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On May 2, 2026, a simulation game titled “Nexus”, dedicated to water diplomacy and modern approaches to transboundary water resource management, was held at the Faculty of International Relations of al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The event became an important educational platform for master’s students, combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the fields of international relations, regional cooperation, and environmental policy. The main focus of the game was the development of participants’ decision-making skills in the context of complex international processes related to water resources and sustainable development in Central Asia.

The event was organized within the framework of Grant № AP26103599 (“Challenges and Opportunities of Regional Cooperation in Sustainable Water Resource Management in Central Asia”) of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Participants of the simulation game included first and second-year master’s students of the educational programs “International Relations” and “Regional Studies”. During the event, young researchers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the simulation of real international processes related to the distribution and management of water resources. The simulation format enabled participants to act as representatives of various states, international organizations, and stakeholders involved in negotiation processes and the development of joint decisions.

The event was based on the academic courses “Water Diplomacy in Central Asia” and “Water and Environmental Problems in Central Asia”, which the master’s students had previously studied as part of their educational training. The theoretical knowledge acquired during these courses was applied in a practical environment, allowing participants not only to reinforce the studied material but also to examine current regional issues through the prism of diplomatic activity and international cooperation. In the modern world, issues of water security are becoming increasingly significant, especially for the states of Central Asia, where water resources play a vital role in ensuring sustainable socio-economic development.

The simulation game was built around the concept of the “water-energy-food nexus”, which examines the interconnection between water resources, energy, and food security. Today, this concept is actively applied in international practice when analyzing environmental and resource-related issues. During the game, participants were required to consider the interests of different parties, analyze existing risks, and seek compromise solutions aimed at achieving a sustainable balance between national interests and regional cooperation.

Special attention during the simulation was devoted to the specifics of the Central Asian region, where the issue of transboundary water resource distribution remains one of the key factors of interstate interaction. Participants analyzed existing mechanisms of cooperation among regional states, considered possible scenarios for future developments, and proposed their own approaches to improving the water management system. Discussions addressed issues of rational water resource use, prevention of environmental risks, and strengthening international cooperation in the field of water diplomacy.

An important component of the game was the development of negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and collective decision-making among master’s students. Participants faced the necessity of considering not only political and economic aspects, but also environmental, social, and humanitarian factors. Such an interdisciplinary approach enabled young scholars to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of modern international processes and the specifics of interstate interaction under conditions of limited natural resources.

The “Nexus” simulation game became not only an opportunity for academic exchange of opinions, but also an important platform for developing practical skills among young specialists. The event demonstrated the high level of involvement of master’s students in studying current international issues and highlighted the significance of water diplomacy as one of the key areas of international cooperation in Central Asia. The experience gained will contribute to the further development of participants’ research potential and the formation of professional competencies in the fields of international relations and regional studies.

Responsible organizers: Baikushikova G.S. , Delovarova L. F.