Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed opening a golden fund of CIS libraries in the Presidential Library under construction in Astana. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Tokayev announced the initiative today at the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State.
The President first emphasized the need to support young people's passion for reading. According to him, only a person who reads books develops into an educated, intellectual individual and finds their place in life.
"In an era dominated by the internet, where a phenomenon like the TikTok mentality has emerged and young people's behavior has changed, this cannot be ignored," Tokayev said.
He noted that Kazakhstan has established a National Book Day and is implementing the "100 books read by the nation" project.
"Developing this idea further, I propose creating a 'golden fund of CIS libraries' composed of the literary treasures of our peoples. This fund could be placed in the Presidential Library in Astana, whose construction will be completed by the middle of next year," Tokayev said.
According to him, the project could also include professional translation and create a digital library freely accessible to the public.
"By promoting the best literary works, the opportunity to study the history, culture and spiritual heritage of the peoples of the Commonwealth opens the way to mutual understanding among our youth and, most importantly, will undoubtedly strengthen our unity in today's volatile times," the head of state said.