Almaty, Kazakhstan – On September 23-24, as part of the SDU University Sustainable Development Week, representatives of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) conducted a training of trainers on the interactive Nexus game.
During the two-day training, 9 representatives of the teaching staff and 18 students of SDU University tried on the roles of ministers and prime ministers of countries located upstream and downstream. The participants of the simulation governed their countries, conducted diplomatic and trade negotiations. It is noteworthy that the game was held in the Kazakh language for the first time.
During the game, the two countries sought to support each other and provide assistance with the necessary resources, which proves their willingness to cooperation and friendly relations. It is also worth noting that the teachers and students of SDU University demonstrated strategic thinking and vision in managing water, energy and food resources and tried to protect the ecosystem by building green technologies.
As a result of the training at the opening of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) corner, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between CAREC and SDU University, which confirms the use of the Nexus Game in the educational process of the university. CAREC Executive Director Zafar Makhmudov presented the Nexus Game sets in English and Kazakh to the managers of SDU University.
“Our mission is closely aligned with the SDGs, particularly in the areas of environmental sustainability, water and energy security, and regional cooperation. Partnerships with educational institutions like SDU University play a vital role in this mission. Together, we are combining knowledge and action, empowering young minds to contribute to addressing global challenges,” said Zafar Makhmudov.
It should be noted that the university teachers who completed the training expressed their willingness to include the Nexus game in the educational process and use it in a number of disciplines, including “Management of Innovation and Change”, “Leadership and Teamwork/Communication”. The faculty also expressed interest in joining the Network of the Academic Societies and the Community of Practice of Central Asia for further cooperation with universities in the region.
Brief reference
The Nexus Simulation was developed by the Centre for Systems Solutions in collaboration with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the “Sustainable Energy for All” Initiative. The history of its implementation in the Central Asian region began in 2018 within the framework of the European Union project “Nexus Dialogue in Central Asia” implemented by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). The game represents a facilitated process of playing 5 different scenarios for developing the territories upstream and downstream while addressing water needs of population, industry and agriculture and taking into account climate change challenges. Currently, the Nexus Game is actively promoted by CAREC in universities, academies, basin organizations and media in Central Asia with funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Additional information: Ludmila Kiktenko, Environmental Management Program Manager, CAREC, lkiktenko@carececo.org
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