NU's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Vision: To be a leading institution in promoting sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, contributing to the well-being of society and the environment.
Mission: To integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of campus life, ensuring that education, research, and community engagement align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mission: To integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of campus life, ensuring that education, research, and community engagement align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG 13: Climate Action
Take immediate action to address climate change and its effects.
Our goals in action
Nazarbayev University (NU) advances SDG 13 through institutional commitment, cutting-edge research, experiential learning, and global partnerships focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Research and Innovation
Community Impact
NU Climate Action Plan: Aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
Current Initiatives
Kazakhstan's Road to Net Zero GHG Emissions:
In collaboration with global partners, NU contributed to a landmark report launched at COP26, mapping out pathways to decarbonize Kazakhstan’s economy by 2060. The report addresses coal dependency, transport emissions, and agricultural GHGs.
The project examines strategies to transition from coal to carbon-neutral technologies while minimizing economic impacts. Key challenges include coal dependency, inefficient government spending on mitigation, high transport emissions, and cropland-related GHGs.
In collaboration with global partners, NU contributed to a landmark report launched at COP26, mapping out pathways to decarbonize Kazakhstan’s economy by 2060. The report addresses coal dependency, transport emissions, and agricultural GHGs.
The project examines strategies to transition from coal to carbon-neutral technologies while minimizing economic impacts. Key challenges include coal dependency, inefficient government spending on mitigation, high transport emissions, and cropland-related GHGs.
Sustainability Living Lab (SLL): The Sustainability Living Lab is a multifaceted program, which has a very broad impact on academic communities, with great potential for scaling up for a wider community. The program combines creativity, research and learning processes to solve real-life environmental problems. Here, university campuses serve as a living laboratory for students and faculty, where they test sustainable ideas and contribute to making the campuses a better place to study and live. The program supports projects in various areas such as energy, water, waste, transport, biodiversity conservation and sustainable food. The program allows participants to turn their theoretical knowledge into real projects and get invaluable life experience. Selected climate-focused projects include:
- Smart Geopolymer Concrete: Reduces reliance on CO2-intensive cement by incorporating plastic waste.
- Waste Management in 3D Printing: Repurposing plastic waste from 3D printing labs to minimize resource use.
- Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil: Converts cafeteria oil waste into clean fuel.
Climate and Energy Systems Modeling: NU researchers are actively involved in developing predictive models on climate zoning, energy performance of buildings, and integration of Phase Change Materials (PCM) for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Planned Initiatives
SDSN Youth Kazakhstan: Hosted at NU as part of YOUNGO under the UNFCCC, LCOY Qazaqstan empowers youth to influence climate negotiations. Participants draft national climate statements contributing to global policy at COP. The event features policy simulations, climate negotiations, and practical workshops.
LCOY Qazaqstan: hosted at NU as part of YOUNGO under the UNFCCC, LCOY Qazaqstan empowers youth to influence climate negotiations. Participants draft national climate statements contributing to global policy at COP. The event features policy simulations, climate negotiations, and practical workshops.
Green Society: A vibrant student organization that advocates for environmental sustainability through campaigns, peer education, and collaborative projects. They promote energy-saving tips, zero-waste lifestyles, and coordinate with external NGOs.
Climate Week: Includes exhibitions, panel sessions, and hands-on activities with participation from students, faculty, and guests from governmental and international organizations. It serves as a showcase of climate action across disciplines.
LCOY Qazaqstan: hosted at NU as part of YOUNGO under the UNFCCC, LCOY Qazaqstan empowers youth to influence climate negotiations. Participants draft national climate statements contributing to global policy at COP. The event features policy simulations, climate negotiations, and practical workshops.
Green Society: A vibrant student organization that advocates for environmental sustainability through campaigns, peer education, and collaborative projects. They promote energy-saving tips, zero-waste lifestyles, and coordinate with external NGOs.
Climate Week: Includes exhibitions, panel sessions, and hands-on activities with participation from students, faculty, and guests from governmental and international organizations. It serves as a showcase of climate action across disciplines.
