On December 25, 2024, Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted a significant meeting of the MIND Accelerator project and research group as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2): “Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.”
The meeting focused on pressing issues surrounding the development of agricultural science in Kazakhstan, exploring ways to ensure sustainable growth and national food security. The event was chaired by Kunsulu Daltonovna, Advisor on Science and Innovation to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the session, the team presented legislative and regulatory proposals for transforming NANOC into an international agrotechnological centre. This initiative aims to foster effective integration between agricultural science, education, and business.
A $2 million grant was allocated through the Islamic Organization for Food Security, launching projects to preserve and develop genetic resources.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Islamic Organization for Food Security signed a Roadmap to establish an international IOFS Genebank. This roadmap outlines 29 specific actions, including:
- Allocating a land plot for project implementation
- Securing funding for construction
- Achieving international recognition of the Genbank and consolidating collections as national heritage
Ongoing work includes proposed amendments to several laws and regulations concerning agricultural science, as well as addressing issues related to the protection and use of land belonging to agricultural research and experimental farms.
This meeting holds particular importance in advancing the “6th Priority” of Kazakhstan’s national development plan. Moreover, the proposed initiatives directly support the achievement of SDG targets 2.4, 2.5, and 2.a.
