The International Winter School 2025, organized by the "Economics" Department of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, continues in an online format from January 6 to 17, 2025, under the theme “Sustainable Development and ESG: Global Challenges, National Priorities, Effective Solutions.”

This year, the lecturers at the school include professors from the USA - Michael Brody, Thailand - Ravipim Chaveesuk, China - Wei Feng, Indonesia - Yosini Deliana, Serbia - Lela Ristic, Sri Lanka - Raveenthiran Vivekanantharaza, Ukraine - Legeza Darya and Dziuba Nataliia, Kyrgyzstan - Saparbaeva Ainura, as well as staff from the "Economics" Department of KazNU. In addition, participants from the TDIU Samarkand branch, including the Deputy Director for Academic Affairs – Ahrorov Farhod Baxriddinovich and the Head of the Quality Control Department – Ganiev Ibragim Mamadiyevich, are also attending.

The International Winter School unites scholars and participants from universities in China, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

The program of the International Winter School covers almost all 17 SDG goals: sustainable lifestyles (3) and the economic growth dilemma (8), data analysis using economic and mathematical methods, building research models (12); quality assurance issues in higher education towards sustainable development (4); innovation (9) and best practices in sustainable food marketing worldwide (1, 2), the role of green packaging in addressing ESG issues (12), the development and application of China’s digital economy (15) and ecological economy (15) and national policy, doing business and ESG trends in Kazakhstan (8); sustainable development in modern conditions: global challenges and national priorities (8, 9); human resources sustainability and its impact on business development (4, 5); climate change (13) and sustainable agriculture (2), improvement of state support measures aimed at agricultural development (11), the development of renewable energy in Kazakhstan based on global trends (7); Thailand’s sustainable agro-food chain (7); and sustainable development: the future and challenges of tourism (16, 17) in Central Asian countries.

The International Winter School provides scientists and participants with an opportunity for productive dialogue, idea exchange, and joint problem-solving for pressing global issues. In exploring sustainable development and ESG principles, we aim not only to analyze global trends but also to develop practical strategies that can be applied at the national level.

Leading speakers and coordinators will guide participants to understand the complexities of sustainable practices, explore innovative approaches, and appreciate the growing importance of ESG in shaping our future.