Ainur Imbayeva, Head of the Office of Sustainable Development
1. What are the current priorities of NU Office of Sustainable Development?
Right now, our main focus is on creating meaningful impact through sustainability initiatives that engage both the university and the wider community. One of our biggest priorities is developing and implementing NU’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. This plan includes clear goals to reduce our carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and build resilience to climate challenges. We're working on projects like transitioning to renewable energy, introducing more sustainable transportation options, and using energy-saving technologies across campus.
Another key priority is participating in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. This is a big step for us to showcase NU’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We’re focusing on areas like clean energy, water management, waste reduction, and inclusive education to position NU as a leader in sustainability on the global stage.
We’re also expanding the Sustainability Living Lab (SLL) program, which gives students the chance to tackle real-world problems with innovative solutions. Upcoming projects include renewable energy technologies, sustainable materials, and community-focused climate adaptation strategies. We’re excited to bring in students from diverse fields like law, economics, and policy to complement the great work already being done by engineering and science majors.
2. How does NU compare to other universities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia in terms of sustainability?
Nazarbayev University stands out as a regional leader in sustainability, distinguished by its innovative approach and impactful initiatives. What sets NU apart is its commitment to fostering collaboration not only within its own community but also with regional universities across Kazakhstan. By working closely with these institutions, NU helps to expand the reach of sustainability initiatives, share best practices, and build a stronger network for addressing environmental challenges. Programs like the Sustainability Living Lab (SLL) and active participation in global platforms like COP highlight NU’s role in driving interdisciplinary solutions with a far-reaching impact.
3. Can you share NU OSD projects? How can students participate?
The Office of Sustainable Development organizes and supports a variety of impactful events and initiatives, providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage in sustainability. One of our flagship programs is the Sustainability Living Lab (SLL), which empowers students to pitch and implement their ideas for solving real-world sustainability challenges, turning innovative concepts into actionable projects with tangible impact.
We also host the Local Conference of Youth Qazaqstan (LCOY Qazaqstan), a platform where young leaders come together to discuss climate issues, share innovative ideas, and contribute to national and global climate agendas. Another key initiative is Climate Week, a series of activities designed to raise awareness and inspire action on environmental issues through workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on projects. Additionally, we support environmental campaigns led by students, such as recycling drives, tree-planting efforts, and community clean-ups, encouraging practical steps toward a sustainable future.
Students can participate by proposing their own projects through the SLL, volunteering at events, joining planning committees, or becoming part of research teams. These initiatives are open to anyone passionate about making a difference and driving positive change for our planet.
4. What projects are implemented as part of SLL? Which majors are most involved?
SLL projects range from creating biodegradable materials and renewable energy solutions to innovative waste management systems. So far, we’ve seen the most participation from engineering, environmental science, and chemistry students. But we’d love to see more involvement from students in fields like economics and policy to bring fresh perspectives and new dimensions to our work.
5. Does NU OSD have partners? Who are they?
We’re fortunate to have a network of exceptional partners who support and enhance our sustainability initiatives. Internationally, we collaborate with organizations like Chevron, UNDP, UNICEF, GIZ, Samsung, as well as the British Embassy and the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan. These partnerships provide expertise, resources, and opportunities to amplify the impact of our projects, helping us align with global sustainability priorities such as achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing challenges like climate change, resource management, and social equity.
Locally, we work with organizations like Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan, and the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center (NCJSC), alongside universities and research institutions. These collaborations focus on fostering innovation, implementing practical solutions, and addressing environmental and social challenges relevant to Kazakhstan.
Together with this diverse network of partners, we strive to empower students, drive impactful projects, and contribute to building a more sustainable future on both a local and global scale.
6. Can you share information about the NU OSD team?
The Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) is driven by a dedicated team of professionals committed to advancing sustainability at Nazarbayev University and beyond. With expertise spanning environmental science, engineering, policy, and community development, we work collaboratively to address sustainability challenges and create opportunities for students, faculty, and partners to contribute to a sustainable future.
We closely collaborate with student communities like NU Green Society and SDSN Youth, whose passion and creativity inspire our efforts. NU Green Society promotes eco-friendly practices and organizes impactful initiatives, such as recycling campaigns and workshops. SDSN Youth, part of the global Sustainable Development Solutions Network, empowers students to engage with global sustainability issues and the UN SDGs, connecting local efforts to international platforms.
Working with these communities is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work, as their energy and ideas fuel many of our initiatives. Together, we aim to drive meaningful change on campus and beyond, inspiring a culture of sustainability that resonates far and wide.
