Environmental Lecture “We Are for a Clean City!”

The environmental lecture titled “We Are for a Clean City!” was organized for students of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development as part of the events dedicated to Ecologist Day and the launch of the new EcoHub. This educational and inspiring event aimed to draw students’ attention to sustainable waste management, promote the culture of waste separation, and foster environmental awareness among the youth.

The lecture was delivered by Nadezhda Vashchenko — an environmentalist, eco-trainer, founder of the ECO Network, and long-time participant in Kazakhstan’s environmental movement. She shared her personal experience, insights on the current environmental situation, and practical recommendations with the audience.

The following key topics were addressed during the lecture:

• The role of the individual in protecting the environment — every citizen can contribute to a cleaner city and a more sustainable future through simple everyday actions;
• The importance of waste separation — as a critical step in reducing landfill volumes and increasing recycling rates;
• The current waste recycling infrastructure in Kazakhstan — its opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions;
• Empowering youth eco-initiatives — how students can become drivers of positive environmental change.

The event sparked great interest among students. Participants actively asked questions, shared experiences, and offered ideas for making the university and the city more eco-friendly. The lecture served as an important step in shaping environmental responsibility and sustainable habits among future leaders.