Almaty: Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development at KazNU together with the Total Corporation is implementing a training program on the topic of "Sustainable Development". Within the framework of partnership and cooperation, from February 18 to February 22, 2019, Professor Christine Gastinel delivered a series of lectures and practical training on the topic “Intercultural cities: strategies, policies, and public administration” for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students of the University.

During the lectures, Professor Christine Gastinel touched upon topics related to the systematization and generalization of knowledge on the topic “Intercultural cities”. It is important to note that the interdisciplinary approach of the professor is in the formative stage and is distinguished by two characteristic features: an applied nature and interdisciplinarity nature.

Professor K. Gastinel spoke about the problems of modern urbanization processes, various aspects of urban development, including energy and social issues, as well as about various aspects of intercultural communication in a globalizing world. In the framework of practical seminars the students studied about the extensive work and experience of the Total in different parts of the world.

Ms. Gastinel is a world-renowned expert on intercultural communication, an experienced international expert in the development of the communicative qualities of people and the development of cities. She regularly visits as a visiting scholar various universities around the world (France, China, Russia, countries of the Middle East and Asia).

The main purpose of the lectures supported by the Total is to supplement the theoretical knowledge of students with practical skills and understand the process of developing communication skills and intercultural communication using the example of one of the leading energy companies like the Total.

Much attention is also paid to the development of ideas of global citizenship and international cooperation in science and education between Kazakhstan and France.

Information about Total:

The Total Corporation is one of the world’s largest international companies engaged in the production and sale of oil, natural gas and low-carbon electricity. Over 100,000 employees work for the Total, making energy better, safer, cleaner and more affordable for everyone. The Total Company is represented in more than 130 countries of the world, and has the goal to become a responsible energy company. In Kazakhstan, the Total Company is represented by its exploration and production units in the Kashagan project (16.81%), in the Dunga field (60%), as well as in Marketing and Service and the development of renewable energy with the Total EREN. The company is also actively involved in educational projects and the development of human capital with leading Kazakh universities. In particular, the Total organizes the Total Energy Summer Annual School for Kazakhstan students, where theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of energy and related subjects are taught.

About the Institute for Sustainable Development. Ban Ki-moon (BKMISD)

Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development (BKMISD) was established as an international academic institution at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Kazakhstan). Its creation is based on the long and rich traditions of KazNU in the field of sustainable development and combines several flagship long-term programs. These include: UN Academic Impact (UNAI), University 4.0, MDP/Global Classroom Program on Sustainable Development, Smart City, Green Bridge Through Generations, Universities Social Responsibility Network (USRN), “Rouhani Zhangyru" (program of cultural and social development of Kazakhstan), “Al-Farabi - a smart city", etc. BKMISD works to promote partnerships for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-17) through educational and research activities, as well as international cooperation.

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