Opening Ceremony of the “Sustainable Development Goals” Classroom at the Higher School of Economics and Business

On April 9, 2025, as part of the Ⅳ International Scientific Forum and the Ⅲ International Scientific and Practical Conference “Paradigm of Sustainable Economic Development in the Context of Global Changes: Challenges, Consequences, Opportunities”, the Higher School of Economics and Business hosted the official opening of the “Sustainable Development Goals” classroom (Room 229).

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1–17), forming part of the global and universal agenda, are among the most pressing issues for humanity. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University plays a key role in training specialists capable of addressing these global challenges. The inauguration of this classroom is a testament to the university’s strong social responsibility and its commitment to contributing to the achievement of global sustainable development goals.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Margulan Kasenovich Ibraimov, PhD, Associate Professor and Acting Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, as well as the project sponsor, Mr. Saken Zhetybaevich Abenov, Managing Director of LLP “PSK Stroy-Invest.” Faculty members of the Department of Economics, doctoral students, and participants of the focus group were also present.

The main objective of the focus group was to discuss the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in various regions of Kazakhstan, with a particular emphasis on SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The discussions focused on how social policies, state support programs, entrepreneurship, and innovative approaches contribute to poverty reduction and income inequality.

The extended session of the focus group featured presentations by:
    •    Nurtugan Uralbaev, Deputy Director of the SDG Secretariat, JSC “Institute of Economic Research,” Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
    •    Assel Maratovna Dzhamasheva, Chief Inspector to the Akim of Enbekshikazakh District, Almaty Region
    •    Alua Alisherievna Mameshova, Head of the Department for Social Assistance, Work with Persons with Disabilities and Veterans, Department for Coordination of Employment and Social Programs, Akimat of Zhambyl Region
    •    Gulmira Abilkairovna Zheksembaeva, Head of the Department for General Analysis, Forecasting and Labor Market Development
    •    Raphat Lesovich Zholdiev, Head of the Atyrau City Employment and Social Programs Department
    •    Galiya Dmitrieva, Associate Director, KPMG
    •    Aziza Akimkhan, Investment Analyst, IFC, World Bank Group

The establishment of this classroom is financed by the scientific project AP23489032 “Study of the Impact of SMEs on Reducing Income Inequality and Poverty in the Regions of Kazakhstan to Mitigate Local Risks of Social Turbulence” (project leader: G.R. Daulieva).