On November 5-6, 2024, International Ala-Too University in Kyrgyzstan jointly with the National Erasmus+ Office in Kyrgyzstan hosted a significant workshop titled «Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Higher Education: Learning from the European Experience.»
This workshop brought together leaders, faculty, and administrators from higher education institutions (HEIs) across Kyrgyzstan to discuss how SDGs can shape strategic planning and enhance education systems. Organized in collaboration with European and Kyrgyz institutions, the event aimed to foster awareness and understanding of SDGs, explore best practices in their integration, and equip participants with tools and strategies for implementing these goals. More than 75 participants participated int he seminar from 26 higher educational institutions in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The primary goal of this workshop was to raise awareness about the critical role that SDGs play in modernizing higher education systems. By drawing from European experiences, participants gained insights into how SDGs could influence curriculum design, research priorities, community engagement, and institutional policies.
The workshop’s highlights included a focus on understanding SDGs and their role in higher education on the first day. This involved keynote speeches, panel discussions, and a workshop on identifying priority SDGs tailored to each institution’s mission and resources.
Esteemed speakers, such as Vice-Rector Zhadyra Konurbayeva and Dean Alfiya Zakimova from East Kazakhstan Technical University, shared insights on aligning academic practices with SDGs to drive societal impact. On the second day, dedicated to practical implementation strategies, participants engaged in interactive workshops and case studies showcasing successful SDG integration. Topics included circular economy, sustainable campus initiatives, and student-driven projects, emphasizing the importance of hands-on, actionable strategies. This was followed by a panel on engaging students in SDG-related initiatives, underscoring the role of young leaders in fostering sustainable practices.