New Program MDP / Global Classroom program of the Earth Institute at Columbia University (New York) jointly with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University announces the opening of a new joint course entitled «Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice». The classes will take place in English, between September 03 and 06 December 2013.

On the map Zhetysu (Junggar) Alatau appeared the pass "80 years of al-Farabi Kazakh National University", named members of scientific-sport expedition of the Department of Recreation Geography and Tourism in honor of the upcoming anniversary of the country's lead university.

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University became the first higher education institution in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, whose educational undergraduate and graduate programs in the specialty "Tourism" were recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.