As Kazakhstan prepares for an important political milestone, young Kazakhs studying abroad are also joining the national conversation about the country’s future, DKNews.kz reports.
In Brussels, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vasilenko met with students representing the Kazakh association “QazSociety.” The meeting brought together members of the Kazakh student community who are currently studying in Belgian universities but remain actively engaged in developments back home.
A Dialogue Between Diplomats and the Diaspora
During the meeting, the Ambassador thanked the students for their civic activity and for helping strengthen the Kazakh community in Belgium. According to him, young people abroad play an important role not only in promoting Kazakhstan internationally but also in maintaining strong cultural and intellectual ties with their homeland.
Vasilenko spoke about the current political and socio-economic developments in Kazakhstan, outlining the government’s priorities in foreign policy, digital transformation, and cooperation with European partners.
For many students, the discussion was also an opportunity to better understand how Kazakhstan is evolving on the global stage and how the country is building partnerships with Europe in areas such as innovation, trade, and education.
Why the Upcoming Referendum Matters
A key topic of the meeting was the upcoming Republican referendum on the draft of the new Constitution, scheduled for 15 March.
According to the Ambassador, the referendum represents an important step in Kazakhstan’s ongoing public dialogue about the country’s political development.
“The Republican referendum on the draft of the new Constitution will be an important stage in public dialogue on the future development of Kazakhstan. It provides citizens with the opportunity to directly express their opinions and participate in discussions on the country’s key directions,” Vasilenko said.
For students studying abroad, the referendum is not just a political event — it is also a chance to remain connected to the democratic processes of their homeland.
Students Ask Questions About Reforms
The meeting took place in an open discussion format. Students asked questions about the proposed constitutional reforms, how they would be implemented, and what they could mean for Kazakhstan’s political system.
Participants were particularly interested in how the reforms could influence governance, institutional development, and Kazakhstan’s cooperation with European partners.
The Ambassador also addressed practical questions related to consular services and legal matters, which are often important for citizens living abroad.
Voting Abroad: How Kazakh Citizens Can Participate
Kazakh citizens residing in Belgium and Luxembourg will be able to take part in the referendum on 15 March.
Voting will take place from 07:00 to 20:00 at Polling Station No. 405, located at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Brussels.
For members of the Kazakh diaspora in Europe, the opportunity to vote abroad ensures that distance does not prevent them from participating in decisions that shape the country’s future.
A Growing Voice of the Diaspora
Meetings like this highlight how Kazakhstan’s global community — including students and young professionals abroad — continues to stay involved in national discussions.
For many young Kazakhs studying in Europe, conversations about reforms, governance, and the country’s direction are not abstract topics. They are part of a broader dialogue about how Kazakhstan will develop in the years ahead — and what role the next generation will play in that journey.
