1,000 Oaks for ENU’s 30th Anniversary: A Practical Step Toward a Sustainable Future

As part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a training seminar dedicated to the environmental program «Give the Earth a Garden» was held on the initiative of the university's Ombudsman, Nelya Shapekova. The project brought together the educational institutions of the capital around the idea of a practical contribution to sustainable development.

a seminar-training session dedicated to the “Gift a Garden to the Earth” environmental program was organized at the initiative of Ombudsperson Nelya Shapekova. The event brought together educational institutions around the shared goal of sustainable development.

Meetings were held at Esil University, Астана Медицинский университет, Astana International University, the private school “Zerdely,” and the Higher College of ENU. As a result, 1,000 oak acorns were planted in pots, and in spring the young trees will be transferred to the campuses of these institutions.

The theme of the event is particularly relevant amid global climate change, soil degradation, desertification, and increasing environmental pressure on urban areas. Today, urban greening is not merely landscaping but a key component of environmental security, public health, and sustainable territorial development. The program aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, life on land, and sustainable cities and communities. Expanding green spaces helps reduce carbon footprints, improve air quality, and create healthier living environments.

The program’s author, Yuri Gashek, Chairman of the “Gift a Garden to the Earth” Foundation and Eco-Ambassador under the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, demonstrated how environmental initiatives can serve as tools for regional strategic development and contribute to the global environmental agenda.

In her remarks, Nelya Shapekova emphasized the importance of environmental culture for public health, highlighting the direct link between environmental conditions and quality of life.

The seminar-training underscored that sustainable development begins with practical local actions. The planted oaks will become not only a symbol of the university’s anniversary, but also a tangible contribution to the region’s sustainable future.