Dear Zhuldyz Dosbergenovna, Elmira Nurlanovna,

Dear Participants,

On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan, let me welcome you to the opening of a two-day training for trainers on the topic “Ethical and Safe Environment in Public Service”.

Building a culture of respect, responsibility and zero tolerance to unacceptable behaviour is an integral part of the public service modernization efforts in Kazakhstan. These efforts are particularly relevant in light of the planned public service reform since 2027 and ongoing work to improve the Labour Code. In particular, the initiative of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection to enshrine in legislation the concepts, complaint procedures and employers’ responsibilities in terms of preventing harassment is an important step forward.

According to social surveys, up to 30% of employees have encountered unethical behaviour in the workplace. However, clear internal response mechanisms are still lacking in many organizations, including the public sector. This emphasizes the need for a systemic approach — and this is precisely the goal of today's training.

Ethics officers play a key role in this process. They are not only the bearers of norms, but also the agents of a culture of respect, dignity and service to society. Strengthening your competencies is an investment in the sustainability of the entire public administration system.

UNDP actively cooperates with both the public and private sectors by training their staff, helping to develop and implement internal policies to create a safe and inclusive work environment. We are proud that, within the framework of the global initiative, the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme for Public Enterprises, we help companies and institutions in Kazakhstan implement high standards of respect, gender equality and unacceptable behaviour prevention.

At the same time, we continue to strengthen the capacity of government agencies. The Ministry of Culture and Information was one of the first to approve an internal policy on protection against harassment back in 2022. Similar initiatives are beginning to be reflected in other agencies. And our common goal is to make such practices the norm, not the exception.

We sincerely thank the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Astana Civil Service Hub for their comprehensive support of this event. Your involvement, strategic vision and practical assistance became the basis for conducting the training at a highly meaningful level.

Today's training is not just about passing on knowledge. It is a contribution to building a system where everyone feels protected, where boundaries are respected, and where a new quality of public service is formed.

Inclusion, safety and ethics are not just internal issues for organizations. They are the foundation of citizens’ trust in the state.

I wish you productive work, open discussions and confidence that each of you is capable of being an agent of positive change.

Thank you for attention.