The NEXUS Simulation Game Introduced at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

At the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the NEXUS simulation-based educational game is being actively introduced into the academic curriculum. The game is designed to help students develop systems thinking in the field of sustainable management of water, energy, and food resources.

The NEXUS Game simulates real-world socio-environmental and economic challenges, illustrating the interconnection between the water–energy–food sectors and the importance of coordinated decision-making. The game has been translated into Kazakh and Russian and was gifted to the university by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).

With the support and initiative of the university’s departments, a team of trainers has been prepared, consisting of faculty members and PhD students who completed a special training program. Currently, the game is being actively integrated into the learning process: several sessions have already been conducted with undergraduate and graduate students at the Kazakhstan-China Joint Laboratory for Remote Sensing Technology and Applications.

During the game, students have the opportunity to:

• take on the role of representatives from various sectors (water, energy, agriculture, environment, population),
• develop strategic solutions under resource constraints,
• understand the importance of cross-sectoral dialogue and sustainable planning,
• strengthen teamwork and critical thinking skills.

The implementation of the NEXUS Game represents a significant step toward reinforcing practice-oriented learning, expanding academic approaches to sustainable development challenges, and preparing future professionals who can effectively navigate complex interactions between natural and social systems.

This initiative is part of KazNU’s broader efforts to modernize educational programs and promote advanced teaching methods in the fields of water diplomacy, sustainable development, and natural resource management.