KazNU hosted an international conference on the theme: "The role of youth in the realization of the 17 SDGs".

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted the international youth conference Model UN - "New Silk Road - 2024 on the theme: "The role of youth in the implementation of the 17 SDGs" in the framework of the World Environment Day. The event is dedicated to the 90th anniversary of KazNU and the 10th anniversary of gaining the status of the global hub of the UN Academic Impact program on sustainability.

The conference was opened by Mr. Erkin Duisenov, Chairman of the Committee for Sustainable Development, Vice-Rector for Operations of Al-Farabi KazNU. In his greeting he emphasized the increased role of youth as a key element of human capital and voiced new requirements for universities. "In addition to providing academic knowledge, it becomes important to train graduates who are able to adapt to change and be ready for continuous development. Today's students should be leaders, ready to make non-standard decisions and respond to the challenges of the time", - noted Vice-Rector E. Duisenov.

KazNU, being a global hub of the UN "Academic Impact" program on sustainability, since 2012 actively supports the international youth platform Model UN "New Silk Road" and works to implement the Sustainable Development Goals through education, research and cooperation with international organizations.

In the framework of the event, welcoming remarks were made on behalf of the representative office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty, honored member of the diplomatic service of the Republic of Kazakhstan Rustem Kurmanguzhin, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Michaela Friberg-Stori, Director of the UNESCO Cluster Office for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Pirich Amir, Head of the UN Department of Global Communications Vlastimil Samek, representative of the Association of Diplomats of Kazakhstan, Chairman of the Asian Diplomatic Society Serik Narysov, Consul of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Almaty Faizulla Nurullaev, Vice-Rector for International Relations and Strategic Development of KazNAIU Rafiz Abazov.

This international platform is aimed at training students in international diplomacy and developing skills to solve global problems using international law. At the conference, participants considered topical topics such as climate change, gender equality within the framework of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN agenda. In three committees, young leaders discussed the importance of education for human rights and reducing inequality, increasing the resilience of Central Asian economies in the face of climate change, and preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the role of women.

At the end of the event, more than 10 young leaders were nominated as the best speakers and all participants were awarded certificates and memorable prizes.

The conference was organized by KazNU jointly with KazNAIU with the support of the UN Information Office in Kazakhstan and representatives of the diplomatic corps.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University