads: History, Knowledge, Lessons". Among the key topics discussed were the dietary practices of nomadic communities. Another significant lecture challenged stereotypes of nomadic cultures.
Olympics in Paris
One of the highlights of the Paris Olympics for Kazakhstan was the victory in judo. 31-year-old Yeldos SMETOV has won Kazakhstan's first ever Olympic judo gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. Smetov, who competed in men's 60kg, defeated French Luka MKHEIDZE, bronze medalist of 2020 Tokyo Games. He won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Artistic gymnast Nariman KURBANOV, Greco-Roman wrestler Demeu ZHADRAYEV and boxer Nurbek ORALBAY took home silver. Boxer Nazym KYZAIBAY, shooters Alexandre LE and Islam SATPAYEV, and judoka Gusman KYRGYZBATEV added bronze to the country’s tally. Additionally, Kazakhstan won the record-high nine medals at this Paralympics to rank 39th in the official overall standings.
Referendum on NPP
On October 6, 2024, Kazakhstanis headed to polls to vote in a nationwide referendum on the issue of building a nuclear power plant. Through the referendum citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan had their final say in the long-standing debates about the future of nuclear energy in Kazakhstan.
According to the data received, the total number of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan eligible to cast their ballots in the referendum stood at 12,284,487 people. The number of citizens who participated in the voting was 7,820,204 people, or 63.66% of the eligible voters. The number of citizens who voted in favor of constructing a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan totaled 5,561,937 people, or 71.12%.
Celebrating 800 years of the Ulus of Jochi
This year, Kazakhstan is celebrating a significant event - the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Ulus of Jochi. By the middle of the 15 century Ulus of Jochi ceased to exist, but it was of great importance in the history not only of Kazakhstan, but also of the Eurasian region.
Currently, various research projects and initiatives are being conducted in Kazakhstan aimed at studying the history of Ulus of Jochi. Scientists and historians work to fill gaps in knowledge and offer new interpretations of known facts.
Wildlife сonservation
The year 2024 has been important for Kazakhstan in advancing environmental protection and preserving endangered species. Kazakhstan's efforts gained well-deserved international recognition when the Altyn Dala Initiative won the prestigious Earthshot Prize in the category “Protect and Restore Nature” for its achievements in restoring the saiga population and expanding protected natural areas in Kazakhstan.
Another success story, as part of the Altyn Dala Initiative, was the adaptation of Przewalski's horses in the Kostanay region. The Przewalski's horse is listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List and on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The last habitat was Mongolia.
In addition, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed a memorandum of cooperation on snow leopard conservation. This year also saw the arrival of the first two Amur tigers, brought to Kazakhstan from the Netherlands as part of an ambitious initiative to reintroduce these tigers to the country and restore their population.
Tazy and global recognition
The General Committee of the International Canine Federation (FCI) has decided to grant preliminary recognition to the Kazakh Tazy as an official dog breed and confirmed Kazakhstan’s status as the breed standard holder. According to the Union of Cynologists of Kazakhstan, there are about 2,700 Tazy dogs in the country.
This breed of dog is distinguished by its extraordinary agility, speed and endurance. These dogs are unsurpassed hunters, perfectly adapting to both steppe and mountainous terrain. Modern genetic research has confirmed the breed's unique abilities. Scientists have discovered a unique gene responsible for the Tazy's endurance and sprinting abilities, which distinguishes it from other sighthounds such as the Afghan Hound and the Arabian Saluki.
Betashar in the UNESCO Representative List
On December, the Betashar, the Kazakh traditional wedding ritual, was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Betashar ritual symbolizes the opening of a new stage in the bride's life. The bride's face is covered with a veil, and only after a special ritual performed during a wedding ceremony, the veil is removed, and the bride greets her new relatives.
Vice Director of the Kazakhstan Central State Archive of Cinema, Photo and Sound Recording Documents, Saule SATAEVA, believes that Betashar serves as a powerful example of how cultural traditions are transmitted, developed, and renewed over time. She emphasizes that it reflects the cultural code of the Kazakh people, encompassing unique values, identity, mentality, and spiritual and moral principles. Sataeva attributes the inclusion of Betashar in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List to its significance not only for the Kazakh people but also for enriching the global repository of unique traditions and cultures.
Shavkat Rakhmonov’s win
Undefeated Kazakh welterweight fighter Shavkat RAKHMONOV aka ‘Nomad’ picked up another UFC win when he beat Ian Machado GARRY of Ireland with a unanimous decision on the UFC 310 co-main event at T Mobile Arena. Kazakhstan’s Shavkat, now with a record of seven consecutive wins in the division, including six early wins, expects to secure a welterweight title shot.
Collage credit: Canva.
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