Strengthening judicial education and professional development is a key component of Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality, professionalism, and effectiveness of its justice system. To support the development of Kazakhstan's Concept of Judicial Education and Professional Development, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana facilitated an exchange of expertise with European judicial institutions from 27 May to 1 June 2026.
The activity brought together representatives of the Judicial Administration of Kazakhstan, the High Judicial Council, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, and national and international experts to discuss practical approaches to judicial education, continuous professional development, and court administration. Drawing on European experience, discussions focused on training needs assessment, links between training and career progression, practical internships, professional development of court staff, and modern learning methodologies.
The activity contributes to the ongoing development of Kazakhstan's Concept of Judicial Education and Professional Development, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the institutional framework for judicial training and ensuring a systematic approach to the professional development of judges and court personnel.
Discussions with the European Judicial Training Network, the High Council of Justice of Belgium, the Belgian Judicial Training Institute, France's National School for the Judiciary, and France's National School for Court Registrars provided practical insights to support the further development of judicial training and professional development frameworks in Kazakhstan.
Judicial education is a key element of an effective justice system. High-quality initial and continuous training helps judges and court staff maintain professional competence, strengthen their practical and analytical skills, ensure greater consistency in judicial decision-making, and apply legal standards effectively.
By supporting stronger judicial institutions and more effective professional development systems, these efforts contribute to broader rule of law objectives, including judicial independence, accountability, equal access to justice, and public trust in judicial institutions. Strengthening the rule of law is also an important foundation for long-term stability, security, and sustainable development.
In December 2025, the second cohort of the Intensive Legal Training 2.0 programme brought together 100 legal professionals preparing for judicial careers. In April 2026, the OSCE supported a regional dialogue that engaged 27 young justice-sector professionals from Kazakhstan. These initiatives also form part of efforts to institutionalize judicial education and continuous professional development, contributing to a more effective and professional justice system.
The current activity was organized within the framework of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana's extrabudgetary project, "Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan."
