Environmental, Social, and Governance metrics and Data Analysis Workshop in Tekeli, Kazakhstan

The University of Central Asia hosted a workshop, "ESG and Data Analysis: Quantitative Assessment of Sustainability," at its School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) in Tekeli, Kazakhstan.

Organised within the framework of UCA’s Sustainable Mountain Development Programme (SMDP), the workshop brought together experts, professionals, and researchers with a shared interest in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. ESG has become a globally recognised framework for evaluating an organisation’s environmental footprint, social responsibility, and governance standards.

The event included a comprehensive introduction to ESG concepts and key indicators, interactive group sessions on evaluating ESG performance, and a dynamic climate simulation game by Chapter Zero Kazakhstan. The simulation used the En-ROADS Climate Simulator, a tool developed by Climate Interactive, MIT Sloan, and Ventana Systems, to model the outcomes of climate policy decisions.

Saule Chalbasova, Strategic Projects Manager at UCA, highlighted the relevance of the workshop for Central Asia’s mountain communities:

“Our goal is not only to raise awareness but also to equip participants with practical tools to assess and improve sustainability. ESG is not just a buzzword—it’s a real mechanism for more responsible and resilient governance, especially in the vulnerable mountain regions of Central Asia.”

The workshop aimed to encourage dialogue and cooperation among regional stakeholders, while offering participants hands-on skills to assess sustainability initiatives more effectively. Discussions addressed current environmental and social challenges in Central Asia, with a particular focus on the growing impacts of climate change.

This event forms part of a wider series of initiatives taking place across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan under UCA’s Sustainable Mountain Development Programme. The broader initiative encompasses seminars, roundtables, exhibitions, and conferences centred on climate resilience, glacier preservation, sustainable economic practices, and the integration of traditional knowledge in climate adaptation strategies.

Through these efforts, UCA continues to serve as a hub for regional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and practical solutions aimed at supporting sustainable development in mountain communities.