NURCE Director Professor Shumaila Yousafzai has secured a prestigious three-year grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (AP26194873) for the project:
“Fostering Ethical Leadership: Integrating ESG Practices in Kazakhstan through Abai's Philosophical Teachings” (2025–2027).
What’s the Aim?
To create Kazakhstan’s first ESG training framework rooted in local philosophy — particularly the ethical, humanistic, and ecological teachings of Abai Kunanbayev — while aligning with global standards for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices.
Why Now?
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up over 95% of Kazakhstan’s business sector — yet most are unfamiliar with ESG principles. This project addresses:
- The lack of ESG awareness among SMEs
- The absence of culturally adapted sustainability frameworks
- The underrepresentation of marginalized entrepreneurs (e.g., women, rural, disabled)
Issue #27 – August 2025
Key Outcomes:
- 500 SME owners trained as ESG master trainers
- 2,500 additional entrepreneurs reached via cascade training
- 3 academic articles, a trilingual book (ESG Practices in Kazakhstan), and policy briefs
- Strengthened investor confidence, international partnerships, and Kazakhstan’s ESG competitiveness
This project doesn’t just teach ESG — it embodies it through ethical governance, sustainability, and inclusion.
How Will It Work?
- Phase 1: Global ESG frameworks will be reviewed and reimagined through Abai’s philosophy.
- Phase 2: Participatory field research with SMEs across Kazakhstan.
- Phase 3: A national ESG training model and trainer network will be launched.
