As part of the International Exhibition-Forum “Safe Labor: New Challenges and Digital Solutions”, a meeting of the Republican Tripartite Commission on Social Partnership and Regulation of Social and Labor Relations took place.
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Svetlana Zhakupova, ILO Specialist on Labor Regulation, Labor Inspection, and Occupational Safety, Darko Dojcinski, as well as representatives of various central government agencies, local executive bodies, national trade union associations, and employer organizations.
Together with social partners, the Commission discussed measures to ensure safe working conditions, actions being implemented under the Year of Vocational Professions in response to the labor shortage, and the progress in concluding sectoral agreements on social partnership.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev focused on the issue of the shortage of qualified specialists, emphasizing the need to develop the system of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
“There is currently a shortage of qualified specialists in the country, including skilled workers. This highlights the importance of strengthening the TVET system, which plays a critical role in preparing in-demand professionals, especially in working-class occupations across various sectors of the economy. TVET institutions must align with labor market needs and address the deficit in skilled personnel,” stressed Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev.
During the meeting, Samruk-Kazyna JSC shared its experience in training qualified personnel. As part of the company’s action plan for the Year of Vocational Professions 2025, the focus areas include developing the potential of young specialists, implementing dual education that combines theory and practice at enterprises, and enhancing the qualifications of working professionals.
“As part of our support measures this year, over 4,200 employees are improving their professional qualifications. Around 50 graduates have completed their education and secured employment. More than 880 students are currently undergoing industrial internships in companies under the fund. We actively cooperate with Nazarbayev University, KIMEP, KBTU, Satbayev University, and various regional colleges. As a result, about 1,700 students have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through our dual education programs,” shared Gibrat Auganov, Managing Director for Corporate Governance, Social and Labor Relations, and Occupational Safety at Samruk-Kazyna JSC.
In her speech, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Svetlana Zhakupova elaborated on the issue of ensuring safe working conditions, stating that it is a matter of social justice and shared responsibility.
“Occupational safety is the foundation of trust—between the employee and the state, between businesses and society. We must create conditions where every Kazakhstani worker feels that their life and health are protected when they go to work.
Today, hazardous working conditions remain widespread, especially in the industrial and extractive sectors. This calls for comprehensive solutions focused both on prevention and strengthening social protection for workers.
That is why we are building a system step by step, where the focus is not only on control, but also on prevention, fair compensation, accessible benefits, and incentives for employers to invest in safety,” noted Minister Zhakupova.
It is worth noting that the theme of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 is closely linked to digitalization. Therefore, the discussions also focused on the implementation of digital tools within the Occupational Safety Concept 2024–2030 and the Industrial Safety Concept 2024–2030.
The forum also showcases best practices and advanced experience in occupational and industrial safety, including digitalization and innovations. Additionally, participants will address ways to enhance the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers and service providers in the field of safety and labor protection.