The VII International Seminar on “Logistics and Diplomacy” took place on September 28, 2023, at the Faculty of International Relations under the auspices of the Sefacil Foundation, Le Havre University Normandy, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. This noteworthy event brought together prominent figures from academia, diplomacy, and international relations to discuss the intricate relationship between logistics and diplomacy in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) context.

The seminar, a testament to international cooperation, welcomed a diverse range of speakers, including Baizakova Kuralay Irtysovna, the director of the Institute for Security and Cooperation of Al-Farabi KazNU, Pierre Chabal, the director of the LEXFEIM Research Center at the University of Le Havre Normandie, Yann Alix, the General Delegate of the Foundation SEFACIL, D.T. Zhakenov, an expert from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Kukeeva F.T., Director of the Resource Center for American Democratic Studies at KazNU.

Among the esteemed foreign guests were Professor Shrikant Kondapali, the Dean of the School of International Studies at J. Nehru University, who presented a report on “Transport Corridors - the Role of China,” and Professor Archana Upajay, the Director of the Center for the Study of Russia and Central Asia at J. Nehru University, who shared insights into “The Geopolitics of Indian Engagement Diplomacy.”

Local academics also left a significant impact on participants. Professor S.Kozhirova from Astana International University, Professor G. Sadykova from UIB University, Senior Lecturer N.Adilova from the Higher School of Economics and Business, and Director of the TransAl Project Logistics Center V.Korolev all delivered thought-provoking presentations that enriched the discourse.

During the seminar, participants explored how efficient logistics and diplomatic efforts are essential in achieving SDG 9. They discussed how improved logistics systems, modern transportation networks, and effective diplomacy can play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure development, facilitating trade, and promoting sustainable industrialization. This goal aligns with the broader agenda of creating a more sustainable and interconnected world while addressing the challenges of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.

Teachers of the “International Relations and World Economy” department actively organized the seminar: the head of the chair G.S.Baikushikova, professor M.A.Augan, senior teachers A.T.Yerimasheva and Zh.D.Kosherbaev, as well as doctoral students of the department.