The International Scientific and Practical Conference

On October 7–8, 2025, the Higher School of Economics and Business of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference “ESG Financial Instruments as a Driver of Sustainable Development and the Green Economy of Kazakhstan.”

The conference was held with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan as part of the final stage of implementation of research project AP19679105, organized by the Department of Finance and Accounting of the Higher School of Economics and Business. The event became a significant culmination of three years of research, educational, and international activities of the faculty and brought together the results of fundamental and applied studies in ESG financing, digitalization of the financial sector, and sustainable development.

In their welcoming remarks, Zhanna Yermekova, Dean of the Higher School of Economics and Business, and Rysty Sartova, Head of the Department of Finance and Accounting, emphasized that the faculty is consistently positioning itself as a leading academic and expert platform in ESG finance, sustainable development, and the digital transformation of the economy. The conference was moderated by Azhar Nurmagambetova, PhD, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Professor-Researcher of the Department of Finance and Accounting, and Head of research project AP19679105.

The conference brought together scholars, researchers, and practicing experts from Kazakhstan, Poland, Indonesia, Belarus, the Russian Federation, and the United States, ensuring a high level of academic discussion and strong international representation. Presentations by Richard Pukala, Pavel Terelyansky, Adam Popek, Ainagul Adambekova, Yerbol Sigaev, Gaini Mukhanova, Anar Umurzak, and other participants attracted considerable scientific and practical interest.

Plenary and sectional sessions addressed key areas in the development of ESG financial instruments, including the formation and expansion of the green bond market, the implementation of ESG auditing and digital analytical solutions, the application of Islamic finance instruments (sukuk), and the strengthening of international academic and research cooperation in sustainable finance.

On October 8, 2025, a Youth Section organized by the Department of Finance and Accounting was held within the framework of the conference. The section was moderated by Aliya Nurgaliyeva, PhD, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the “Accounting and Auditing” educational program at Narxoz University. Technical and organizational support was provided by Karlygash Kurbanova.

Students and master’s degree candidates from Kazakhstan, Russia, and other countries presented research projects focused on ESG reporting, green banking, and the application of artificial intelligence technologies in sustainable business and the financial sector.

Conference Outcomes and Results of the Student Research Competition

Based on the conference results and the competitive selection of presentations across all levels of study, the following winners were announced:

1st Place – Young Researchers and Professionals. Presentation topic: Protection of Intellectual Property Rights as an Effective Tool for Implementing ESG Standards in Kazakhstan and Abroad. Authors: – Aruzhan Abdybayeva, Master of Economics and Business, Chief Specialist, Department of Development and International Partnership, RSE “National Institute of Intellectual Property ‘Qazpatent’”, Astana, Kazakhstan. – Gaini Kazibayevna Mukhanova, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, High Researcher, School of Digital Public Administration, Astana IT University, Astana, Kazakhstan

1st Place (Master’s Level). Presentation topic: Development of ESG and Social Sustainability of Business in Kazakhstan. Author: Marina Aleksandrovna Todorova, 1st-year Master’s student, Almaty Technological University, Almaty, Kazakhstan. Academic Supervisor: Zhanna Anatolyevna Makisheva, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Acting Associate Professor, Almaty Technological University

1st Place (Bachelor’s Level). Presentation topic: Green Finance: Opportunities of Kazakhstan and China. Author: Orken Zhumadil, 1st-year Bachelor’s student, Almaty Technological University, Almaty, Kazakhstan. Academic Supervisor: Nazira Anuarbekovna Gumar, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Almaty Technological University.