1. Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev was born on 17 May 1953 and is a Kazakh politician, diplomat, and tycoon who has served as the President of Kazakhstan since 2019.
127 Facts About Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev previously served as Prime Minister from 1999 to 2002 and as Chairman of the Senate from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2013 to 2019.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev began his career in the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs before joining Kazakhstan's foreign service after independence in 1991.
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In March 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became acting president following the resignation of Nursultan Nazarbayev.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's presidency has included various economic initiatives and a shift toward political reforms.
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In January 2022, large-scale protests over fuel prices escalated into violent unrest, prompting Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to declare a state of emergency and request peacekeeping assistance from the CSTO.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ran as an independent candidate under the support of People's Coalition after leaving the Amanat party membership, positioning himself as a reformist.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's administration has focused on political restructuring, economic modernization, and maintaining a multi-vector foreign policy, balancing relations with Russia, China, and the West.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was born into a prominent Kazakh family in the city of Alma-Ata.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was named after his uncle, Kassym Tokayev, a Red Army soldier who was killed during the Battle of Rzhev.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spent part of his childhood in the village of Kalpe, Karatal District, in the Jetisu Region, where his family had deep roots.
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In 1970, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev enrolled in the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, where he studied Mandarin.
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In 1979, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev returned to the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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In March 1992, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was appointed a deputy foreign minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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In 1993, he became first deputy foreign minister and on 13 October 1994, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was appointed to the post of minister of foreign affairs.
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In March 1999, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev cautioned against prematurely introducing legislation on land privatization, thereby signaling a cautious approach to such significant reforms.
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However, in November 2001, during an interview with Khabar Agency, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev threatened to resign unless Nazarbayev took action against certain government officials whom he accused of undermining the executive branch and obstructing necessary democratic reforms.
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On 28 January 2002, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev resigned from his post as Prime Minister, citing the centralization of power under the strong presidential system as the cause of his resignation.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was appointed as State Secretary and Minister of Foreign Affairs, where he continued to play a key role in shaping Kazakhstan's foreign policy.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was elected Chairman of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States and of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in ten sessions of the United Nations General Assembly.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
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On 28 March 2003, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed support for the US invasion of Iraq, citing concerns over Saddam Hussein's potential development of weapons of mass destruction.
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On 11 January 2007, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was appointed Deputy and Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan by Nursultan Nazarbayev.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was elected unanimously by the Senate deputies to the position.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan was facing important tasks at this moment in history and pledged to make every effort to achieve the country's goals, including the strategy to place Kazakhstan among the top 50 most competitive states.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev served the post until being relieved on 15 April 2011 after being appointed Director-General of the United Nations.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev contributed to OSCE PA initiatives, including serving as deputy head of the election observation mission under Tony Lloyd to Belarus during the 2010 presidential election, which raised concerns about electoral transparency and human rights violations.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev prioritized trans-regional cooperation, particularly in addressing security challenges in Central Asia, such as the unrest in Kyrgyzstan and the conflict in Afghanistan.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advocated for stronger OSCE engagement in the region and efforts to enhance stability.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's leadership was instrumental in hosting key OSCE PA events in Kazakhstan, including the 2010 Trans-Asian Parliamentary Forum in Almaty, where Tokayev reinforced Kazakhstan's commitment to international cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy.
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In March 2011, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, announced the appointment of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to succeed Sergei Ordzhonikidze as the Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, a key hub for the UN's international diplomatic and humanitarian work, citing his wealth of experience at senior government levels, his thorough knowledge of the Conference on Disarmament and his extensive management expertise.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was appointed as the Personal Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to the CD, a vital body for negotiating international arms control and disarmament agreements.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev worked to overcome the deadlock on critical disarmament issues, including the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, proposing in February 2012 procedural reforms such as extending the presidency duration and expanding membership.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need for political will and urgent action to revitalize the CD and advance global disarmament efforts.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's tenure saw his participation in the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, where he highlighted Kazakhstan's commitment to nuclear disarmament and global security.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's tenure was marked by his efforts to promote Geneva as a diplomatic hub on issues such as human rights, global health, economic cooperation, and climate change for international dialogue as well as addressing conflicts, such as the Syrian civil war, and territorial disputes.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev strongly supported UN reforms, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's initiatives to reduce administrative costs and enhance transparency in UN operations, aligning with his broader goal of maintaining the UN Office's effectiveness.
