Discussion of the Key Messages of the President’s Address at the 5th Session of the National Kurultai. SDG 4 and SDG 7

At the Faculty of Physics and Technology, a discussion was held on the key messages of the address delivered by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the 5th session of the National Kurultai. Members of the faculty’s academic staff took part in the discussion.

The main focus was placed on issues directly related to the development of the education system and the training of human capital for priority sectors of the economy. The participants noted that the President’s address emphasized the need to enhance the quality of education, modernize educational infrastructure, and strengthen the role of universities in training highly qualified specialists. Particular attention was given to the importance of practice-oriented education, the development of engineering and natural science fields, as well as strengthening the links between higher education, science, and industry.

A separate part of the discussion was devoted to energy issues and matters related to the construction of a nuclear power plant. The President emphasized that the development of the energy sector cannot be postponed “in anticipation of the completion of nuclear power plant construction,” highlighting the necessity of the timely commissioning of new energy capacities. It was also recalled that, during the referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant, the majority of citizens supported this initiative.

In the context of higher education, this was regarded as an important guideline for universities in strengthening the training of specialists for the nuclear industry and related fields, including materials science, nuclear and technical physics, radiation safety, and methods of materials testing and analysis.

As a result of the discussion, it was noted that the priorities outlined in the President’s address set long-term directions for the development of educational programs and scientific research at the Faculty of Physics and Technology.

Link to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4 “Quality Education” — development of educational infrastructure and improvement of the quality of training of engineering and scientific personnel;

• SDG 7 “Affordable and Clean Energy” — ensuring energy sustainability and implementing long-term solutions in the energy sector, including the nuclear energy agenda.