According to information from Robert Skinner, Head of Partnerships and Global Engagement at the United Nations Department of Global Communications, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) has been appointed Vice-Chair for Outreach and Partnerships of the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) Hub within the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) network for the 2026–2027 term.
The UNAI network brings together universities from around the world to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by leveraging the potential of education, research, and international cooperation. SDG Hubs serve as key platforms for academic collaboration aimed at developing educational programs, research initiatives, and partnerships to support the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
AlmaU’s appointment as Vice-Chair for Outreach and Partnerships reflects the university’s contribution to strengthening international cooperation, promoting sustainability initiatives, and fostering global academic partnerships.
Within the structure of the UNAI SDG 7 Hub (Affordable and Clean Energy), the following coordinators have been designated:
Hub Co-Chairs
- Lagos State University (Nigeria)
Professor Tayo Ajayi
Dr. Olayemi Soladoye - National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Energy Policy and Development Centre – KEPA (Greece)
Professor Dimitrios Mavrakis
Dr. Popi Konidari
Vice-Chair for Teaching and Education
- TBD (to be determined)
Vice-Chair for Research
- Central University of Venezuela (Venezuela)
Professor Antonio De Lisio
Professor Andy Delgado Blanco
Vice-Chair for Outreach and Partnerships
- Almaty Management University (Kazakhstan)
Dr. Sholpan Tazabek
Dr. Zhaniya Khaibullina
As part of the appointment, the university received official documents including the appointment letter, the UNAI SDG Hubs Terms of Reference, a press release template, and guidelines for announcing the vice-chair appointment.
Thus, AlmaU becomes part of a global academic network of universities working to advance Sustainable Development Goal 7 – “Affordable and Clean Energy.”
The appointment as Vice-Chair of UNAI SDG 7 reflects recognition of AlmaU’s contribution to strengthening international cooperation and promoting the principles of sustainable development.