THE OPENING OF A SERIES OF EVENTS TO LAUNCH THE THIRD EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROJECT "CLIMATE DOES NOT WAIT" TOGETHER WITH THE XCSS ASSOCIATION (FRANCE), DEDICATED TO THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF KAZNU AND THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF GAINING THE STATUS OF A GLOBAL HUB OF THE UN ACADEMIC IMPACT PROGRAM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, TOOK PLACE

On May 18, at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University on the basis of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management, a series of events was opened to launch the third edition of the international project "Climate does not Wait" together with the XCSS Association (France), dedicated to the 90th anniversary of KazNU and the 10th anniversary of gaining the status of a Global Hub of the UN Academic Influence Program on sustainable development.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and encourage action to combat climate change, using sport as a unifying and driving vector.

The conference was attended by: French Consul General in Almaty Fabrice Neveu; Ambassador of Friendship of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan to France Malgorzata Thouar; President of the XCSS – CROSS COUNTRY SKIING SAND Association - Estelle Payen; Director of Aigul Line LLP, President of the National Association Qazaq-Oner Zhanserikova Aigul; Director of the Foundation for the Support of National Parks of Kazakhstan Alchimbayeva Zhanar Galifuldaevna; Head of the Department of State Environmental Regulation of the Department of Ecology of the Almaty region Abylkasymova Gauhar Orazakynkyzy; Director General of the Franco-Kazakh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Munira Artykbekova and others.

The conference was opened with a welcoming speech by Yerkin Ermanovich Duisenov, Member of the Board - Vice-Rector for Operations of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. "At the beginning of 2023, the "Strategy for achieving Carbon Neutrality of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2060" was adopted, which was preceded by extensive and multidisciplinary work on: the implementation of the "Concept of Transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a "green economy", the development and implementation of state programs for industrial and innovative development, the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Today's event to launch the third edition of the international project "Climate does not wait" of the XCSS – CROSS COUNTRY SKIING SAND Association in Kazakhstan on the basis of our university is significant for the scientific and educational community in order to prevent further negative changes in the environment," Yerkin Duisenov said.

During the conference, the exhibition "Cultures and Traditions: pillars of sustainable development in Kazakhstan" was held, as well as master classes of traditional crafts in collaboration with Kazakh women artisans with a focus on the practical use of secondary resources.

XCSS "Climate Cannot Wait" is part of the UN global initiative aimed at achieving SDG No. 3 - Good health and well-being, SDG No. 5 - Gender Equality, SDG No. 6 - Clean Water and sanitation, SDG No. 13 - Combating climate change, SDG No. 15 - Preserving terrestrial ecosystems. The XCSS (CROSS COUNTRY SKIING SAND) Association is officially recognized by the UN Climate Change Secretariat as an observer organization.

The project is aimed at 4 main vectors:

1 -  Agricultural cooperation, water management,

2 -  Sustainable development and promotion of rural women in (gender)in arid areas through crafts and agricultural practices,

3 -  Environmental education and awareness of the young audience on climate issues,

4 -  Promoting and developing our sustainable and athletic practices, cross-country skiing on sand and ecotourism.

This event is aimed at promoting ecotourism and demonstrating the useful capabilities of remote areas to adapt to climate change.