Three Cities, One Goal —-Sustainable Development. ENU Summed Up the Results of GIZ Regional Sessions

The Center for Sustainable Development of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University has successfully completed the educational program “Education and Climate Change Adaptation”, implemented within the framework of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) global project “Dialogue on Policies and Knowledge Management for Climate Protection Strategies” (DIAPOL-CE), led by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The initiative aimed to strengthen the capacity of Kazakhstan’s universities in the fields of sustainable development and climate adaptation.

The program included five sessions - two online and three offline - becoming a large-scale platform for knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and collaboration among higher education institutions across the country. Participants enhanced their competencies in climate education and developed project-based solutions focused on integrating sustainable practices into university and community life.

The offline sessions were held in three cities: September 30 - at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana, October 6 — at the EcoMuseum in Karaganda, and October 10 - at Satbayev University in Almaty. Each event provided space for active dialogue among professors, students, and experts, discussing effective approaches to embedding sustainability principles into educational and research processes.

During the program, participants presented innovative projects addressing various aspects of sustainability and climate resilience:  

• Urban eco-drainage and green infrastructure - nature-based systems for stormwater management and mitigation of urban heat islands; 
• Water reuse in ecotourism — applying sustainable technologies in the tourism sector;
• Eco-Nomad 2030 - an educational initiative promoting sustainable lifestyles in Kazakhstan;
• Gene bank of rare plants — a project for the preservation and study of biodiversity;
• Urban biodiversity - development of “green corridors” and environmental education programs;
• Energy from movement - innovative solutions for generating electricity in public spaces.

The final online session, held on October 16, 2025, featured presentations of the completed projects, expert feedback, and discussions on future collaboration within the DIAPOL-CE network.

The program has become an important step in advancing climate education and fostering a new ecosystem of cooperation among Kazakhstan’s universities. The Center for Sustainable Development of ENU will continue to expand this network and support university initiatives contributing to a sustainable future for the country.