SDSN Kazakhstan Hosts its 4th International Conference: Accelerating the SDGs Through Science, Partnerships and Action
On October 22–23, 2026, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Kazakhstan network (SDSN Kazakhstan) hosted the 4th International SDSN Kazakhstan Conference, “Accelerating the SDGs: Science, Partnerships and Action,” at Almaty Management University (AlmaU) in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Under the theme “Wisdom to Understand. Unity to Act. Responsibility for the Future,” the conference gathered scholars, global experts, government representatives, civil society organizations, university leaders, faculty members, and students to explore practical approaches to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference was organized by AlmaU, SDSN Kazakhstan, and PRME Chapter Eurasia, in partnership with the Kazakh-German University (DKU) and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event provided an international platform to exchange scientific knowledge, share best practices, and discuss innovative solutions to sustainable development challenges. Discussion strengthened cross-sector collaboration and developed practical recommendations for scaling up successful initiatives in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
The conference explored three key themes: 1) Addressing Resource Scarcity through Science, Policy and Innovation, 2) Health, Well-being and Resilient Communities, and 3) Sustainable Solutions: Partnerships, Innovation and Action.
Day One: Youth Action Day and Pre-COP31
The conference opened with “Youth Action Day – Pre-COP 31,” organized in partnership with the Deutsch-Kasachische Universität (DKU).
Opening remarks were delivered by Timur Buldybayev, Rector of AlmaU; Wolrad Rommel, President of DKU; Askar Azamatov, Director of the Almaty Youth Policy Department; and Rassul Baidalin, Coordinator of SDSN Youth Kazakhstan.
The programming engaged young leaders in discussions on climate change, international climate negotiations, and the role of sustainable development in shaping professional and personal trajectories.
The discussions were complemented by parallel workshops and interactive activities, including the Nexus Game, Climate Fresk, and a climate negotiations training session. Experts from the Center for Natural Resources and Sustainability at DKU, the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), SDSN Youth Kazakhstan, and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) facilitated activities designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of interconnected sustainability challenges and practical approaches to climate action.
Through interactive learning and peer exchange, Youth Action Day highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development initiatives.
Day Two: Advancing the SDGs Through Research, Policy and Collaboration
The second day featured expert discussions, research presentations, and high-level dialogue on accelerating SDG implementation in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
The keynote addresses were delivered by Timur Buldybayev, Rector of AlmaU; Wolrad Rommel, President of DKU; Dr. Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Head of the SDSN Asia Office; and Yelena Shevchenko, Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan.
Implementing Sustainable Development in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
In his keynote address, “Sustainable Development Report 2026: Implementing Sustainable Development in Kazakhstan and Central Asia by 2030 and Beyond,” Lafortune reviewed the key findings of the Sustainable Development Report 2026, noting that only 16% of global SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030. He also presented Kazakhstan’s progress towards the SDGs, noting that the country ranked 67th and improved by five positions since 2015, and emphasizing persistent challenges related to clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), life on land (SDG 15), and strong institutions (SDG 16).
Lafortune also looked at national and regional priorities for SDG implementation ahead of the post-2030 Agenda, highlighting the importance of long-term planning and investment frameworks.
From Commitments to Impact: Advancing the SDGs
A high-level plenary session, “From Commitments to Impact: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals,” followed Lafortune’s keynote. The session brought together leaders from academia, business, and international sustainability initiatives to examine how commitments to sustainable development can be translated into tangible results.
The session was moderated by Irina Gorbacheva, Director of Sustainability Solutions and partner in the “Business and the SDGs: From Intentions to Results” business navigation project. Speakers included Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, Founder and President of AlmaU; Wolrad Rommel, President of DKU; Dinara Seijaparova, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Eurasia; and Rafis Abazov, Director of the Institute for Green and Sustainable Development (IISD), Coordinator for Model UN partnerships, and researcher.
A central theme throughout the discussion was the importance of strengthening connections between academia and the business sector.
Day Three: Thematic Sessions Addressing Key Sustainability Challenges
The conference continued with three thematic sessions, bringing together experts to discuss today’s sustainability challenges, share research findings, and explore innovative solutions.
The first session examined the interconnected challenges of environmental sustainability, resource management, and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Discussions explored the health and economic consequences of PM2.5 air pollution in Kazakhstan, water management, renewable energy development, and decarbonization.
The second session focused on social development, public health, human rights, and community resilience. Topics included accelerating gender equality (SDG 5) in Central Asia, human rights-centered legislation and safe societies, the role of civil society in transforming climate challenges into partnerships and action, the use of AI-based decision-support systems in regions with limited access to specialists, and the long-term human costs of nuclear testing.
The third session explored opportunities to accelerate sustainable development through inclusive economic growth, responsible investment, and regional cooperation. Presentations addressed inclusive green growth, corporate sustainability investment, and the Aral Sea Basin Program (ASBP-4).
Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development
The conference concluded with remarks by Dr. Zhaniya Khaibullina, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at AlmaU, and Dr. Dinara Tumabekova, Assistant Professor at AlmaU. The closing session focused on key takeaways, new initiatives, and the announcement of the forthcoming casebook, “Accelerating the SDGs: Science, Partnerships and Action.”
Over two days of high-level discussions, the 4th International SDSN Kazakhstan Conference provided a platform for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and collaboration across sectors. By bringing together researchers, policy-makers, business leaders, and youth voices, the event reinforced the importance of collective action in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
The conference fostered an opportunity to establish new partnerships, strengthen existing collaborations, and continue dialogue among stakeholders working towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
