Sustainable Cities and Communities

AlmaU contribution

AlmaU contributes to sustainable cities through urban education, community projects, greening initiatives and applied research.

Activities and documented evidence

University for the City: Qaynar Bulaq Almaty

Since 2021, AlmaU has developed its “University for the City” concept through Qaynar Bulaq Almaty, a 335 m² creative and coworking space designed to connect the University with the wider urban community. Qaynar Bulaq provides a platform where residents, students, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations and public-sector representatives can participate in educational, cultural and professional activities.

Urban Planning Education for Public Officials

AlmaU contributes to sustainable urban governance by developing professional competencies among public-sector specialists responsible for planning, construction and municipal management. From 6 to 24 April 2026, the University’s Institute of Urban Studies implemented a comprehensive training programme commissioned by the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Student Research for Sustainable Urban Development

AlmaU’s Institute of Urban Studies promotes practice-oriented education and research addressing the challenges of contemporary cities. On 9 June 2026, graduates presented their research and final projects at the Almaty City Development Center.

Sponge City Kazakhstan: Research on Climate-Resilient Urban Infrastructure

On 5 November 2025, AlmaU and Lithuania-based Gumi Mix Group signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and announced the launch of Sponge City Kazakhstan, an applied research initiative focused on urban water management and climate adaptation. The project explores the potential application of water-retention technologies to support urban vegetation and more efficient irrigation.

Urban Greening and Biodiversity: AlmaU Alumni Alley

On 16 May 2026, AlmaU opened the Alumni Alley at Medeu Park in Almaty. Participants planted 100 Malus sieversii apple trees, a species closely associated with the natural heritage of the Almaty region.

Pedestrian-Friendly Campus and Sustainable Mobility

AlmaU recognises the importance of safe and accessible pedestrian environments. The University’s published sustainability commitments include prioritising pedestrian-friendly campus spaces and pathways that support safe movement by students, employees and visitors.

Evidence and related news (original links retained)

Qaynar Bulaq Almaty

AlmaU Institutional Brochure, 2025

Official evidence: AlmaU Completes Urbanism Programmes for Public Sector Managers, April 2026

Official evidence: Public Defence of Urban Studies Graduation Projects, June 2026

Official evidence: AlmaU and Gumi Mix Group Launch Sponge City Kazakhstan, November 2025

Official evidence: AlmaU Submits Three Projects to the Almaty Akimat Scientific Grant Competition, August 2026

Official evidence: AlmaU Alumni Alley Opened in Medeu Park, May 2026

Official evidence: AlmaU Receives Bronze Smart Water Zone Recognition, June 2026

Official evidence: Urban October at AlmaU

Official evidence: Free Entrepreneurship Club for Teenagers, October 2025

Official evidence: RestoRound 2025: Tourism and Gastronomic Infrastructure Projects

https://almau.edu.kz/en/responsible-consumption-and-production/