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Immediately upon assuming office, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed renaming the capital city of Kazakhstan after his predecessor, and the same day the Parliament of Kazakhstan approved the renaming of Astana to Nur-Sultan.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev focused on ensuring continuity and stability in Kazakhstan's policies, while addressing new global challenges through effective leadership and strategic direction.
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On 9 April 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed decree scheduling snap presidential elections to be held on 9 June.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pledged electoral transparency and emphasized that Kazakhstan is a democratic state, asserting that a president should be elected according to the "will of the people" to eliminate political uncertainty.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became a presidential candidate after being nominated by the ruling Nur Otan party on 23 April 2019, with the endorsement of party chairman and former president Nursultan Nazarbayev.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's campaign focused on continuing existing policies, ensuring justice, and promoting progress.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's victory was acknowledged by several foreign leaders, including Xi Jinping, Ilham Aliyev, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Emomali Rahmon, and Sooronbay Jeenbekov.
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In June 2019, following a military ammo deposit blast in the town of Arys which resulted in evacuations of residents and hundreds of injuries, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev launched a criminal case and ordered the Interior and Defence ministries to prevent possible more explosions, pledging that any perpetrators would be prosecuted.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his first State of the Nation Address on 2 September 2019.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev blamed "two criminal groups" fighting over contraband for the deadly ethnic violence between ethnic Kazakhs and the relatively wealthier Dungan minority.
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In October 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree stipulating that ministerial appointments required Nazarbayev's approval, with the exception of the ministers of defense, interior, and foreign affairs.
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However, in May 2020, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Dariga Nazarbayeva from her position as Senate Chairwoman, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power and fueling speculation about Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's increasing political independence.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev asserted that while he occasionally sought advice from Nazarbayev, he was the legitimately elected head of state and that there were no contradictions in his exercise of presidential authority.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev played a pivotal role in Kazakhstan's decision to abolish the death penalty, a move shaped by domestic human rights advocacy and international commitments.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate the process of accession, setting the stage for legislative changes.
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The Parliament ratified the document on 29 December 2020, and on 2 January 2021, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the decree officially abolishing the death penalty.
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At the opening session of the 7th Parliament held on 15 January 2021, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reappointed Asqar Mamin as the prime minister.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined main directions for Kazakhstan which were increasing the incomes of population, eradication of corruption, judicial reforms, creating new jobs with decent wages, solving housing issues, fair social policies, regional developments, spiritualism, foreign national interests and youth opportunities.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized economic equity, advocating for a fair distribution of national income, which he described as "strategically important" for Kazakhstan.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev framed this decision as a necessary step to stimulate domestic consumption amid the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pursued social support policies aimed at relieving personal debt.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's administration focused on economic governance and structural reforms.
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In January 2020, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev initiated the formation of the Centre for Analysis and Monitoring of Socio-Economic Reforms, later evolving into the Presidential Reform Agency.
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In March 2020, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev directed the government to develop an anti-crisis plan to uphold social obligations.
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At the teacher's conference held in August 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the average salary for schoolteachers in Kazakhstan would be increased by double within four years.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the Ministry of Education and Science to develop and launch special programs to overcome the academic gap of children from low-income families and schools in socially troubled areas, noting the need of overcome educational inequality specially between rural and urban areas.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed the need for Kazakhstan to have a nuclear power plant in April 2019, claiming that the country would face an electricity deficit by 2030.
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In May 2021, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the Low-Carbon Development Concept, a national project which seeks to reduce Kazakhstan's dependency on coal by development electric power industry and the country's energy balance by 2035.
