Environmental Culture of Youth: A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
On March 26, 2026, an educational event titled “Youth Environmental Culture in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals” was held at the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences at 91传媒 Kazakh National University. The event was organized by the supervisor of pedagogical practice — Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Kutzhan Askan Nurtaykyzy — together with first-year doctoral students of the Ecology program.
The event was conducted for 3rd-year undergraduate students and brought together a wide audience, including university faculty and invited participants. This highlights the growing interest in issues of sustainable development and environmental education within the academic community.
Today, the formation of environmental culture is one of the key priorities of modern society. In the context of global environmental challenges, young people are becoming the driving force behind positive change, capable of implementing sustainable development principles in everyday life. In this regard, the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development plays a significant role, consistently implementing educational and outreach initiatives aimed at developing environmental awareness and responsibility. 
The event was conducted in an interactive format and in three languages, which allowed for broad audience engagement and created an open platform for discussion and exchange of ideas. As part of the program, the following modern and relevant presentations were delivered:
— “Eco-Almaty: Your Guide to a Conscious Lifestyle”
— “Environmental Culture of Youth: Daily Practices and Social Role”
— “Eco-Friendly Lifestyle of Youth”
The presentations were prepared and delivered by PhD students Diana Akhmetzhanova, Elnur Arifzade, Arman Zhumazhanov, Assel Koblanova, Erlan Sadvakasov, and Assem Shaimakhanova.
The PhD students demonstrated a high level of preparation, professionalism, and confident command of the material. Their presentations were distinguished by relevance, depth, and practical orientation, which generated strong interest among the audience. They addressed current and significant environmental issues directly related to youth lifestyles and sustainable development. Their active engagement and ability to interact with the audience contributed to a productive and engaging atmosphere.
A particularly engaging part of the event was the interactive game focused on environmental culture and the Sustainable Development Goals. Students actively participated, demonstrating a high level of awareness and interest in the topics discussed.
A welcoming speech was delivered by the supervisor of pedagogical practice, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Askan Nurtayevna Kutzhan, who emphasized the importance of developing environmental awareness among young people. 
During the event, important and pressing issues were discussed, including environmental habits of youth, responsibility toward the environment, sustainable lifestyles, and the role of each individual in achieving global Sustainable Development Goals.
The event was held in a dynamic and lively atmosphere. Students actively engaged in discussions, asked questions, and shared their perspectives.
Such initiatives contribute not only to expanding knowledge but also to shaping environmental culture, responsibility, and active civic engagement among students. The event once again confirmed that the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development serves as an important platform for promoting ideas of a sustainable future and environmental education.
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