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Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev
Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev, the First President of Kazakhstan, was elected on December 1, 1991, in the country’s first nationwide elections. The life and leadership of N.A. Nazarbayev signify an entire era in the country's history.
Every nation strives for independence and the opportunity to forge its own developmental path. In the early 1990s, Kazakhstan faced a challenging period characterized by a lack of clear prospects, the collapse of its economy, and political instability. The role and qualities of the First President were pivotal in determining how quickly the country would overcome these challenges and take its first steps toward prosperity.
Through the thoughtful policies and leadership of the First President, Kazakhstan emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies globally. His personal contributions and the strong support of the people popularized the "Kazakh Model of Development" internationally. This model embodies the consistent and steady advancement of the state based on a well-defined course of action.
Kazakhstan has established friendly relations with countries worldwide while maintaining peace and harmony within its diverse population. Under the leadership of the First President, Kazakhstan achieved numerous milestones, including chairing the OSCE, hosting the Winter Asian Games, implementing an industrial-innovative program, constructing the capital city Astana (now Nur-Sultan), hosting the EXPO 2017 international exhibition, and elevating the country's global reputation.
The Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation, established in 2000 by the personal initiative of Nursultan Nazarbayev, proudly continues the First President's mission of enhancing human capital competitiveness and fostering a new generation of Kazakhstani citizens. The Foundation focuses on supporting talented youth, developing social projects and civic initiatives, and advancing a competitive expert-analytical center.
Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev was born on July 6, 1940, in the village of Chemolgan, Kaskelen District, Almaty Region, to parents Abish and Alzhan Nazarbayev.
Spouse: Sara Alpysovna Nazarbayeva. The couple has three daughters.
CAREER PATH
From 1960 to 1969, N.A. Nazarbayev worked at the Karaganda Metallurgical Plant.
In 1967, he graduated from the Technical College at the same plant.
POLITICAL CAREER
Recognized for his dedication and leadership, N.A. Nazarbayev embarked on a political and public service career in 1969.
1969–1973: Held roles in party and Komsomol organizations in Temirtau, Karaganda Region.
1973–1977: Secretary of the party committee at the Karaganda Metallurgical Plant.
1977–1979: Second Secretary of the Karaganda Regional Party Committee.
1979–1984: Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan.
1984–1989: Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR.
1989–1991: First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan. Concurrently served as Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR from February to April 1990.
On April 24, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR established the office of the President. Nursultan Nazarbayev became the first-ever President of Kazakhstan.
On December 1, 1991, he was elected in the first nationwide presidential elections, receiving 98.7% of the vote.
His presidential term was extended via a nationwide referendum in 1995 until 2000.
Re-elected in 1999, 2005, 2011, and 2015 with significant popular support, his leadership steered the country through transformative years.
On March 19, 2019, Nursultan Nazarbayev terminated his powers as President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.