Youth Policy

"Keleshek" Youth Council: History, Challenges, and Strategic Development until 2030

The Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan consistently develops a systemic youth policy. The primary objective of this line of action is to involve youth in the trade union movement, build a reliable human resources reserve, protect labor and social rights, and comprehensively develop the leadership and professional qualities of young trade union members.

The legal foundation of the organization's youth policy is composed of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Law "On Professional Trade Unions", the Law "On State Youth Policy", as well as international acts, statutory documents of the Federation, and decisions of its governing bodies.

History of the Organization

A significant milestone in the institutional development of the youth wing occurred in 2014 when the Youth Affairs Council of the Federation was officially renamed the "Keleshek" Youth Council. Today, the Council successfully operates as a key consultative and advisory body under the General Council of the FPRK, coordinating the integration of the new generation of workers into the trade union environment.

Operational Analysis and Key Achievements

The trade union youth population under the age of 35 stands at 428 743 individuals, which accounts for 27.2% of the total membership of the Federation of Trade Unions. Despite global challenges, including workplace optimization and evolving market demands, the trade union youth have demonstrated exceptional flexibility and social responsibility.

The youth wing has achieved the following significant results through its targeted initiatives:

The practice of conducting regular meetings at workplaces, factories, schools, and universities has been successfully maintained;
Direct dialogues were held at the combined heat and power plants (CHP/TEZ) of Almaty and Uralsk, the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant, as well as in colleges and higher education institutions across various regions;
Key discussions during these meetings focused extensively on labor rights, working conditions, mentorship, and career advancement perspectives;
A dedicated student dialogue was organized at the College of Public Catering and Service to address the role of trade unions in protecting young workers' rights and unlocking career growth paths;
A large-scale charitable solidarity run was successfully hosted to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the trade union movement of Kazakhstan and the 35th anniversary of the Federation of Trade Unions, serving as a celebration of solidarity and intergenerational continuity;
The traditional Charity Ball was held, with proceeds directed to support families facing difficult life situations, thereby reinforcing the core values of mutual aid and solidarity;
In the city of Uralsk, the regional Forum of Working Youth was convened, bringing together representatives from Aktobe, Atyrau, Aktau, and Uralsk;
The forum served as an effective platform for exchanging best practices, addressing employment dynamics, and discussing occupational health and safety;
A memorandum was signed with the "Future Without Drugs" foundation, focusing on preventing addictions among youth and engaging them in socially meaningful initiatives;
The youth wing's leadership received international acclaim, with the "Keleshek" Youth Council of the Karaganda Region winning the prestigious "Best Youth Council" competition organized by the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian Countries (CTUCAC).

Goals and Strategic Tasks until 2030

Drawing upon its fundamental values—unity, solidarity, social justice, development, openness, competitiveness, and continuity—the Council aims to nurture a new generation of leaders and strengthen the positioning of youth within the social partnership system.

To achieve this goal, the following key tasks have been defined:

Strive to increase the share of youth within the total membership of the Federation of Trade Unions to 30%;
Formulate a new youth policy specifically emphasizing digital skills, climate responsibility, and the protection of rights within non-standard employment conditions;
Establish an extensive network of "trade union ambassadors" consisting of students, young specialists, and digital leaders who will advance trade union values within their collectives and wider society;
Sustain active participation in international structures under the auspices of the ITUC, PERC, CTUCAC, and ATUO to reinforce global solidarity and exchange best practices;
Lobby for the introduction of a mandatory twenty-percent youth quota within the elected governing bodies of trade unions and ensure the youth agenda is structurally integrated into negotiations with social partners;
Place a strong emphasis on the development of volunteerism and social initiatives that help entrench the values of solidarity and mutual assistance;
Conclude the strategic cycle by hosting the International Youth Forum, which will serve as the premier platform for discussing the future of labor, climate, and digitalization.

Anticipated Results and Outlook for 2030: The "Keleshek" Youth Council does not merely review past milestones but sets a precise course for a future where young people play a central role in advancing the trade union movement of Kazakhstan and strengthening international cooperation. The human resources reserve will undergo a qualitative renewal, and the image of trade unions will be firmly solidified as an open, strong, and innovative institution. Supported by stable internal funding and the strategic attraction of grants, these initiatives will serve as the primary driver for the modernization of Kazakhstan's trade unions.