10 November 2015
On 6 November 2015 a round table dedicated to the discussion of a new study course on climate risk management, developed for the universities of Kyzylorda region with the support of UNESCO Almaty Office, was held in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan.
The university course was developed by the Public Fund “Center “Cooperation for Sustainable Development” with the support of UNESCO Almaty Cluster Office. A number of local university professors, representatives of Akimat of Kyzylorda region, Kazhydromet, Institute of Geography of the Republic of Kazakhstan and other relevant stakeholders were invited to participate in the round table. The purpose of the event was to discuss the structure and thematic plan of the course, as well as its potential for mainstreaming into the university curriculum in the region. The issues of relevance of climate risk management, climate change and its impact on the development of Kyzylorda region and the country as a whole were also considered by the participants. It was noted that, despite the initial focus of the study course on a particular region in Kazakhstan, it can be successfully introduced in universities throughout the country, as well as adapted for higher education institutions in Central Asia region. The round table participants emphasized the importance and relevance of the developed course and expressed willingness to introduce it as an elective course in Kyzylorda universities.The development of the course is a contribution of the Natural Sciences Sector of UNESCO Almaty Office to the implementation of the UN Joint Programme "Improving the welfare and quality of life in the Kyzylorda region through innovative approaches to delivering economic, social and environmental services to the local population, including those most vulnerable". Supporting such initiatives, UNESCO promotes education in the field of disaster risk reduction, including those resulting from climate change, as well as strengthens the capacity of young experts in this area.
The final materials of the course upon its completion will be published on the website of UNESCO Almaty Office.
Permanent link: http://en.unesco.kz/climate-risk-management-new-study-course-for-the-universities-of-kyzylorda-region