Sustainable development education in Kazakhstan focus of OSCE conference

ARKALYK, Kazakhstan, 14 April 2011 – Integrating a sustainable development curriculum into Kazakhstan’s higher educational system is the topic of a two-day conference that began in Arkalyk today.

The conference was organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana in co-operation with Arkalyk State University, the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It brings together some 50 university students and teachers, regional officials, civil society representatives, and local and international experts. The event aims to transfer know-how, exchange best practices and encourage dialogue and networking on sustainability education in Kazakhstan.

“Educating students about sustainable development issues will better the younger generation’s understanding of environmental risks and challenges, and stimulate their interest in incorporating sustainable practices into their everyday lives.” said Alexander Peytchev, the OSCE Centre in Astana’s Economic and Environmental Officer, in his opening speech.

“Sustainable development education aims to impart environmental thinking and attitudes to students, and teachers have a leading role in this process,” said Zhasulan Shaimardanov, the Dean of Arkalyk State Pedagogical University.

Interactive break-out sessions will allow participants to learn about good practices with a view to including such programmes and tools in their institutions’ curricula.

The conference builds on previous OSCE Centre efforts to promote education on sustainable development in Kazakhstan.