On April 25, 2025, the Green Hall at Nazarbayev University came alive with stories, music, and a shared vision for a greener future, as the university hosted the official launch of the
book “Green Innovators of the Steppe: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Kazakhstan.” The event brought together changemakers, researchers, and eco-entrepreneurs to celebrate the voices behind some of the country’s most inspiring sustainability efforts.
book “Green Innovators of the Steppe: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Kazakhstan.” The event brought together changemakers, researchers, and eco-entrepreneurs to celebrate the voices behind some of the country’s most inspiring sustainability efforts.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome from Ms. Kadisha Dairova, Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation. This was followed by an engaging talk from Ms. Bakytgul Khambar, Director of the SDG Secretariat, who reflected on Kazakhstan’s progress in sustainable development.
The heart of the event focused on the inspiring stories featured in the book — 51 entrepreneurs who are quietly and boldly reshaping how we think about business, community, and responsibility. Professor Shumaila Yousafzai, Director of NURCE, gave a heartfelt introduction to the project, highlighting the power of storytelling as a tool for real-world impact, beyond just academic publishing. Co-editors Zhanar Kulzhanova and Mohammed Habib Abdullah presented the book as a journey — taking local stories to global stages, including the Kazakhstan Pavilion at COP in Baku and the OECD Conference in Paris.
The program continued with a musical performance by Raushan Orazbai, whose soulful renditions of Abai’s poetry filled the hall with emotion and cultural depth. This tribute to Kazakhstan’s literary heritage beautifully connected the past with the future, grounding the celebration in a shared national identity.
Next, some of the entrepreneurs featured in the book took the stage to share short but powerful reflections. Among them were Bauyrzhan Amangeldi, who spoke about ESG leadership in green construction; Umit Kassymova, who introduced her eco-friendly detergent brand Oiko; and Saniya Arinova, whose company EcoSan is revolutionizing menstrual health through sustainability. From upcycling textiles to teaching environmental awareness to children, each speaker highlighted a different path toward a common goal: environmental responsibility rooted in local culture and values.
The program also included educational moments, such as a reading of Abai’s poetry by Professor Dr. Gultas Kurmanbay, and a personal story shared by national laureate Bazar Moldagazykyzy, who spoke about how Abai’s wisdom continues to inspire generations of Kazakh educators.
The event concluded with a live performance by Nazarbayev University Orchestra students, a recognition ceremony for all contributors, and a celebratory cake-cutting. Afterwards, guests gathered in the Upper Atrium for the Eco Tamyr Bazar — an interactive marketplace featuring wellness items, locally made eco-products, and heartfelt conversations.
The program continued with a musical performance by Raushan Orazbai, whose soulful renditions of Abai’s poetry filled the hall with emotion and cultural depth. This tribute to Kazakhstan’s literary heritage beautifully connected the past with the future, grounding the celebration in a shared national identity.
Next, some of the entrepreneurs featured in the book took the stage to share short but powerful reflections. Among them were Bauyrzhan Amangeldi, who spoke about ESG leadership in green construction; Umit Kassymova, who introduced her eco-friendly detergent brand Oiko; and Saniya Arinova, whose company EcoSan is revolutionizing menstrual health through sustainability. From upcycling textiles to teaching environmental awareness to children, each speaker highlighted a different path toward a common goal: environmental responsibility rooted in local culture and values.
The program also included educational moments, such as a reading of Abai’s poetry by Professor Dr. Gultas Kurmanbay, and a personal story shared by national laureate Bazar Moldagazykyzy, who spoke about how Abai’s wisdom continues to inspire generations of Kazakh educators.
The event concluded with a live performance by Nazarbayev University Orchestra students, a recognition ceremony for all contributors, and a celebratory cake-cutting. Afterwards, guests gathered in the Upper Atrium for the Eco Tamyr Bazar — an interactive marketplace featuring wellness items, locally made eco-products, and heartfelt conversations.
The day was more than just a book launch — it was a celebration of shared values, collective vision, and the individuals who are working every day to create a more sustainable Kazakhstan. For everyone who attended, it served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts not with big gestures, but with simple stories — stories that plant seeds of hope and inspire growth.