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One of the key environmental issues Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed was air pollution in Almaty, where he emphasized the need for decisive action.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev directed the government, the city administration, and Samruk-Energy to expedite the transition of the Almaty-2 thermal power station to natural gas, citing its emissions as a major source of pollution.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's administration pursued legislative measures to protect Kazakhstan's natural resources.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law into effect on 4 October 2021, reinforcing Kazakhstan's commitment to regional environmental cooperation.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev supported a health insurance mandate in Kazakhstan as a way to improve the quality and accessibility of medical services as well as maintained funding for free medical care and the development of healthcare system.
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On 7 July 2020, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the new code "On public health and healthcare system" and law "On amendments and additions to certain legislative acts on healthcare issues" into place, which strengthened legal protection for medical personnel, introduced a differentiated approach to medical errors, and redefined a citizen's rights regarding vaccination.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pledged for the government to continue in investing for the development of infrastructure so that Kazakh citizens would have an access for clean drinking water, natural gas and public transport and continue in monitoring the implementation of the Nurly Zhol programme, of which was enacted by Nazarbayev.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for the officials along with the Parliament and Accounts Committee to ensure the efficient use of budget funds.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advocated political reforms that would promote the concept of a "state that listens" to civil society creating a constructive dialogue.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev initiated the establishment of the new National Council of Public Trust to facilitate this dialogue.
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Just two weeks after taking office, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Moscow in his first foreign state visit on 4 April 2019, meeting with Putin alongside other Russian officials.
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In June 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the decision of constructing a nuclear power plants would be made on decision by local matter, if by means of a referendum.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a state visit to China in September 2019.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev vowed to triple wheat exports to China to 2 million tonnes possibly including salt, dairy products, meat and poultry as well.
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On 14 April 2019, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited neighboring Uzbekistan for talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev replaced National Security Committee chairman Karim Massimov with Ermek Sagimbayev.
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That same day, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Nazarbayev's nephew, Samat Abish, from his role as deputy chairman of the NSC.
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Amidst the 2022 unrest, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed the government of Asqar Mamin and appointed Alihan Smaiylov as acting prime minister on 5 January 2022.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev endorsed his nomination, citing Smaiylov's economic expertise and governance experience as essential for ensuring stability and implementing reforms in the aftermath of the unrest.
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The reliance on existing bureaucratic structures largely suggested that systemic changes under Kassym-Jomart Tokayev would be gradual.
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On 28 January 2022, at the 21st Nur Otan Extraordinary Congress, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was unanimously elected as the chairman of the Nur Otan party, succeeding Nursultan Nazarbayev, who had held the position since 1999.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev suggested that he might step down from the party by the end of 2022 to maintain presidential impartiality.
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At the 22nd Nur Otan Extraordinary Congress on 1 March 2022, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev supported a proposal to rename the party to Amanat.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized decentralizing the party, improving voter engagement, and addressing real issues.
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On 26 April 2022, at the 23rd Amanat Extraordinary Congress, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev resigned as party chairman and withdrew from Amanat membership to maintain presidential neutrality and separation of powers.
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On 16 March 2022, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled his concept of New Kazakhstan and proposed package of constitutional reforms to reduce presidential powers and strengthen parliament, transitioning from a "superpresidential" system to a "presidential republic with a strong parliament".
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On 15 February 2023, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law repealing Elbasy status, formally ending Nazarbayev's status as Leader of the Nation.
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On 14 June 2022, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree establishing the National Kurultai, a new civic institution designed to have broader and more relevant functions than its predecessor, the National Council of Public Trust.
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In September 2022, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev introduced nonrenewable seven-year presidential term and renamed the capital back to Astana from Nur-Sultan.
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On 1 September 2022, during his State of the Nation Address, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced snap presidential elections, citing the need for a new mandate of trust from the people and officially declared his bid for re-election.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev promised that the election would be a major reset of Kazakhstan's political system and assured it would be fair and transparent, with both domestic and international observers taking part.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlights reducing inequality, promoting political accountability, fair wealth distribution, and creating job opportunities for youth, alongside reforms in education and technological innovation with an aim to foster a more inclusive society, national unity, and social stability.
