ENERGY POLICY OF KAZAKHSTAN: CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract. The problem of youth unemployment remains of high socio-economic importance in the context of the digital transformation of the economy and the pronounced regional heterogeneity of the labor market of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Despite the relative stability of official youth unemployment rates, there are significant inter-regional differences that require a comprehensive scientific analysis. The purpose of the study is to identify and quantify the factors determining the level of youth unemployment in the regional context, as well as to substantiate the directions of its reduction, taking into account regional specifics. The article uses official statistical data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020-2024 and methods of economic and statistical analysis, including dynamics analysis, correlation and regression analysis based on panel data. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the level of economic development of the region, the economic activity of youth and the structure of education have a statistically significant impact on the level of youth unemployment. The results obtained indicate a decrease in youth unemployment in regions with a higher level of youth involvement in the labor market and in the education system. The practical significance of the research lies in the possibility of using the results obtained in the development and adjustment of regional employment promotion programs and the implementation of state youth policy. Keywords: economy, region, youth unemployment, employment, determinants, demographic factors, employment policy.