Opening of the Ecological Hub at Al-Farabi KazNU: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

On April 10, 2025, the grand opening of the Ecological Hub, an innovative space aimed at developing sustainable environmental practices and supporting environmental initiatives, which is part of the Eco-Hub network of the ECO Network project, took place on the territory of the al—Farabi Kazakh National University.

The event gathered about 25 participants, including representatives of international organizations, governmental bodies, the business sector, and the academic community.

The official part of the event was opened by Deputy Chairman of the Board, First Vice—rector of KazNU Erkin Ermanovich Duissenov and Deputy Head of the Department of Youth Policy of Almaty city Kenesbai Almaz Abayuli. After the welcoming speech, a symbolic ribbon cutting took place, which was attended by ecologist, ECO Network project manager Evgeny Mukhamedzhanov and other distinguished guests.

Among the invitees were Vlastimil Samek, Head of the UN Information Office in Kazakhstan, Toksanbetov Nurlan Sembayevich - co-founder of the Jerdin Dostary Public Association, representatives from the Almaty city administration, and companies such as Ecoservice, KazEcoAnalytics, KazEcoProject, and Almotor.

During the presentation of the Hub, Evgeny Mukhamedzhanov outlined its mission and goals, emphasizing the importance of engaging students and scientists in environmental solutions. Attendees observed the process of collecting, sorting, and recycling plastic waste, and were shown examples of final products made from recycled materials.

One of the key areas of the Hub's work will be the organization of educational programs on environmental waste management. It is planned to hold regular trainings, master classes and interactive sessions for students of all faculties of the university, as well as schoolchildren and preschoolers in Almaty. The Hub's work will be aimed at forming a responsible attitude to the environment, developing ecological thinking and practical ecology skills.

Notably, the organization and implementation of the event were actively supported by the faculty and students of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development. Their contribution played a vital role in the event's success and highlighted the importance of academic involvement in promoting sustainability.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Ms. Aliya Sagyndykovna Aktymbayeva, who expressed her belief that the Ecological Hub would become a key platform for education, research, and collaboration in the field of environmental protection.