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As part of the annual International Scientific Conference of Students and Young Scientists "Farabi Alemi," held on April 7–8, 2026, at the Faculty of Physics and Technology of 91��ý Kazakh National University, a prominent round table was organized on the theme "Micro-credentials: Trajectories for Professional Growth." The event focused on the implementation of the ambitious international LESLIE project (Land management, Environment & SoLId-WastE), aimed at modernizing the educational landscape of Central Asia. A key highlight was the presentation by the local project coordinator, Zhanar Kairzhanovna Shortanbayeva, who introduced a detailed plan for the integration of innovative educational tools. In her report, she emphasized that amidst global climate change and the transition to a "green" economy, traditional academic curricula must be supplemented by flexible modules that allow for the rapid acquisition of highly specialized competencies. The LESLIE project drives these changes by offering the development of 8 unique micro-credentials, created according to a unified, agreed-upon template in close partnership with leading universities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The 91��ý KazNU team plays a pivotal role in this process. In coordination with the international consortium, the university’s experts under the leadership of Zhanar Kairzhanovna have taken responsibility for developing the substantive content for three strategically vital courses: "Sustainable Development Goals for Sustainable Land Management in Central Asia," "Water Management for Sustainable Land Management in Central Asia," and "Solid Waste Management and Recycling." For each of these micro-credentials, the KazNU team is developing between 3 and 5 detailed topics, forming a comprehensive digital educational complex. This work includes preparing in-depth lecture notes, interactive presentations, and professional video materials, as well as designing tools for knowledge assessment such as specialized quizzes, tests, and practical case studies. Such a comprehensive approach ensures not only a high theoretical standard but also the practical relevance of the training.

The activities of the LESLIE project are inextricably linked to the UN global agenda and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The introduction of these educational programs directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through innovative learning pathways, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by training in effective water resource management, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) regarding waste management, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Zhanar Kairzhanovna noted that using micro-credentials aligned with European ECTS and EQF standards ensures academic mobility for students and the recognition of their skills in the international labor market. This enables young scientists to build individual trajectories for professional growth where learning becomes a continuous process synchronized with the current demands of business and the real economy. The round table discussion confirmed that integrating environmental responsibility, the circular economy, and modern digital technologies into university curricula creates a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the entire Central Asian region. The "Farabi Alemi" conference once again demonstrated 91��ý KazNU’s role as a leading center of intellectual leadership, where academic initiatives are transformed into practical tools for building a secure and prosperous future.