SDSN Kazakhstan Member AlmaU Meets SDSN New York Secretariat

On February 17, AlmaU representatives met with Anna Morath, Director and Head of the New York Secretariat at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), to discuss deepening cooperation on integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into education, research, and university operations.

The meeting explored opportunities to utilize SDG methodological tools and educational materials, including SDG toolkits and curriculum mapping instruments. AlmaU expressed interest in obtaining source materials for translation into Russian and Kazakh to support broader regional accessibility and implementation.

Participants also discussed the role of global UN academic networks, including United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), which works closely with SDSN in advancing university engagement with the SDGs. Strengthening cooperation with these platforms was identified as an opportunity to expand AlmaU’s participation in international academic and research initiatives connected to the UN system.

Additional topics included potential AlmaU involvement in an international conference planned for July, which could enhance Central Asia’s representation and facilitate knowledge exchange in education for sustainable development.

AlmaU also presented an initiative to organize an International Sustainability Conference in Almaty with national partners.

The sides confirmed interest in maintaining an institutional dialogue and establishing a sustainable communication channel to coordinate future initiatives. Opportunities for further engagement were noted, including the potential inclusion of AlmaU in Jeffrey Sachs’ meeting calendar and the provision of additional partner contacts.

The visit reinforced AlmaU’s engagement with global sustainability networks and outlined concrete pathways for student and faculty participation in international programs, working groups, and collaborative initiatives supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.