Teaching and Student Life
Climate Week: Organized annually since 2021, this cross-disciplinary initiative engages students through expert lectures, practical workshops, community clean-ups, and interactive activities focused on climate action and sustainability. Participants include international organizations, embassies, and private sector leaders.
Curriculum Integration for Climate Literacy: NU offers interdisciplinary electives such as Environmental Politics, Energy Systems and Climate Policy, and Sustainability Transitions, accessible across undergraduate and graduate levels. These courses equip future leaders with the analytical tools and systemic understanding needed to tackle the complexities of climate change across sectors.
Case Competitions on Climate Innovation: In collaboration with partners such as the British Embassy and AISEC, NU hosts challenge-based competitions inviting students to design practical solutions to real-world environmental issues. Projects include developing low-carbon business models, sustainable urban planning proposals, and circular economy strategies.
Charity Sales for Climate and Community Impact: Monthly student-run charity markets, organized by the Children’s Development Foundation and NU Red Crescent Society, feature local sustainable brands and donate proceeds to vulnerable communities. These initiatives merge climate action with social equity.
Sustainable Lifestyle Campaigns:
"My Cup, Please!" Campaign: Students and staff receive incentives for using reusable drinkware, significantly decreasing single-use waste and reinforcing eco-conscious habits.
"My Cup, Please!" Campaign: Students and staff receive incentives for using reusable drinkware, significantly decreasing single-use waste and reinforcing eco-conscious habits.
Art and Sustainability Showcases: Through student-led exhibitions, upcycling workshops, and multimedia campaigns on pollution and fast fashion, NU fosters creative engagement with environmental topics. These events promote climate-conscious behavior through the arts and engage wider community participation.
Adaptation in Central Asia: NU faculty contribute to regional and global publications on climate adaptation in mountain and arid regions, with emphasis on water security, climate migration, and agriculture.
Carbon Capture and Circular Economy: Several peer-reviewed studies explore CO2 storage, emissions trading schemes in Kazakhstan, and the lifecycle analysis of renewable materials and circular business ecosystems.
Student-Led Research: NU supports undergraduate and graduate research on climate themes through thesis work, research assistantships, and publication opportunities in reputable international journals.
Health and Climate Nexus: Interdisciplinary research at NU addresses links between climate change and public health, including effects of extreme weather events, air quality, and environmental sustainability in healthcare.
Administration and Operations
Chevron University Partnership Program (UPP): Supports climate-focused student scholarships and academic initiatives, strengthening industry-academic collaboration on climate resilience. The program also funds curriculum development and interdisciplinary climate-related research.
Memorandum with the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center: NU advances sustainable development through knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaborative climate projects. This partnership is a key driver in facilitating green technology adoption in Kazakhstan.
NU Sustainability Report by NU students - This platform showcases our journey towards creating a sustainable future. Explore initiatives, achievements, and strategies aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, we aim to foster innovation, collaboration, and positive change for a greener and more equitable world.
Global Reach
Climate Talks: The discussions emphasized global climate challenges, sustainable development, and innovative solutions to mitigate climate impacts. The event aimed to foster collaboration among experts, academics, and policymakers to address climate change issues effectively.
COP Engagement: - NU students and faculty actively participate in UN Climate Change Conferences, including COP29, sharing research findings and elevating youth voices on global climate platforms. NU has also submitted side event proposals and organized thematic roundtables.
SDSN Conferences and Networks: NU contributes to global Sustainable Development Solutions Network events, sharing local best practices and learning from international peers.
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) organizes conferences and events focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These conferences bring together academics, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society to discuss strategies, share research, and foster collaborations toward sustainable development.
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) organizes conferences and events focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These conferences bring together academics, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society to discuss strategies, share research, and foster collaborations toward sustainable development.
Through transformative learning, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Nazarbayev University is building climate leadership and resilience in Kazakhstan and beyond, aligning its mission with SDG 13.