"Youth Striving to Change the World Are Never Alone": An Interview with Rakhmatulla Yerdaulet

Known for his activism in social justice, nuclear security, and artificial intelligence, Rakhmatulla Yerdaulet Bakytzhanuly stands out as one of Kazakhstan’s brightest young leaders. A native of the former South Kazakhstan region, he is the co-founder of the ASKAK coalition, founder and executive director of the JASA organization, and a recipient of the Hungaricum scholarship at Ludovica University of Public Service in Budapest, Hungary. In this interview, Rakhmatulla shares his insights on volunteering, leadership, and creating social change.

In your view, what is social leadership? How would you define it?

To me, social leadership means taking initiative in addressing pressing yet often overlooked issues in society and the world—whether through grassroots movements, independent problem-solving, or collective action. It’s about stepping up to drive change where it’s needed most.

As a social leader, what qualities and skills do you consider essential?

In today’s rapidly changing world, resilience and perseverance are crucial for everyone. Beyond that, I believe young leaders in this field must cultivate self-confidence and surround themselves with genuine, supportive mentors and peers. Building honest, collaborative relationships is key, it creates a foundation of trust and shared purpose.

What’s the connection between social leadership and volunteering? Can one exist without the other?

I see these two areas as siblings, both aimed at serving society. Often, social leaders emerge from the ranks of volunteers. Many continue volunteering even as they take on leadership roles, it’s a lifelong commitment. While one can technically exist without the other, separating them risks reducing social leadership to a mere career step or a pursuit of prestige. For me, authenticity matters most.

You’re a co-founder of the Nuclear Justice Coalition. What is the organization’s core mission?

The “Anti-Nuclear Stand of Kazakhstan” Coalition (ASKAK) is an alliance of communities affected by nuclear testing and their allies. Last year, with the blessing of elders from the anti-nuclear movement, my colleague Aigerim Seitenova and I pledged to elevate our work to a new level. The acronym ASKAK also carries a deeper meaning in Kazakh, it evokes “greatness” or “elevation,” especially when describing aspirations.

As a non-governmental, non-profit organization, we operate on three core principles: fostering solidarity across generations, ethnic groups, and social sectors.

Our advocacy focuses on Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons TPNW, which address victim assistance, environmental remediation, and international cooperation. We amplify the voices of communities in Semey and other affected regions, ensuring their needs and proposals reach decision-making platforms like the UN. Additionally, we push for reforms to Kazakhstan’s 1992 Law on Social Protections for Nuclear Test Victims, safeguarding their rights.

You recently attended an event in New York. What key issues were discussed, and what was your biggest insights?

Though the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons TPNW is a relatively new international agreement entered into force in 2021, States Parties meet biennially to assess progress and set new priorities. In 2023, Kazakh youth participated for the first time, and this year, we aimed to support elder advocates by bringing over 15 delegates from affected communities and civil society. The ASKAK Coalition organised three pro bono online training sessions to prepare them.

Earlier this year, we also held consultations with Central Asian civil society and Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the UN on two critical articles of the Treaty. These discussions ensured grassroots voices were heard at the policy level.

Additionally, we conducted a needs-assessment survey among survivors, analyzed the data with Aigerim Seitenova, and submitted a report to the UN (https://docs-library.unoda.org/Treaty_on_the_Prohibition_of_Nuclear_Weapons_-ThirdMeeting_of_States_Parties_(2025)/TPNW_MSP_2025_NGO_23_Qazaq_Nuclear_Frontline_Coalition.pdf). It outlines survivor-led recommendations and collective demands—a milestone for transparency.

At this year’s TPNW meeting, where Kazakhstan chaired officially, civil society granted us an "unofficial co-chair" role. Within a week, we hosted eight side events. Aigerim debuted JARA, a documentary on radiation’s impact on Kazakh women, at the UN. Most historically, survivors and allies addressed the UN Trusteeship Council and plenary session a first, backed by groups like Polygon-21.

Most significant insight  is that without any funding (except for travel grants), two activists managed to accomplish this much work with dignity. If we can expand our support and team, we'll see what impact we can make for our country and the world in coming years. Kazakhstan's peace-oriented anti-nuclear movement has been reviving since 2020-2021, and I firmly believe that by uniting with new allies year after year, we can create change.

How do you see volunteer culture developing in Kazakhstan today? What needs to be done to strengthen social leadership?

Throughout the years, the volunteer community has developed and implemented projects at a national level, elevating volunteerism to new heights and accelerating this culture. In my opinion, we must persist on this path without creating obstacles for citizens and organizations working for public benefit, while continuing to create new opportunities and favorable conditions.

What are effective ways to develop social responsibility and active citizenship among youth?
To attract new generations to these movements, we must first invest in their education and opportunities. Such youth exist, and many can be awakened quickly. We need to show them how important this is and what positive changes it can bring. One of the most effective ways is to widely share information about opportunities in this field and invite those who previously showed no interest. This way we can democratize social responsibility and open doors for new bright minds.

How does volunteering help develop leadership skills? Could you share an example from your personal experience?

Volunteering enhances communication and coordination abilities. My journey in climate justice, civil rights, and human rights activism through volunteer work eventually led me to nuclear issues and AI policy. The skills and connections I gained from these experiences continue to support me across different fields today.

What advice would you give to young people striving for social change? How can they effectively implement their initiatives?

Stay curious, pursue knowledge and experience, and build genuine professional and personal relationships while working tirelessly toward shared goals. Before launching any initiative, conduct research among potential beneficiaries to ensure your intervention is truly relevant and impactful. Later, you’ll need resources and support to sustain and grow your project and team—sometimes these will be abundant, sometimes scarce, but never let that discourage you from continuing your mission.

What new opportunities do you foresee for social leaders and volunteers in the future?

JASA, the second organization I’m developing, focuses on AI governance and related policy issues. Last year was packed with events in the Middle East JASA participated in international conferences in Abu Dhabi the capital of UAE and Amman the capital of Jordan, representing youth in panel discussions and other forums. This organisation is also preparing to expand its team and reach new heights. In my view, as AI becomes increasingly prominent in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and globally, young people must engage not just as users but as active participants in shaping its development and regulation.

Coalition profiles: LI, BS, IG . My profiles: IG, BS, LI, X , and JASA 

@qazvolunteer.kz