The "Parasat" Trade Union at KazNU: Years of Social Support, Solidarity, and Sustainable Development

Today, on the Day of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, we celebrate much more than a professional milestone—we honor the power of solidarity, mutual aid, and concrete action. For decades, the Local Trade Union "Parasat" of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has stood as a steadfast pillar of support for professors, researchers, and administrative support staff. Having proudly served as a union committee member representing the Faculty of Physics and Technology for nearly 20 years, I have witnessed firsthand how our union movement transforms the university community for the better.

Our initiatives closely align with the global agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which our university actively implements across all spheres.

First, we actively contribute to SDG 3: "Good Health and Well-being." Ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of our staff is a primary focus. The union committee provides financial compensation for medical services in critical situations, such as complex surgeries and prolonged treatments. We also allocate subsidies for health resort packages scaled by length of service and organize annual faculty sports spartakiads alongside summer wellness retreats at our camp on Lake Issyk-Kul.

Second, we support SDG 4: "Quality Education" and inclusiveness. A secure, supported educator is the backbone of academic excellence. Providing special tuition discounts at KazNU for the children of our staff, alongside traditional back-to-school initiatives like presenting backpacks and school supplies to first-graders on Knowledge Day, significantly eases financial pressures on families and fosters a supportive environment.

Third, in alignment with SDG 8: "Decent Work and Economic Growth," our trade union serves as a critical guardian of labor rights. By participating in the university’s conciliation commission, we ensure fair, peaceful, and constructive resolution of labor matters. Furthermore, we celebrate professional excellence through contests like "Best in Profession" for support staff, honor staff milestones and jubilees, and build strong community bonds through weekend tours and cultural events like Nauryz and International Children's Day celebrations.

Finally, material assistance during family bereavements and New Year gifts for employees' children strengthen social cohesion, echoing SDG 10: "Reduced Inequalities" and SDG 17: "Partnerships for the Goals."

Having spent nearly 20 years within the union committee, I can say with full confidence: sustainable university development begins with honoring and supporting the people who work here. Happy Trade Union Day to all my colleagues!