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Global Responsibility: SDG 12 Discussion at KazNU

Responsible: Associate Professor of the Department of Fundamental Medicine, Shayakhmetova A.R.

On March 27, 2026, a significant educational event dedicated to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production took place at the 91��ý Kazakh National University (KazNU). The session was organized for international dentistry students of group 2402 at the Department of Fundamental Medicine. The primary objective of this meeting was to explore how transition to rational models of consumption and production is key to sustaining the livelihoods of current and future generations.

During the presentation, students were presented with the stark reality of our planet's resource limits. If the global population reaches 9.8 billion by 2050, the resources of nearly three planets will be required to sustain current lifestyles. As future medical professionals, the students discussed the "material footprint," noting that high-income countries leave an environmental footprint ten times larger per capita than low-income nations (24 metric tons vs 2.5 metric tons). This disparity highlights the urgent need for resource efficiency and a reconsidered life cycle for all economic activities.

A critical portion of the discussion focused on the resurgence of fossil fuel subsidies, which nearly doubled from 375billionin2020to∗∗732 billion in 2021** due to global crises. Furthermore, the group examined the crisis of food waste. Despite global hunger, 931 million tons of food are wasted annually. On average, each person wastes 120 kilograms of food per year, necessitating dedicated policies and investments in infrastructure and education to tackle this loss.

To illustrate practical solutions, the students studied "The Shoe That Grows". Inventor Kenton Lee developed these sandals after seeing a girl in Kenya with shoes so small they were ripped open. These sandals, which expand five sizes and last for years, help prevent soil-transmitted diseases and allow children to attend school. To date, over 140,000 pairs have been distributed in 97 countries. Additionally, the students watched a documentary featuring UN Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh, which detailed sustainability within the fashion industry.

The session concluded with actionable advice for consumers and businesses. Students were encouraged to reduce waste, choose sustainable options, and eliminate single-use plastics like straws. For businesses, the focus was on "circular economy" practices—designing products for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. The event, led by Associate Professor Shayakhmetova A.R., empowered group 2402 to integrate these global goals into their future medical careers and daily lives. For more information, students can visit the official UN SDG website.