AlmaU has once again received international recognition by being appointed Vice-Chair for External Engagement and Partnerships of the Hub for Sustainable Development Goal 7 “Affordable and Clean Energy” within the United Nations United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) initiative. With this appointment, AlmaU joins the group of universities shaping the global academic agenda for sustainable energy development. The appointment also strengthens Kazakhstan’s participation in advancing the SDGs.
In this role, AlmaU will play a key part in promoting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly through public engagement and partnerships with universities and industry. The university’s term will run from March 2026 to December 2027.
“Among 340 universities, AlmaU has distinguished itself as a leader in promoting sustainable practices. The university integrates education, applied research, and community engagement, demonstrating a strong commitment to SDG 7,” said Robert Skinner, Acting Head of the Outreach Division at the UN Department of Global Communications.
As Vice-Chair, Almaty Management University will coordinate international academic cooperation projects and collaborate with other universities. In particular, AlmaU will work closely with the Central University of Venezuela as Vice-Chair for Research, as well as with co-chairs Lagos State University (Nigeria) and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – Energy Policy and Development Centre (KEPA) (Greece).
UNAI Hubs aim to leverage the potential of the academic community to promote social, economic, and environmental change and to develop a new generation of leaders and changemakers.
As part of this work, the initiative plans to integrate the principles of the SDGs into educational programs, ongoing and new research projects, university operations, community engagement activities, and partnership initiatives, while also supporting teaching and learning in the field of sustainable development.
“Through partnerships between academia, government, business, and civil society, we aim not only to strengthen connections but also to create real change,” says Sholpan Tazabek, Vice-Rector for Global Partnership at AlmaU. “Our goal is to inspire universities and communities to launch new projects and research that will accelerate the transition to clean energy and support the sustainable development of the digital economy and innovative technologies.”
In addition, AlmaU continues to develop itself as an environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient university and plans to build a new “green” campus in the Almaty region.
SDG 7: “Affordable and Clean Energy” aims to ensure universal access to reliable, modern, and sustainable energy. It includes expanding the use of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and strengthening international cooperation in clean technologies. Today, this goal is particularly relevant amid the rapid development of digital technologies and AI: data centers, cloud platforms, and AI systems require enormous energy resources. Affordable and clean energy is therefore becoming a key condition not only for combating climate change but also for ensuring the sustainable development of the digital economy and technological innovation.
UNAI brings together more than 1,700 universities in 150 countries, using academic resources for research, education, and global collaboration to create positive social, economic, and environmental change.
More information about UNAI: https://www.un.org/en/academicimpact