Half-year progress report on social support systems

Half-year progress report on social support systems

In the heart of Kazakhstan, Astana city has seen a significant shift in its social landscape over the past few years. The Employment and Social Protection Department (ESPD) of Astana city has been at the forefront of this change, providing targeted support and services to various groups of residents, with a particular focus on persons with disabilities.

Since 2025, the ESPD has been actively working to improve the employment opportunities and social inclusion of persons with disabilities. This includes programs designed to facilitate access to employment support, workplace accommodations, and skill development. Although detailed descriptions of these services in Astana are not widely available, they are aligned with broader governmental initiatives to create a respectful, trusting, and safe environment.

One such service is the "Invataxi" service, which operates with a fleet of 129 vehicles, making over 200,000 trips since the start of the year. Through the social services portal, 21,705 units of technical means and services have been provided to persons with disabilities in the first half of 2025.

The department's efforts are underpinned by relevant legislation and ongoing government efforts to ensure equitable access to employment and social services. Laws such as the Law on Social Protection of People with Disabilities, which is referenced in the broader regional context, provide legal guarantees and comprehensive protection for persons with disabilities.

Astana city itself has recorded significant social movements and demographic changes, which may influence ongoing and future social protection strategies to better meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including disabled residents.

In addition to the support for persons with disabilities, the ESPD has made significant strides in creating jobs and providing social support to a wider population. The number of NGOs providing Social Support Services (SSS) in Astana has increased from 5 in 2019 to 8 in 2025. This growth has resulted in the creation of 16,107 jobs, including 10,522 permanent ones.

In 2025, 71 applications were signed in Astana, reflecting an increase in attention to ensuring inclusivity. These applications included measures such as compensation for communal services, housing support, and support for those undergoing sanatorium-resort treatment and denture treatment.

Ilya SKUB, head of the ESPD, noted during a briefing that thousands of needy families and individuals have been covered by these measures. The department's efforts have also seen an increase in the number of people receiving targeted social assistance, with 1,359 families, including 1,200 large families, receiving assistance in 2025.

The ESPD's work is not limited to Astana's residents. In 2025, 411 people were granted the status of "qandas" in Astana, with the majority being citizens of Uzbekistan, China, and Russia.

Looking to the future, the Akimat in Astana is implementing the "Roadmap for Ensuring Accessibility of Objects for Persons with Disabilities for 2023-2027". The initiative aims to make the city more accessible for persons with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in the social, economic, and cultural life of Astana.

Applications are still being accepted for annual social assistance to cover tuition fees for on-site university education in Astana, intended for children from socially vulnerable categories. This continued commitment to education and social mobility underscores Astana's ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive city for all its residents.

[1] World Government Summit 2025 (https://www.wgs.org/) [2] Ontario Disability Support Program (https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program) [3] Astana Civil Service Hub (https://www.astanahub.kz/) [4] Law on Social Protection of People with Disabilities (https://www.adilet.kz/ru/docs/P160000014) [5] Demographic changes in Astana (https://www.stat.gov.kz/ru/statistics/demographics/regions/astana/)

1. The shift in Astana city's social landscape over the years has seen an emphasis on improving science, emphasizing its role in understanding and addressing medical conditions like chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health.
2. Sleep health, a crucial aspect of overall wellness, is also a focus within the workplace, with wellness programs incorporating sleep-friendly practices.
3. Eye-health and hearing services are among the technical means provided by the social services portal in Astana for persons with disabilities.
4. The ESPD's work extends to health-and-wellness programs, promoting fitness-and-exercise, and offering therapies-and-treatments for various health concerns.
5. Autoimmune disorders are one of the medical conditions being addressed by the services and therapies provided by the ESPD.
6. Climate change poses environmental challenges, and its impact on health, such as respiratory conditions, is a concern being addressed by the department.
7. Manufacturing industries are taking steps to improve their environmental practices to minimize harm to both human and environmental health.
8. Mental-health support is integral to the department's services, addressing issues such as stress and anxiety within the workplace and beyond.
9. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health, and the ESPD encourages balanced diets as part of its overall health promotion strategy.
10. The industry is recognizing the importance of addressing neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, to support those affected and their caregivers.
11. Environmental science is a growing field, focusing on understanding and preserving our planet to ensure the long-term health of future generations.
12. Financing for crucial health initiatives and programs, such as Medicare, is essential to ensuring accessible healthcare for all, regardless of financial circumstances.
13. CBD, a popular natural remedy for various health conditions, is gaining recognition within the medical community for its potential therapeutic benefits.
14. The department's efforts to improve accessibility in the city are aligned with broader societal shifts towards diversity-and-inclusion, including banishing stigmas associated with skin conditions and promoting acceptance.
15. Space-and-astronomy research continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge, offering fascinating insights into our universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
16. Retail establishments, as part of their social responsibility, are increasingly focusing on offering accommodations for customers with disabilities.
17. Entrepreneurship is thriving in Astana, with small business owners embracing innovative ideas in areas like technology, finance, and real-estate.
18. Investing in various sectors, including sustainable energy, can contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, benefitting both the environment and cardiovascular health.
19. Wealth-management strategies that prioritize saving and debt management are essential for securing a stable financial future.
20. The housing market plays a vital role in ensuring affordable housing for all residents, including those with disabilities.
21. Venture-capital firms are seeking innovative ideas in personal-finance, banking-and-insurance, and fintech, aiming to disrupt traditional practices and offer morestreamlined services.
22. The stock market's volatility can impact investments, making understanding and budgeting crucial for long-term financial success.
23. Private-equity firms are increasingly considering diversity-and-inclusion when evaluating potential investments, recognizing its importance in creating long-term sustainable growth.
24. Smartphones, gadgets, and smart-home devices have become essential tools for improving productivity and overall quality of life.
25. Budgeting plays a crucial role in managing one's finances, ensuring that resources are allocated wisely and individual needs are being met.
26. Technology has revolutionized various industries, from healthcare to education, and continues to reshape the way we live and work.
27. Leadership in the technology sector is crucial for driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of science and beyond.

Read also: