OSCE Strengthens Judicial Training in Kazakhstan Through Second Intensive Legal Training Programme

On 20 December 2025, the second cohort of the Intensive Legal Training 2.0 programme concluded in Astana, bringing together 100 legal professionals from across Kazakhstan preparing for judicial careers. The training programme was implemented by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the High Judicial Council, Supreme Court, Court Administration, Academy of Justice, and Maqsut Narikbayev University. 

The training forms part of Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its judicial system by developing a qualified and professional personnel reserve. Its design and objective reflect national priorities in judicial development and aligned with the strategic directions outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. 

The second cohort brought together employees of the judicial system and lawyers, selected through a competitive process. Each participant underwent a pre-test covering various branches of law administered by the Agency for Civil Service Affairs under the President of Kazakhstan.

The concept and content of the programme were developed in accordance with the stages of the qualification examination for candidates for judicial positions, with the High Judicial Council, the Academy of Justice, and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana playing a leading methodological and organizational role. The programme, built in a hybrid format, consisted of an online phase held from 24 November to 12 December, followed by an in-person phase in Astana from 15 to 20 December. 

The two‑week online phase provided theoretical preparation for testing on nine key branches of legislation and included interactive question‑and‑answer sessions for each of them. During the in-person phase participants delved into techniques of drafting judicial acts, improved their argumentation techniques and case-solving methodology, and enhanced their conflict management and public speaking skills. The practical focus of the training programme was also ensured by the participation of serving judges and court officials as trainers. Thus, the structure and content of the training programme, the commitment of all institutions of the judicial system to its implementation, and its practical focus highlight the uniqueness of the programme.

The Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Ambassador Alexey Rogov, noted that, the Intensive Legal Training is a valuable supplementary tool for preparing judicial candidates and an excellent opportunity to further strengthen participants’ professional competencies irrespective of the outcome of the qualification examination. 

This initiative supported by all stakeholders of the judicial system highlights Kazakhstan’s commitment to reinforcing its judicial system, emphasizing the importance of training judges and judicial staff. It demonstrates the country’s dedication to developing highly qualified legal professionals who uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law. The training programme was organized within the framework of the extrabudgetary project “Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan” implemented with the financial support from Norway, Poland, and the United States.