On November 5-6, 2024, a two-day TAM workshop took place at Ala-Too International University in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, supported by the National Erasmus+ Office in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on "Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for Higher Education: Learning from the European Experience". During this event, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) reinforced its position as a leading participant in sustainable development in Central Asia. As a grant holder of the Erasmus+ ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE project “Development of innovative curricula and modules in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development” (CirculEC), EKTU presented unique strategies and examples of integrating the SDGs into educational and scientific processes, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and international exchanges for advancing higher education.

On the first day of the event, EKTU's Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, and member of the Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) national team of Kazakhstan, Zhadyra Konurbayeva, delivered a keynote address highlighting the critical shift from a linear to a circular economy for sustainable development. She noted the unsustainability of the “take-make-dispose” model and stressed the need to transition to a cyclic model that minimizes resource consumption and waste. She shared examples of successful initiatives, underscoring the significant role of universities in developing solutions inspired by EU strategies and international experience. One of the successful examples highlighted was Project BR21882257 “Constructing a national engineering education model in response to sustainable development goals”, aimed at developing strategic approaches to training engineering personnel and supporting Kazakhstan's industrial-innovative development.

The next stage of the program featured a practical session led by Alfia Zakimova, Dean of the School of Business, dedicated to identifying priority SDGs that align with universities' missions, needs, and resources. Using the TIPS methodology, participants took a structured approach to priority selection and developed specific approaches for integrating sustainable development into educational and research processes. These interactive sessions allowed for discussions on the challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainable approaches in educational programs and institutions.

The second day of the workshop focused on the practical aspects of SDG implementation. Special attention was given to the “GREEN CAMPUS - GREEN UNIVERSITY: EKTU’s Path to a Green Strategy” project, presented by Olga Petrova, Associate Professor of the School of Earth Sciences and project leader. The project aims to implement a comprehensive environmental policy, integrating sustainable development principles across all university activities. EKTU has already achieved significant results in the international UI Green Metric ranking, placing 100th globally and first among universities in Kazakhstan. Continuing the sustainable development theme, Associate Professor of the School of Business, Yevgeny Varavin, shared the findings of the АP19676547 “Introduction of the sharing economy principles in the economic system of Kazakhstan for the implementation of the national concept of sustainable development”, focusing on relevant areas such as the sharing economy and green investments, emphasizing their adaptation to Kazakhstan’s economic system to support sustainable development.

In her presentation, “Transforming Education: Implementing SDGs through Erasmus+ in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development”, Madina Yussubaliyeva highlighted the role of the Erasmus+ project in supporting universities in integrating circular economy and sustainable development principles into educational programs. She also noted that the CirculEC project, aimed at developing innovative learning modules, helps Central Asian universities prepare professionals capable of addressing current environmental and social challenges, enhancing international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The next phase of the discussions featured a presentation by Aizhan Samambayeva, who emphasized the importance of integrating SDGs into scientific projects to address unique environmental and social challenges in Central Asia. She highlighted SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) as key areas. She noted that linking research to these goals not only helps address local issues but also promotes sustainable regional development, creating a foundation for interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration with industry, government agencies, and civil society organizations.

The event concluded with final discussions and informal networking, where participants explored future cooperation opportunities. Through its experience and success in implementing the Erasmus+ project, EKTU not only strengthened its international connections but also reaffirmed its leadership in creating an educational environment focused on achieving global SDGs, contributing to a sustainable future.