On 22 June 2024, a significant meeting took place between the MIND Accelerator teams and key stakeholders of the Akmola region in Kokshetau. The event brought together representatives from business, government, and the local community to discuss sustainable development project initiatives. It was organised with the support of UNDP in Kazakhstan, the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Maqsut Narikbayev University.
The Accelerator teams presented their projects in various fields, including healthcare, education, economics, creative industries, ecology, maslikhat, legislation, and anti-corruption efforts.
During the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Zhakip Asanov, noted that the SDG Accelerator was established at Maqsut Narikbayev University as part of the Senate’s Public Project Office.
Zhakip Kazhmanovich explained that the Accelerator addresses two key objectives: first, to unite teams with a shared purpose, thereby enabling participants to unlock their analytical, intellectual, and organisational potential; and second, to convert the most promising ideas into actionable projects for adoption by government institutions.
“The Accelerator allows grassroots initiatives to be heard at the highest level and helps bring them to fruition.”
Currently, ten SDG teams are working under its umbrella, comprising scientists, volunteers, and representatives of international and governmental organisations.
On 19 June, the SDG 11 project team held a meeting with activists from the city of Qosshy.
The meeting proved highly relevant and productive, bringing together both civic activists and representatives of the akimat at a single venue. The Budget for Citizens (BNU) initiative had not previously been implemented in Qosshy, yet a number of activists expressed readiness to engage in the mechanism. Local residents are actively discussing the pilot project and demonstrating strong interest in its outcomes. 🤝
As part of the pilot, the team plans to explore the possibility of providing financial support for community-driven ideas already proposed by residents.
On 14 June, Altair Akhmetov, Coordinator of MIND at Maqsut Narikbayev University, spoke at the Central Asian Expert Forum organised by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The forum was dedicated to the theme “The Gravity of Trust”, where Altair Akhmetov shared his expert perspective and proposed measures to strengthen mutual trust in the region — in particular, through the organisation of the Central Asian Accelerator for Sustainable Development Goals in 2025.
On 11 June, MIND at Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted a meeting with Kunsulu Zakariya, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Science and Innovation.
During the meeting, the team presented data on ongoing projects and discussed future steps in the development of science and innovation.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Kunsulu Zakariya for the visit and her continued support.
On June 9, the design and research team for SDG No. 8, “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, held a field session in the village of Altyndy in the Akmola Region as part of the MIND Accelerator.
During the visit, the team conducted an in-depth survey among residents of the neighbouring village of Yeltai. The survey revealed a number of pressing issues faced by local residents, including the absence of quality roads, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of access to drinking water.
The collected data will serve as the foundation for developing concrete proposals and recommendations aimed at improving living conditions in Yeltai and supporting sustainable economic growth in the region.
On 29 May, the Public Project Office of the Senate, in cooperation with the MIND Analytical Centre and Chapter Zero Kazakhstan, held a round table discussion on the topic “Challenges of Climate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation?”. The event brought together representatives of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, experts, and business leaders to examine climate risks and explore strategic responses.
Olga Bulavkina, a member of the Senate, is actively involved in the work of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Accelerator.
“Today, as part of the Accelerator, the team on SDG 13 is launching its activities under the supervision of a member of the Senate. The senator’s key role will be to facilitate collaboration between Accelerator researchers and relevant government agencies to support the development of draft legislation and achieve tangible results,”
said Altair Akhmetov, Head of the MIND Analytical Centre.
Darkhan Kadylbekovich Kuralkhanov, CEO of Chapter Zero Kazakhstan, emphasised that the organisation, as a responsible strategic partner in advancing SDG 13, brings together key stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies and ensure an accelerated transition to carbon neutrality.
On 25 May, a meeting was held with the SDG 8 project team — “Decent Work and Economic Growth” — to discuss a key initiative aimed at creating new jobs and fostering economic growth. The discussion focused on cluster policy strategies and the development prospects of the agricultural sector in the Akmola region. The meeting featured presentations by representatives of the Akimat of Akmola Region, followed by a facilitation session.
A separate facilitation session was also conducted under the SDG 11 Accelerator – “Sustainable Cities and Communities”. The session centred on the development of creative industries, current challenges, and potential solutions. All proposals put forward were strictly practical in nature, emphasising actionable outcomes.
On 23 May, Maqsut Narikbayev University, in cooperation with the Alliance of Technology Companies “QazTech” and representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held an expert discussion on the legal regulation of the digital industry.
The event brought together representatives of government bodies, industry associations, businesses, and prominent academic and legal experts. Participants reviewed the draft Digital Code developed by the Ministry and offered recommendations for its improvement. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for clearer articulation of national priorities in the field of digitalisation.
The participants expressed strong interest in continuing such dialogue formats to enhance legislative processes. This approach will enable more effective integration of the interests of the state, business, and academia, thereby fostering a favourable environment for innovation and technological advancement.
On 22 May, a meeting took place between MIND and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to discuss avenues for future cooperation and the implementation of joint initiatives.
The discussion focused on prospective projects across the Central Asian region that have the potential to significantly enhance sustainable development. USAID, which operates in over 100 countries worldwide, partners with governments and the private sector on a wide range of initiatives. These include promoting inclusive governance, expanding trade, and fostering regional cooperation in areas such as energy and water resource management.
These efforts align with the broader objectives of the U.S. Government’s Strategy for Central Asia, which is aimed at supporting regional stability, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
On 20 May, MIND and the non-governmental organisation Chapter Zero Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of cooperation. This partnership marks an important step in our joint commitment to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development.
Chapter Zero Kazakhstan, a non-profit organisation, is part of the global Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) network, which aims to combat climate change and promote business sustainability. As a regional representative of this international initiative, Chapter Zero Kazakhstan plays a key role in fostering responsible climate governance and sustainable business practices.
MIND, in turn, brings substantial scientific capacity and serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field of sustainable development.
