In Almaty, from November 11 to 15, the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) held the Green Week 2024, which became a significant event promoting the ideas of sustainable development and environmental awareness.

The events were attended by more than 500 students, teachers and international guests from leading organizations such as the United Nations, Coca-Cola Igecek and Chapter Zero Kazakhstan. The participants discussed strategies on environmental education, innovation in agriculture and waste management together, drawing attention to the priorities of sustainable development in Central Asia.

THE MAIN RESULTS OF THE EVENT

The Green Week opened on November 11 with a solemn ceremony, during which the Principal of KazNARU Akhylbek Kurishbayev and key experts presented the concept of sustainable development, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to preserve ecosystems and combat climate change. The guests visited such important facilities as the Green Eco greenhouse and the Issyk Fruit Canning Plant, where they could see sustainable practices in action. The program included a variety of seminars and workshops on such topics as "green" entrepreneurship and the practical application of innovative approaches to waste recycling.

"We have achieved incredible results thanks to the high activity and involvement of students and teachers. These events highlighted how important sustainable development is for the younger generation, and showed how global cooperation in the field of ecology can contribute to solving pressing problems," - said Dr. Rafis Abazov, Vice Principal for International Cooperation at KazNARU.

"The Green Week at our university has become an important step towards the formation of environmental awareness among young people. We are proud that we were able to create a space for the exchange of knowledge, practical skills and inspiration for the future. I am sure that such initiatives will help us contribute to the development of a more sustainable society," said Gulsim Aitkhozhayeva, Lead Manager of KazNAIU's International Office.

THE RESULTS OF PLASTIC COLLECTION! COMPETITION AMONG THE FACULTIES

One of the central events was the plastic collection competition organized by KazNARU and Yeleshev Foundation. This competition not only focused attention on the problem of plastic waste, but also contributed to the formation of an environmentally responsible attitude among the participants. Students and teachers of the Faculty Higher School of Business and Law took the first place, collecting 74.12 kg of plastic and receiving a prize of 75 000 tenge. The second place was taken by the Faculty Veterinary and Animal Engineering with a result of 66.12 kg of plastic and a prize of 50 000 tenge, and the third place was taken by the Faculty Engineering Technologies, which collected 22.14 kg and received 25 000 tenge.

"The competition was a prime example of how small efforts can lead to significant changes by cleaning up our campus and raising awareness of the importance of recycling," - Dr. Abazov commented.

INFLUENCE ON STUDENT COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

According to Tatya na Вran kov, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Economics at Novi Sad University and coordinator of Agro Kaz project, an important result of the week was strengthening of student leadership and environmental initiative.

"The enthusiasm of the students is impressive. They organized and led events discussing current environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation. This is not just an educational process, but the development of real responsibility for the environment," - Brankov said.

In addition, Green Week showed the practical application of new knowledge through seminars and practical exercises that addressed the issues of renewable energy sources and responsible consumption.

FUTURE PLANS

The results of the event inspired the university management to make Green Week an annual event in orderto support sustainable initiatives in the academic environment.

"We are on the verge of an environmental crisis, and only through joint efforts can we cope with the challenges that the environment poses to us," - Dr. Abazov stressed.

As noted at the university, the support of students and teachers inspires the development of new projectsand the expansion of KazNARU's contribution to global environmental initiatives.