On February 6, 2026, the 9th meeting of the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan (PCK) under KazNANS took place in Almaty with the participation of PCK members, the Committee’s youth branch, and invited members of the KazNANS Presidium. Quorum was confirmed: 69% attendance in a hybrid format.
The Committee Chair, Professor V.S. Shkolnik, duly approved the meeting regulations and the agenda in accordance with Clause 4.2 of the PCK Regulations:
- “On the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan” - speaker: Professor K.A. Kurmanaliev, Vice-President of KazNANS, member of the National Kurultai under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (10 minutes).
- “On the implementation of the PCK Action Plan under KazNANS for 2025” and the draft “PCK Action Plan under KazNANS for 2026” - speaker: Professor T.Z. Akhmetov, Committee Secretary (10 minutes).
- Other matters.
On the first agenda item, Professor K.A. Kurmanaliev delivered an online report, “On the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan”.
He emphasized that the “Draft of the new Constitution of Kazakhstan” enshrines a transition to a new development model based on education, science, culture, and innovation as the main sources of the country’s sustainable future. He noted that, for the first time in the country’s history, education, science, and innovation are explicitly reflected in the Constitution’s preamble, which means recognition of their fundamental value and strategic priority for the state. He further stated that it is recorded that the quality of education, the strength of science, and the cultural environment are priorities of national development. The Constitution forms the legal basis for freedom of scientific, research, and artistic activity, strengthens the protection of intellectual property, and creates conditions for the growth of innovation and creative industries.
Professor K.A. Kurmanaliev stated that KazNANS members support the draft Constitution.
The discussion included remarks by V.S. Shkolnik, E.S. Omarov, and R.G. Sarmurzina.
Summing up the first item, Professor V.S. Shkolnik thanked the speaker, highlighted the importance of placing science and education at the forefront, and noted that this opens the future for the country’s prosperity. He called on participants to support the opinion of KazNANS scientists by approving the draft “New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan”.
Adopted unanimously!
On the second agenda item, Professor V.S. Shkolnik noted that in 2025 the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan under KazNANS generally implemented the activities set out by the “PCK Work Plan for 2025”, approved following the 8th Committee meeting of January 23, 2025. He also informed participants that on December 12, 2025, at the initiative of the leadership of the Republican Public Association “KazNANS”, a joint meeting of the KazNANS Presidium and the PCK was held in a hybrid format. Under the first agenda item, the Committee Secretary, Professor T.Z. Akhmetov, presented a report titled “On the activities of the PCK in 2025”.
One of the important events of the Pugwash movement in the past year was the 63rd International Pugwash Conference in Hiroshima (November 1–5, 2025). PhD Arman Miniyazov, Chair of the PCK youth branch, took part and held meetings with the President of Pugwash, Dr. Hussain al-Shahristani, and the Secretary-General of Pugwash, Professor Karen Hallberg, on current cooperation with the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan and future plans. The Committee’s active involvement in Pugwash programs was confirmed through expert participation in working groups, development of the youth track, and joint activities by national committees of Pugwash member countries.
The conference was dedicated to three historical anniversaries:
- the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki;
- the 70th anniversary of the Russell–Einstein Manifesto;
- the 30th anniversary of Joseph Rotblat and Pugwash receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Participants: 180 delegates from 40 countries.
The Hiroshima Pugwash Conference reminded world leaders and citizens that the tragedy of 1945 left an indelible moral mark and became a warning to humanity.
On the second item, the PCK Secretary, Professor T.Z. Akhmetov, presented information “On the implementation of the PCK Action Plan for 2025” and the draft “PCK Action Plan for 2026”.
During the discussion, remarks were made by V.S. Shkolnik, B.M. Ibraev, A.Zh. Miniyazov, and Ch.T. Laumulin.
A.Zh.Miniyazov shared more detailed impressions of his participation on the margins of the 63rd Hiroshima Pugwash Conference.
Professor Ch.T. Laumulin noted that the Pugwash movement of scientists was created by Russell and Einstein and exercises oversight over limitations and the use of nuclear technologies, while the world is moving in an unclear direction. Since the Manifesto was signed, new players have emerged. Kazakhstan today holds leading positions in uranium production and mining, and nuclear tests were conducted. He suggested considering a resolution in this direction.
V.S. Shkolnik responded: “We will write down this proposal. The world is becoming increasingly dangerous, and, in my view, Kazakhstan’s experience in disarmament matters is deeply underestimated. Now is the time for the whole world to learn about Kazakhstan’s policy promoted by our Pugwash Committee.
There is another perspective on how to achieve peace. We support such a policy, and at the first conference in 2017 in Astana a decision was made to establish our Kazakhstani Pugwash. The current President, K.K. Tokayev, at that time headed Parliament, and instructed us to do so. We will continue this policy of our country”.
The draft “PCK Action Plan for 2026” will be finalized by the Secretariat taking into account the proposals expressed, approved in the established manner, and circulated to all PCK members for guidance and implementation.
This year is rich in events. If there are no further questions, please allow me to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your work throughout the year and to wish everyone kindness, love, and peace.
Thank you all.