Opening of the 7th TotalEnergies Summer School for Sustainable Development (TESS): Contribution to Quality Education and Sustainability (SDG 4 and SDG 13)

On June 16, 2025, the 7th Summer School for Sustainable Development (TESS) was officially opened at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Library. The school is implemented with the support of the international energy company TotalEnergies.

The event brought together over 100 students and young researchers from various faculties of KazNU — including the Faculty of Physics and Technology, the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, and the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology — as well as participants from Satbayev University, AUES, and the UNESCO Club.

The aim of the summer school is to develop the competencies of future leaders in sustainable development, foster global thinking, and equip participants with the skills needed to address pressing challenges in the fields of energy, ecology, and societal transformation. In this context, the program directly contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4: Quality Education – by engaging students in modern interdisciplinary courses and international learning formats;

• SDG 13: Climate Action – through in-depth study of climate risks and pathways for energy transition.

The school’s program includes five thematic tracks:

• “Digital Transformation and Data Science in the Energy Sector” – Prof. Mariana Kobayashi;

• “Intercultural Management and International Negotiations” – Prof. Dominique Guedé;

• “Climate Change and Energy Transition” (including a hackathon for developing a low-carbon development plan) – Prof. Christian Gerrit;

• “Development Strategies of Large Companies: State Relations – Economy – Sustainability – CSR” – Prof. Jean-Pierre Cordier;

• “Managing Key Risks in the Oil, Gas, and Chemical Industries” – Prof. Patrick Simons.

Lectures and training sessions are being held from June 16 to 19, 2025, at the Al-Farabi Library and the Faculty of Physics and Technology. Participants are actively engaged in case discussions, solution modeling, and project-based activities — ensuring a practical and immersive learning experience.