International Conference “The Best start in life for all children in Kazakhstan”

Educational Lecture “If Your National Spirit Is High…”

On October 30–31, 2025, in Astana, the international conference “The Best start in life for all children in Kazakhstan” was held with the support of the Department of Preschool Education of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

From Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, the conference was attended by the Head of the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Ulbossyn Kyyakbayeva, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Acting Associate Professor Assem Bulshekbayeva.

The main purpose of the event was to discuss effective national and international strategies aimed at supporting the development, upbringing, and education of young children, as well as strengthening intersectoral cooperation.

The conference brought together international experts and scholars from more than 20 countries, including Australia, Ireland, Portugal, Turkey, Malta, the United Kingdom, Moldova, and others. In total, around 200 participants took part in the event, discussing a wide range of issues related to early childhood development.

The conference was attended by Minister of Education Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Minister of Health Akmaral Alnazarova, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Svetlana Zhakypova, and the Commissioner for Childrens  Rights Dinara Zakieva. The UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, as well as international experts, scholars, and practitioners, also delivered welcoming remarks and presentations.

As part of this significant  event, a comprehensive agreement titled “Successful Start” for 2025-2027 was signed. The document aims to promote early childhood development and early intervention, ensuring coordinated work among all key government institutions to support children’s health, psychological, emotional, and intellectual

development during the first years of life.

During the conference, participants thoroughly discussed the integration of health care, education, and social protection systems in enhancing early childhood potential, supporting parents, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to preschool education, and introducing innovative and digital technologies.

At the conclusion of the conference, the National Action Declaration on Early Childhood Development was adopted. This document marked the beginning of an important social commitment - to guarantee every child in Kazakhstan the opportunity to grow and develop in a high-quality and nurturing environment.