On June 4, 2026, the final of the 10th anniversary season of the youth environmental project ReStart Kazakhstan concluded in Astana. This year, the project brought together 23 higher education institutions and more than 220,000 students from across the country. As part of the initiative, environmental campaigns, educational trainings, clean-up events, and other activities aimed at fostering environmental awareness among young people were organized in various regions of Kazakhstan, including within the framework of the national campaign “Taza Qazaqstan.”
On the first day of the final, university teams presented the results of their work in the fields of sustainable development and environmental education to the evaluation committee. Participants shared their experience in implementing waste separation systems, developing student eco-clubs, organizing environmental campaigns and clean-up activities, and launching their own waste recycling initiatives.
D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) successfully showcased its environmental projects and best practices. Particular interest among participants and experts was generated by SoRRRtify, an original educational game developed by the Sustainable Development Office. The game is designed to teach the principles of waste separation through an interactive and engaging learning experience. Designed to teach the principles of waste separation in an interactive format, the game has received a copyright certificate. The playing cards themselves were produced from filament made of recycled PET bottles.
The university also presented a desk clock manufactured from recycled plastic obtained from bottle caps. These projects demonstrated practical examples of implementing circular economy principles and promoting responsible consumption within the educational environment.
The second day of the final featured panel discussions involving members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of профиль ministries, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), environmental organizations, experts, and business representatives. Participants discussed current environmental challenges, sustainable development issues, and opportunities for increasing youth engagement in addressing environmental problems.
As a result of the project, the EKTU team demonstrated a high level of preparation, successfully presented its achievements, and highlighted important environmental issues. A notable accomplishment was the Second Place award in the “Best Curator” nomination, received by Ekaterina Aleksandrovna Strokova, an employee of the Sustainable Development Office of EKTU.
Participation in the ReStart project once again confirmed EKTU’s active commitment to sustainable development, environmental education, and the implementation of innovative environmental initiatives among students and university staff.
