The presentation of the project of Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development on the topic «Smart cities Along the Silk Road»: International experience in sustainable urban development» was held at Al-Farabi KazNU. The project has been realized jointly with the UNESCO Development for Sustainable Development, the UN Academic Impact Global Hub on Sustainability and the MDP / Global Classroom Program (a joint program with the Earth Institute of Columbia University (USA) and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

After a year of extensive research on sustainable cities, the project has been successfully completed. This unique work includes the work of domestic and foreign researchers. The academic group carried out statistical studies and research analysis, during which the best recommendations for future sustainable cities have been developed. The first volume of project results was published in two languages: Russian and English.

Prof. Mukhambetkali Burkitbaev, acting First Vice-Rector and Director of Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development has opened the event with a congratulatory speech, emphasizing the special role of this publication in the implementation of SDG 4: Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements, SDG 16: Peace and Effective Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnership for Sustainable Development. It should be noted that the monograph addresses the formation of sustainable cities and towns, the activities of effective institutions and partnerships for sustainable development.

In particular, the first section discusses global trends and trends in urbanization and the development of intelligent and sustainable cities. The second section assesses the best international experience in the development of smart and sustainable cities using smart cities and University campuses as examples. The third section assesses experience in developing smart and sustainable cities and campuses in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The Representatives of the UN and UNESCO in Almaty participated in the presentation of this project. In turn, foreign authors also joined such an important event and expressed gratitude for the publication of such a deep research work.

The Academic Board of the Institute discussed the duration of this project, further steps to develop practical and analytical studies and analysis of data on sustainable cities of the country.

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