President Kassym-JomartTokayev underscored the strategic importance of science, technology, and nuclear energy for Kazakhstan’s long-term growth during a meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology on Sep. 25.
Tokayev said global challenges make scientific and technological capacity the key measure of a nation’s strength. He announced that starting next year, 20 annual quotas will be allocated for training nuclear specialists, stressing the need to develop human capital and create better conditions for young scientists.
Tokayevpointed to the recently adopted Law on Science and Technology Policy as a step toward protecting researchers’ interests and establishing a modern governance framework.
Tokayev described nuclear power as “an extremely important and necessary” resource for the country’s future. President Tokayev highlighted that nuclear energy development has become a global trend and an essential factor for national progress.
“Today there are 416 nuclear reactors operating around the world. The United States runs 94 reactors but produces insufficient uranium, and Kazakhstan supplies 24% of the fuel to its market. A similar situation exists in France, where more than 50 stations rely on uranium mined in our country,” he said.
Citing Kazakhstan’s role as a leading uranium supplier, Tokayev stressed the need to boost international cooperation in nuclear research, including fusion and radiation technologies.