Visually-Impaired Version 
Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) hosted an expert session to explore opportunities for Kazakhstan’s sustainable development through 2030. The discussion brought together representatives of analytical centres, research organisations and UN entities.
More than 40 experts exchanged views on changes in society, technology, the economy, the environment, politics and governance, as well as their potential impact on Kazakhstan’s future. The discussion and identification of weak signals were based on the comprehensive STEEP+V foresight methodology, which covers social, technological, economic, environmental, political and governance, and values-related dimensions. The event was organised jointly with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan and the Economic Research Institute.
“Kazakhstan has set ambitious sustainable development goals, and achieving them requires anticipating the risks and opportunities that may emerge in the future. Universities play an important role in this process. Beyond education and research, they can bring together experts with diverse perspectives and create a space for discussing issues that matter to the country and the world. We are pleased to contribute to the work of the United Nations in Kazakhstan by providing a platform for dialogue on the country’s sustainable development,” said Anar Ibrayeva, Provost of MNU.
The expert session was held as part of the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Kazakhstan for 2026–2030. Participants examined how emerging changes could affect shared priorities and explored ways to adapt UN support measures to the country’s evolving needs. During the session, experts worked in specialised groups to analyse weak signals and low-probability events with potentially significant impacts.
“Our goal today is not to arrive at a single forecast of the future. It is to broaden our understanding of the different possible futures we need to take into account today,” said Sarango Radnaaragcha, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan.
MNU supports the UN Sustainable Development Agenda and actively cooperates with international organisations across a range of areas. Earlier, the University also signed an agreement with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
