SDSN Kazakhstan Hosts 3rd Conference on Partnership and Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
On May 16, 2025, SDSN Kazakhstan held its third annual conference at Suleyman Demirel University, under the theme “Partnership and Cooperation in Building Sustainability and Sustainable Development.” The event served as a platform for discussing pressing global and regional challenges in education, healthcare, economic development, environmental protection, and social justice. It sought to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration between academia, government agencies, international organizations, and civil society in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs comprise 17 goals and 169 targets aimed at eradicating poverty, promoting environmental sustainability, ensuring quality education and gender equality, and fostering a just society — all to be achieved by 2030. SDSN Kazakhstan’s annual conference convenes policymakers, civil society leaders, academics, and development partners to identify actionable strategies for accelerating SDG progress in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Conference Programming
The program included two main sessions and several parallel sessions, featuring experts and researchers from Germany, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Key topics discussed included:
- SDG implementation strategies and global partnerships
- Education and technology for sustainable development
- Digital finance, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable communities
- Policy, governance, and long-term development strategies
The panels showcased a diverse lineup of speakers, including leading professors, representatives from the region’s mayoral office, and heads of prominent research institutions and think tanks. Their collective expertise in public administration, environmental research, and policy analysis fostered an insightful discussion on building resilience amidst global challenges.
Participants stressed the importance of effective coordination among state institutions, academia, and NGOs while highlighting the need for high-quality data to monitor SDG progress and evaluate the effectiveness of reforms. They also emphasized the crucial role of universities in raising awareness about sustainable development among youth.
As part of the event, participants visited the Suleyman Demirel University (SDU) campus, where they explored its facilities and gained firsthand insight into the university’s academic environment, research infrastructure, and student-centred spaces.
SDSN Kazakhstan is grateful to all participants for their active engagement and to SDU University for its excellent organization and hospitality. The SDSN Kazakhstan Conference has firmly established itself as a vital forum for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange, promoting sustainable development in Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asian region.
To learn more about SDSN Kazakhstan, visit the Network’s website.