Right now, our main focus is on creating meaningful impact through sustainability initiatives that engage both the university and the wider community. One of our biggest priorities is developing and implementing NU’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. This plan includes clear goals to reduce our carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and build resilience to climate challenges. We're working on projects like transitioning to renewable energy, introducing more sustainable transportation options, and using energy-saving technologies across campus.
Another key priority is participating in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. This is a big step for us to showcase NU’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We’re focusing on areas like clean energy, water management, waste reduction, and inclusive education to position NU as a leader in sustainability on the global stage.
We’re also expanding the Sustainability Living Lab (SLL) program, which gives students the chance to tackle real-world problems with innovative solutions. Upcoming projects include renewable energy technologies, sustainable materials, and community-focused climate adaptation strategies. We’re excited to bring in students from diverse fields like law, economics, and policy to complement the great work already being done by engineering and science majors.
2. How does NU compare to other universities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia in terms of sustainability?
Nazarbayev University stands out as a regional leader in sustainability, distinguished by its innovative approach and impactful initiatives. What sets NU apart is its commitment to fostering collaboration not only within its own community but also with regional universities across Kazakhstan. By working closely with these institutions, NU helps to expand the reach of sustainability initiatives, share best practices, and build a stronger network for addressing environmental challenges. Programs like the Sustainability Living Lab (SLL) and active participation in global platforms like COP highlight NU’s role in driving interdisciplinary solutions with a far-reaching impact.
3. Can you share NU OSD projects? How can students participate?
The Office of Sustainable Development organizes and supports a variety of impactful events and initiatives, providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage in sustainability. One of our flagship programs is the Sustainability Living Lab (SLL), which empowers students to pitch and implement their ideas for solving real-world sustainability challenges, turning innovative concepts into actionable projects with tangible impact.
We also host the Local Conference of Youth Qazaqstan (LCOY Qazaqstan), a platform where young leaders come together to discuss climate issues, share innovative ideas, and contribute to national and global climate agendas. Another key initiative is Climate Week, a series of activities designed to raise awareness and inspire action on environmental issues through workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on projects. Additionally, we support environmental campaigns led by students, such as recycling drives, tree-planting efforts, and community clean-ups, encouraging practical steps toward a sustainable future.
Students can participate by proposing their own projects through the SLL, volunteering at events, joining planning committees, or becoming part of research teams. These initiatives are open to anyone passionate about making a difference and driving positive change for our planet.
4. What projects are implemented as part of SLL? Which majors are most involved?
SLL projects range from creating biodegradable materials and renewable energy solutions to innovative waste management systems. So far, we’ve seen the most participation from engineering, environmental science, and chemistry students. But we’d love to see more involvement from students in fields like economics and policy to bring fresh perspectives and new dimensions to our work.
5. Does NU OSD have partners? Who are they?
We’re fortunate to have a network of exceptional partners who support and enhance our sustainability initiatives. Internationally, we collaborate with organizations like Chevron, UNDP, UNICEF, GIZ, Samsung, as well as the British Embassy and the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan. These partnerships provide expertise, resources, and opportunities to amplify the impact of our projects, helping us align with global sustainability priorities such as achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing challenges like climate change, resource management, and social equity.
Locally, we work with organizations like Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan, and the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center (NCJSC), alongside universities and research institutions. These collaborations focus on fostering innovation, implementing practical solutions, and addressing environmental and social challenges relevant to Kazakhstan.
Together with this diverse network of partners, we strive to empower students, drive impactful projects, and contribute to building a more sustainable future on both a local and global scale.
6. Can you share information about the NU OSD team?
The Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) is driven by a dedicated team of professionals committed to advancing sustainability at Nazarbayev University and beyond. With expertise spanning environmental science, engineering, policy, and community development, we work collaboratively to address sustainability challenges and create opportunities for students, faculty, and partners to contribute to a sustainable future.
We closely collaborate with student communities like NU Green Society and SDSN Youth, whose passion and creativity inspire our efforts. NU Green Society promotes eco-friendly practices and organizes impactful initiatives, such as recycling campaigns and workshops. SDSN Youth, part of the global Sustainable Development Solutions Network, empowers students to engage with global sustainability issues and the UN SDGs, connecting local efforts to international platforms.
Working with these communities is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work, as their energy and ideas fuel many of our initiatives. Together, we aim to drive meaningful change on campus and beyond, inspiring a culture of sustainability that resonates far and wide.
