Astana IT University hosted a seminar focused on the pivotal role of project management in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on November 8-9. The event, organized with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together key representatives from government, business, and international organizations.
Coinciding with International Project Management Day, the seminar featured insightful discussions on implementing agile methodologies, fostering sustainability, and cultivating a strong project culture within the public sector. The event was officially opened with remarks from Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, and Sukhrob Khodjimatov, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
In his opening address, Khodjimatov emphasized the critical role that effective project management plays in driving progress toward the SDGs in Kazakhstan.
“Project management is not just a tool; it is the foundation for sustainable progress. By integrating the SDGs at all levels—from national strategies to local initiatives—we ensure that meaningful change reaches people, improves their lives, and enhances the resilience of our society,” he stated.
The seminar also featured a TEDx-style session led by Zhakip Asanov, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, and Kanysh Tuleushin, First Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan.
The agenda of the event included several panel sessions, master classes, and a national presentation of the International Project Management Association’s (IPMA) publication, “Projectification of Society: The Case of Kazakhstan,” which highlighted the country’s achievements in the field of project management.
Speakers at the event included officials from the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan, as well as leading international experts in sustainable project management.
On the second day of the seminar, participants engaged in the simulation game “SimulTrain,” an interactive exercise designed to enhance decision-making skills by immersing participants in real-world project management scenarios.
The seminar successfully provided valuable insights into the growing importance of effective project management in achieving the SDGs, empowering attendees to apply new strategies and tools in their professional work to contribute to sustainable development.
