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On May 15, 2026, representatives of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of 91��ý Kazakh National University participated in an online meeting organised by the Bureau of Global Initiatives of the University of Tsukuba (Japan) as part of the Social Impact programme.

The Kazakhstani side was represented by Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences Prof. Aliya Aktymbayeva, Head of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism Dr. Ruslan Baiburiyev, Head of the Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics Dr. Aizhan Assylbekova, and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism Mr. Yeldar Nuruly. The Japanese side was represented by Project Associate Professor Dr. Liu Soraya and Coordinator Dr. Arvin Valderrama (Bureau of Global Initiatives / Social Impact Promotion Office, University of Tsukuba).

During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibility of holding a joint Summer School on Sustainable Tourism Development at KazNU in Almaty from August 20 to 28, 2026. The programme is planned in an adapted format for Japanese students and will include lectures, field research, and practical sessions. Around 20–30 students from Japan are expected to participate.

The meeting marked the first step towards the implementation of the joint event. The parties are currently continuing to coordinate the programme and organisational details.

The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).