News

On 22 April 2026, the Regional Ecological Summit RES 2026 opened in Astana, attended by heads of state. Among the attendees were the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev; the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov; the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev; the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon; the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov; the President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan; the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili; the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov; and representatives of the United Nations and other international organisations.

The summit's primary objective is to promote green energy, encourage the efficient use of natural resources, and guarantee ecological security. The agenda also covered ecosystem conservation, environmental protection and addressing urgent ecological issues. As part of the summit, Kazakhstani universities presented their scientific developments at the international exhibition of green and sustainable technologies, RES 2026 EXPO. Among them, scientists from M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University presented a series of innovative projects in ecology and sustainable development.

At the exhibition, university scientists demonstrated the following:

- urban environment enhancement and air purification technologies;

- methods for producing encapsulated phosphorus-containing mineral fertilisers derived from industrial waste;

- Technologies for the comprehensive processing of chrysotile asbestos production waste;

- Solutions aimed at improving soil fertility by regulating soil moisture.

One of the featured flagship projects was the "Green Lab" project, which aims to develop an innovative system of eco-construction modules designed to improve the urban environment. This system integrates biological components (plants and phytocenoses), engineered structures and digital monitoring technologies.

Implementing the project will allow for:

- improving regional air quality and expanding green spaces;

- building sustainable infrastructure based on eco-friendly and recyclable materials;

- transforming public spaces (parks, streets and courtyards) into modern, functional areas.

- implementing effective solutions to conserve energy and natural resources;

- enhancing the population's quality of life and fostering an environmental culture.

Additionally, technology for producing highly effective agricultural mineral fertilisers from waste recycled from the local phosphorus plant and coal production in the city of Lenger was presented. This technology is currently undergoing field trials and showing positive results. Taking the southern region's specific climate into account, researchers are developing innovative materials and superabsorbent hydrogels aimed at conserving water resources and significantly boosting soil fertility.

The team also addressed the long-standing issue of accumulated industrial waste at the Zhitikara Processing Plant. University scientists proposed a technology for processing magnesium-containing waste into complex mineral fertilisers containing magnesium, phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and sulphur. The chrysotile-asbestos waste processing technology is set to be implemented at the JSC "Kostanay Minerals" and JSC "Orenburg Minerals" facilities.

The Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, A. K. Zhanibekov, presented the university's scientific achievements to the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, and to guests at the exhibition. The minister praised the projects presented, emphasising their contribution to developing the regional ecosystem and resolving environmental issues.