Cleanliness and Civilization Are One Concept
A seminar on this topic was held at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics. The seminar was led by Danagul Mutigullayeva, curator-adviser of the Department of Mathematics, and Bolat Abenov, Deputy Dean.
For the Kazakh people, who have long likened the sacred earth and nature to a Mother, not harming flowing water, animals and birds, and not destroying flourishing greenery has been a traditional form of environmental awareness. The “Clean Kazakhstan” initiative of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has revived this ecological consciousness preserved in the nation’s memory and given it renewed meaning. In this way, the President launched a modern mission: to preserve, in pristine condition for future generations, the fresh-air steppe, the vast feather-grass plains, the snow-capped mountains, and the water-rich land. Supporting this initiative, responding to it, and protecting the environment is the filial duty of today’s generation to their native land.
“Clean Kazakhstan” is a systemic change that renews the country’s beautiful image, raises citizens’ quality of life to a new level, and even positively transforms the people’s way of living, having a beneficial impact on behavior and mindset.
“Clean Kazakhstan” shows the world the Kazakh people’s care for nature, their inclination toward goodness, and their generosity and purity of intention. Such examples demonstrate that kindness, care, cleanliness, and goodwill are our national traits. The “Clean Kazakhstan” initiative plays a major role in preserving these values and firmly instilling them in the younger generation. In his speech at the “Clean Kazakhstan” environmental festival, the Head of State stressed that keeping one’s thoughts, body, and environment clean is a sign of a person’s inner culture. He repeatedly emphasizes that cleanliness must become a deeply rooted quality of our people. Cleanliness should begin with every person, every home, every street, and every city. Because “Clean Kazakhstan” is not a one-day campaign—it is a way of life.
According to the President, “Clean Kazakhstan” has given a fresh impetus to volunteerism. And being a volunteer, first and foremost, means being a truly patriotic citizen. The Head of State positively noted that enterprises and entrepreneurs are making a significant contribution to improving the environment within the initiative. He also mentioned that large-scale work has been carried out: millions of tons of waste have been collected and water sources have been cleaned.
He noted that the “All-Kazakhstan Tree-Planting Day” has become a good tradition. Within the framework of this campaign, nearly 4.5 million saplings were planted across the country in just three days, replenishing forest areas. By cleaning our surroundings and planting trees, we create a comfortable and clean environment. Cleanliness and order are key signs of a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, special attention is paid to environmental education within the initiative. Important issues such as waste sorting, saving water and electricity, and not damaging public spaces are emphasized, and these are intended to become societal norms. The Head of State described this as one of the main directions of “Clean Kazakhstan.”
A new environmental culture is emerging in society, and the consciousness of the entire nation is beginning to change. This is certainly encouraging. It is clear that countries once called the “Asian Tigers”—such as Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, and others—advanced their development in harmony with environmental cleanliness. In other words, if we show care for Mother Nature, she, too, will open the way for her child—the Kazakh land—and bless our path of progress. “We all want to live in a Just, Safe, and Clean Kazakhstan. All of this is the result of efforts aimed at making Kazakhstan a comfortable and safe place to live. Developing our sacred Homeland is a shared duty for everyone! The work will continue without interruption! We must instill in every citizen—especially young people—such qualities as cleanliness, neatness, and responsibility,” Tokayev said.
For Kazakhs, cleanliness is a sacred word. A person with a pure conscience does not cross moral lines and does not betray either family or homeland. We often say, “Kazakhstan is our common home!” Therefore, our country—our shared shanyrak—must be clean, attractive, and comfortable. For this, cleanliness must begin in every home and every courtyard. Behind these words lie revered values and unwritten rules—like a guiding star—that the older generation passes on to the young through personal example. In today’s internet-dominated era, it is important to teach young people to work and to value cleanliness.
“Clean Kazakhstan” is a manifestation of true patriotism. In general, cleanliness and culture are inseparable concepts. In a highly cultured society, nature, worldview, and values will also be clean. In this regard, “Clean Kazakhstan” encourages the modernization of our national identity in line with civilization and the times, the renewal of national consciousness, and the awakening of latent passion and creative energy. It is essential that our youth grow up from an early age as creative, caring, innovative, and hardworking individuals. Then we will become a Just, Safe, Clean, Civilized, and Prosperous state. Therefore, as the President noted, this work, rich in historical meaning, will not stop—it will continue.
Bolat Abenov,
Deputy Dean for Social and Educational Affairs, Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics
Danagul Mutigullayeva,
Lecturer, Department of Mathematics
