On April 3, 2023, the Institute of Natural Sciences and Geography held the Olympiad for Master Students of the Institute on the Sustainable Development Goals. The main message of the Olympiad, held within the "Decade of Science-2023", is increasing the geo-environmental competence of undergraduates on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The objectives - identification of talented young people and formation of human resources for scientific activity; popularization of environmental education, improving the quality of training of masters and increasing interest in sustainable development management; selection and support of talented and gifted scientists; support for the formation of the intellectual potential of the country.

Six teams participated in the Olympiad. By results of three rounds the team "Signal" of students of speciality "7M01510-Chemistry" (captain - Dinara Elemes) has won, who in 1st round ("Think Sustainable: SDG is easy if...") has presented the most accessible ways of achievement of SDG -12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). And in the 2nd round (CASE STUDY on SDG-1), developed a project proposal aimed at achieving SDG 1 (Eradicate Poverty) in the context of rural areas of Kazakhstan. The proposal aims at reducing poverty and inequality and promoting inclusive economic growth with a focus on supporting marginalised communities and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Second place was shared by teams of specialties 7M01515-Geography - "Green Dream" (captain Ruslan Zholbosynov) and 7M01513-Biology - "Inbio" (captain Manshuk Skendirova). Third place was taken by teams of specialties "7M01513-Biology" - "Biolike" (captain Esenbekova Karakoz), "7M01510-Chemistry" - "Genius" (captain Bitureyeva Zhazira) and "7M01515-Geography" - "Global" (captain Nurkassym Symbat).

At the end of the Olympiad a detailed analysis of cases was carried out by the head of the Geography and Environment Department D. Alaskarov. The participants were also evaluated by Director of the Department of Strategy E.Tattibaeva, Director of the Institute K.Kaimuldinova and Professor B.Abdimanapov.

The Olympiad was organised and conducted by Deputy Director for Science and International Cooperation of the Institute of Natural Sciences and Geography K. Muzdybaeva.

The event was held at a high level and contributed to the development of creativity, scientific approach and ecological mentality of undergraduates of the Institute.