Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs

Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs
Khalel Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University is consistently forming a model of a modern university, at the center of which is the sustainable development of the region, the country, and the international academic space. The university's institutional policy integrates the principles of environmental responsibility, social justice, quality education, scientific innovation, and partnership, ensuring a systemic contribution to the formation of a sustainable future. The university builds its educational and scientific activities taking into account the regional specifics of the Caspian region, combining fundamental training with applied research in the fields of ecology, petrochemistry, rational nature management, biodiversity, social inclusion, and human capital development. The educational process integrates disciplines on the green economy, waste management, food security, environmental protection, and sustainable consumption. Internal university policies are aimed at introducing environmentally responsible practices, developing student self-governance, supporting gender equality, and fostering an anti-corruption culture. Since 2018, the university has participated in the international UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, demonstrating steady positive dynamics: an improvement of 60 positions in the first year of participation, 6th place among universities in Kazakhstan in 2019, further growth in 2022, and 687th place in the world ranking by the end of 2025, while maintaining the 6th position among 30 participating national universities. These results reflect systematic work on the development of campus infrastructure, energy saving, waste management, and environmental education. A special place in the sustainability agenda is occupied by the Department of Ecology of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Educational programs 6B05201 "Applied Ecology," 6B05202 "Eco-analytics," and 6B05203 "Waste Management" are implemented in close connection with the industrial sector of the region. The departments of chemistry, chemical technology, and ecology implement programs developed in close cooperation with industrial and state structures. Key partners include Atyrau Refinery LLP, Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Inc. LLP, NIPI Caspiymunaigas JSC, Tengizchevroil LLP, Chevron Munaigas Inc., Polymer Production LLP, the National Center for Expertise and Certification, the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Atyrau Region, Kazhydromet, KazNIIVKh, KazNIGRI, the Kazakhstan Scientific Research Institute of the Caspian Sea, and other organizations. The practice-oriented training format allows students to participate in public hearings on complex environmental permits, get acquainted with the waste sorting system at the "Spetsavtobaza" institution, and visit production facilities and laboratories. In 2024–2026, the university implemented a large-scale complex of measures aimed at developing the environmental culture and professional competencies of students. Within the framework of the republican action "Taza Qazaqstan," tree plantings were carried out together with the "Akzhayik" State Nature Reserve, along with environmental clean-up events, open seminars on waste sorting culture, energy-saving trainings, and master classes titled "Taza Qazaqstan — Guarantee of a Clean Future." Round tables were organized on the issues of shallowing and pollution of the Ural River with the participation of representatives from the Akzhayik Reserve, Kazhydromet, NIPI Caspiymunaigas, the Department of Ecology for the Atyrau Region, the Aarhus Center, and public organizations. A significant area of focus is the cooperation with North Caspian Operating Company N.V. (NCOC), within which lectures on industrial safety, oil spill prevention, biodiversity research, and sustainable production processes are held, as well as round tables on the development of the Kashagan field. Representatives of Embamunaigas JSC, the Zhayyik-Caspian Basin Inspection, the specialized environmental prosecutor's office, and the Department of Environmental Regulation regularly speak to students, forming an understanding of the legal and managerial mechanisms of environmental responsibility. Student scientific initiatives receive support in the form of startup projects and competitions. Within the JasScience Project Challenge, with the participation of the "Caravan of Knowledge" Public Foundation, the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia, and Chevron, students presented innovative environmental developments. Projects of the "Ekos" circle, including the creation of products from epoxy resin using glass waste, the development of sulfur concrete, bioplastics, and the recycling of cigarette waste, demonstrate the integration of scientific research and practical solutions for the region. The university is actively developing the field of health protection and biomedical research. Together with the "Ecomed-Atyrau" clinic, the Department of Biology and Fisheries held a scientific seminar dedicated to modern technologies of in vitro fertilization, discussion of achievements in embryology, and the integration of science and clinical practice. An important vector of activity is international cooperation. The university is a member of the Association of Universities of Caspian Region Countries, which strengthens scientific and educational interaction in the Caspian basin. Partnership within the Orhun Exchange Program is actively developing, ensuring the academic mobility of students and teachers. The university is also considering the prospect of joining the European University Association as a strategic step towards expanding international integration, improving the quality of education, and strengthening its position in the global academic space. Through education, science, social initiatives, and partnerships, Khaleel Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University forms a sustainable institutional model that unites industry, government agencies, scientific organizations, and civil society. The consistent integration of the principles of environmental responsibility, innovation, inclusion, and international cooperation makes the university a center for sustainable development of the Caspian region and a reliable partner in shaping the sustainable future of Kazakhstan.
Show more