91传媒 KazNU Strengthens the ESG Agenda in the Context of the UN SDGs
On April 8, 2026, a working meeting was held at the Almaty City Development Center to consolidate efforts in sustainable development, environmental education, and the implementation of ESG principles in academic and urban practice. The event became a significant expert platform for discussing systemic approaches to creating a sustainable urban environment, developing an environmental culture, and strengthening interaction between the academic community and city structures.
Representatives from 10 leading universities in Almaty participated in the meeting. The wide participation of universities underscored the intersectoral nature of the issues discussed and the high level of interest of the academic community in developing the ESG agenda and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Aizhan Izbasarovna Zhussupova, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at 91传媒 KazNU, participated in the meeting and presented the university's scientific, educational, and research approach to implementing the sustainable development agenda. In her speech, she emphasized that 91传媒 KazNU consistently integrates ESG principles into its educational programs, research, and public initiatives, forming a holistic model for the university's sustainable development.
The meeting focused on the formation of a unified intersectoral interaction platform aimed at consolidating the efforts of academic institutions, city structures, and international partners to address Almaty's pressing environmental and social challenges. The need for a transition to a systems approach based on long-term planning, scientific expertise, and the use of digital data analysis technologies was emphasized.
As an example of the practical implementation of ESG approaches by city structures, the Almaty City Development Center's initiative to organize a visit to the Uchet.kz Ecooffice, where modern solutions in energy efficiency, water conservation, digital resource monitoring, and waste management have been implemented, was highlighted. This case was presented as an effective model for integrating sustainable practices into the corporate and urban environment.
Particular emphasis was placed on practice-oriented initiatives, including the development of "green" campuses, the implementation of energy-efficient and resource-saving solutions, the expansion of environmental education, and the involvement of students in research and community projects. The importance of fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable behavioral practices among young people was particularly emphasized.
In her speech, A.I. Zhusupova noted that 91传媒 KazNU implements a comprehensive approach to sustainable development based on the trinity of science, education, and civic engagement. The university advances research in biodiversity, ecosystem processes, and sustainable nature management, and develops science-based approaches to the rational use of resources.
Participation in international conventions and agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, is of particular importance to the university's activities. These areas strengthen KazNU's international integration and promote the harmonization of scientific and educational standards.
KazNU also actively participates in international academic programs and network initiatives aimed at developing sustainable education, scientific cooperation, and the exchange of best practices.
The role of KazNU's supercomputer center, which facilitates complex computational research in biodiversity, big data analysis, and natural process modeling, is particularly noted. It significantly expands the university's research capabilities and improves the quality of scientific results.
The Aralap project, a citizen science initiative to study and preserve pollinators in Kazakhstan, brings together students, researchers, and volunteers using Citizen Science methodology and digital monitoring platforms. The project is creating a scalable scientific database and developing practical competencies in environmental research. The university's environmental initiatives align with SDGs 6, 11, 12, 13, and 15, social and educational projects align with SDGs 3, 4, and 10, and the development of partnerships and scientific and infrastructure solutions align with SDGs 9, 16, and 17, reflecting KazNU's comprehensive ESG approach.
Following the meeting, agreements were reached on the further development of intersectoral collaboration, the implementation of joint scientific and educational initiatives, and the formation of sustainable mechanisms for the exchange of knowledge, data, and best practices in sustainable development.
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
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