2024, June 25
#NUgoesGLOBAL
NU Leads the Way in Sustainable Development with Active SDSN Chapter
2024, June 25
Share this articleNU proudly represented SDSN Kazakhstan at the Virtual Regional University Presidents Meeting (UPM)
This event brought together university presidents, UN and government representatives, regional experts, SDSN network chairs, managers, and members of the SDSN Leadership Council. The meeting focused on the pivotal role of universities in promoting sustainable development.
Launched in June 2022, SDSN Kazakhstan operates through NU Graduate School of Public Policy and comprises 24 members, including 20 universities, one research institute, two NGOs, and one institute affiliated with international organizations. The network aims to promote sustainable development pathways, support education and research on SDGs, and suggest policy initiatives to address sustainability challenges in Kazakhstan.
The thematic priorities of SDSN Kazakhstan are:
- Land, Water, and Communities (SDG 9, 12)
- Energy and Climate (SDG 7, 13)
- Education and Partnerships (SDG 4, 10, 17)
During the virtual meeting, esteemed speakers from Kazakhstan, the Central Asian region, and prominent European institutions, including Erasmus University, University of Antwerp, University College London, and EU officials, shared insights on various topics. Key discussions included forging research partnerships for EU-Kazakhstan sustainable development cooperation, SDG monitoring and implementation, sustainability in higher education, and sustainable development in Central Asia.
Additionally, SDSN Kazakhstan is collaborating with other agencies to sponsor workshops on "Promoting Research Excellence and Collaborations for Sustainable Energy" and "Critical Raw Materials and Prospects for Structural Transformation in Central Asia."
Within NU, efforts are underway to establish SDSN as a cross-campus Center of Research Excellence. This initiative aligns with the university's new research strategy aimed at enhancing the impact of SDSN in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region. The university is committed to increasing internal contributions, seeking external resources, and building collaborations to support the achievement of the UN SDGs and help Kazakhstan meet its global responsibilities.
Notable research projects by the university's faculty include the SDG Barometer Project, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science, studies on sustainability education and higher educational institutions, and clean energy policy and innovation in Kazakhstan, sponsored by the International Energy Agency.
On the academic front, the Graduate School of Public Policy will introduce new tracks in their programs, leading to MPA and MPP degrees with a specialization in sustainable development. Undergraduate programs are also being enhanced with new team-taught courses on SDG topics, particularly for freshmen and sophomores. The Graduate School of Business is developing new courses on sustainability for its BBA program, encouraging student engagement in research and practical projects to reinforce SDG principles.
NU is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of SDSN Kazakhstan, contributing to universal goals outlined by the United Nations, and fostering sustainable development in the region. The university also operates the Sustainability Living Lab, a multifunctional program that provides support for green research and innovation projects of the university community aimed at sustainable development of the campus. It combines creativity, research and science to effectively solve environmental problems. The SLL program was first launched at NU in 2019. Since its inception, SLL has covered 12 national universities and more than 70 green projects have been implemented within the program. The program is implemented by the Office of Sustainable Development and the "National Conservation Initiative" Corporate fund in partnership with Chevron.
