The Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) hosted an International Summer School-2024 from June 3-15. The event attracted over 400 students, both online and offline, from 14 countries including China, Turkey, South and Central Asia. The summer school offered 10 sections focusing on innovative approaches to addressing climate change and technology adaptation for sustainable agricultural development. Topics included agribusiness development, dry land and forest management, food security, and veterinary issues.
The event featured more than 20 speakers from 12 countries who delivered lectures on the major challenges related to climate change. Additionally, practical seminars provided participants the opportunity to work on developing innovative “green” startups in the agro-industrial sector and food processing and preservation.
During the seminars and brainstorming sessions, students discussed the adaptation of new technologies and technology transfers to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian republics. Foresight sessions focused on exploring future challenges related to the introduction of new technologies in the agricultural sector and capacity building for sustainable livelihood and food security.
Akhylbek Kurishbayev, the Chairman of the Board and Rector, emphasized that the International Summer School serves as a unique opportunity for leading scholars and experts from around the world to address complex issues related to the transformation of agriculture in response to global realities. He highlighted that KazNARU provided students with access to labs, experimental stations, and greenhouses, offering both theoretical learning and practical experience.
The International Summer School aims to bring together lecturers and students from the region to discuss the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national and regional levels. With challenges such as water shortages, deforestation, and desertification transcending national boundaries, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and effectively implement SDGs.