SDG 7 in Action: International Conference on Sustainable Energy: A Glimpse into the Future of the Nuclear Industry

On April 4, 2025, The Department of Foreign Languages at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics hosted an International Conference dedicated to one of the key Sustainable Development Goals – SDG 7: “Affordable and Clean Energy.” The conference took place in the Scientific Library of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, creating an atmosphere of academic excellence and open dialogue between students and industry professionals. The event brought together students, professors, and international energy experts, serving as an important platform for scientific dialogue, idea exchange, and strengthening academic collaboration among countries.

The conference theme was particularly relevant for Kazakhstan. Amidst the rapid transition to a “green” economy, issues of energy sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing environmentally clean technologies have become strategically important. Kazakhstan, with its significant uranium resources, actively considers the development of nuclear energy as one of the main pathways to ensure energy security and sustainable development. The conference contributed to shaping students' critical and ecological thinking, as well as fostering an interest in scientific research in the energy sector.

The international character of the event was underscored by the participation of a delegation from Uzbekistan (Andijan), who attended as part of an academic visit. The guests showed a keen interest in the presentations and the issues discussed. Their presence highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation between Central Asian universities and exchanging academic experiences.

The conference featured presentations by invited international experts from leading energy companies. A representative from KazAtomProm gave a presentation on in-situ leaching, discussing this uranium extraction technology, its environmental advantages, and its significance for the sustainable development of the sector in Kazakhstan. A representative from RosAtom presented on “Nuclear Power Plant Construction: From Excavation to Commissioning,” sharing practical experiences in implementing nuclear projects at all stages. The experts also spoke about current strategies for the development of nuclear energy, the implementation of environmentally clean technologies, and the main challenges facing the nuclear industry on an international level.

Students from the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics also delivered scientific presentations in English. Kayes Md Golam Murtuja presented on “The Future of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Their Benefits,” Utesinov Aybar and Orinbek Daryn discussed “Nuclear Energy as a Reliable Source of Clean Power: Overcoming Challenges,” Pirmet Assem presented on “Nuclear Waste Management: Strategies and Solutions,” and Sultan Assel covered “Advancements in Nuclear Reactor Technology: From Fission to Fusion.” All the presentations demonstrated a high level of preparation, scientific depth, and relevance, which sparked lively interest among the audience.

The conference marked an important step in the development of students’ academic and research activities, in promoting sustainable development themes, and in expanding international collaboration. The organizers plan to hold similar events in the future aimed at fostering a research culture among students and strengthening academic ties between universities.

The conference was organized by Zhemileva M.M., Ushkempirov B.M., Tursynbekova U.T., Zhubanova K.Kh., Bekmasheva B.N., Kuralova A.T., Myrzabaeva A.Zh., and Mombekova N.B. Their coordinated efforts ensured a high level of organization, international scale, and content richness of the conference.