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In June 2024, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that a referendum on whether or not a nuclear power plant should be built in Kazakhstan would be held in the autumn of 2024.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has pledged to continue the foreign policy initiated by Nursultan Nazarbayev, maintaining Kazakhstan's multi-vector approach.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasizes Kazakhstan's neutrality, sovereignty, and commitment to international law, actively participating in organizations like the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Eurasian Economic Union, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
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On 12 October 2023, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev approved a draft treaty for the creation of the IORL, which was later ratified by the Parliament on 20 November 2024.
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In September 2023, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need for a new global movement for peace, highlighting Kazakhstan's role in the Astana Process for Syria and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions as key platforms for fostering inter-civilizational dialogue.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for diplomacy to address global crises and warned against the risks of a new arms race, nuclear threats, and escalating geopolitical rivalries reminiscent of the Cold War.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sought to strengthen Kazakhstan's ties with the United States, emphasizing a "friendly and predictable" relationship.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of expanding economic and business relations with the US, particularly in energy, agriculture, and IT sectors, during his September 2022 visit to New York City.
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In February 2023, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where he thanked the United States for its support of Kazakhstan's territorial integrity following the 2022 unrest.
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The most notable diplomatic moment came on 19 September 2023, during the first-ever US presidential hosted C5+1 summit, where Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met President Joe Biden.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of the US's security guarantees for Central Asia and Kazakhstan's nuclear-free stance, underscoring the region's role in global efforts to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is described as a "moderate conservative" with years of political experience domestically and internationally.
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Nevertheless, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev referred himself as a "reformer", stressing that without political reforms, there wouldn't be progress in economic reforms.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that Kazakhstan is "highly vulnerable to climate change as a landlocked and developing state" with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels and proposed for the planting for two billion trees within the country in order increase carbon absorption and curb looming desertification problems.
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At the Forum of Muslim Scientists of Eurasia which was held in Astana in March 2018, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the audience the need for the country to have "enlightened Islam" by strengthening science and cultural traditions in the Islamic civilization.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev criticised Lithuania for opposing a Russian offer for its Mazeikiu oil refinery.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's desire to join the European Neighbourhood Policy.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev rejected the proposed construction of the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline to Azerbaijan, in which the EU officials desired due to the likelihood of opposition from other nations bordering the Caspian Sea.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Barry Lowenkron, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, on 25 September 2006 in Rice's suite at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel.
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated King Abdullah II on the 25th anniversary of his reign, commending his efforts in promoting sustainable growth and elevating Jordan's international standing.
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The meeting commenced with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extending his congratulations to Abdullah II of Jordan on the occasion of the 25th year of the latter's reign, wishing him continued success in creative initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity of the people of Jordan and increasing the authority of the country on the global scene.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev promised to punish any person practising discrimination on the basis of "linguistic and national grounds", a move that was viewed to have occurred as a result of a backlash by Russian officials after a viral incident on YouTube showing Kostanay native Quat Ahmetov visiting places and forcing employees to speak Kazakh, which led to a series of criminal cases by security agencies and Ahmetov fleeing the country.
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In 2025, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev criticized the promotion of LGBT+ rights by international organizations, accusing them of interfering in sovereign nations' affairs under the guise of advancing democratic values, while masking financial corruption.
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However, more recently, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has acknowledged the growing relevance of state nationalism, seeing it as a moral response to the diminishing influence of globalism and a key driver in the struggle for global spheres of influence by the deep state.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's son Timur was born on in 1984 and is an oil entrepreneur who currently resides in Geneva, Switzerland.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is a polyglot, fluent in Kazakh, Russian, English, Chinese and French.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was President of the Table Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan for 13 years.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has made it a point not to mark his birthday with celebrations, with his press secretary saying in 2020 that he "does not like to celebrate this day because his family has never celebrated the birthdays of either the children or parents".