Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Building Responsible Leaders at Central Asian University
Central Asian University (CAU) is committed to preparing future leaders who are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the skills, values, and perspectives needed to contribute to peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. In alignment with SDG 16, the university emphasizes dialogue, transparency, global cooperation, and responsible governance in its academic and extracurricular initiatives.
Student Engagement: CAU Economica Debate Cup
One of the most dynamic platforms for developing these skills is the CAU Economica Debate Cup, held in April 2025. The event brought together talented students to engage in rigorous debates on pressing economic and social issues. The competition culminated in the finals at Edvent Hall, where the top four teams — UWEDIANS, VERITAS, STRUMREICH, and Pebble Speakers — competed for the championship trophy.
The debate cup was more than a contest of arguments; it was a celebration of critical thinking, peaceful dialogue, and civic participation. Students developed their ability to construct evidence-based arguments, respect differing viewpoints, and resolve disagreements through reasoned discussion. By fostering a culture of respectful debate, CAU cultivates the very skills that contribute to peace, justice, and strong institutions in society.
One of the most dynamic platforms for developing these skills is the CAU Economica Debate Cup, held in April 2025. The event brought together talented students to engage in rigorous debates on pressing economic and social issues. The competition culminated in the finals at Edvent Hall, where the top four teams — UWEDIANS, VERITAS, STRUMREICH, and Pebble Speakers — competed for the championship trophy.
The debate cup was more than a contest of arguments; it was a celebration of critical thinking, peaceful dialogue, and civic participation. Students developed their ability to construct evidence-based arguments, respect differing viewpoints, and resolve disagreements through reasoned discussion. By fostering a culture of respectful debate, CAU cultivates the very skills that contribute to peace, justice, and strong institutions in society.
Faculty Engagement: Innovation in Sustainability and Circular Economy
Beyond student initiatives, CAU faculty also contribute to institutional strengthening through international cooperation. In 2025, Dr. Mansurkhon Kamalov and Dr. Sardor Azam of the Business School participated in a training program on the circular economy at FHM University in Bielefeld, Germany, as part of the Erasmus+ CirculEC project.
Their visits included the Lemgo Innovation Campus, a hub uniting education, research, and industry, as well as NochMall in Berlin, a pioneering secondhand store promoting reuse and recycling. The insights gained will feed directly into CAU’s academic programs, updating curricula and developing new courses that embed principles of responsible governance, sustainable institutions, and ethical decision-making.
Through projects such as CirculEC, CAU strengthens its academic governance, aligns with global best practices, and fosters international partnerships that build strong institutional foundations for sustainability.
Beyond student initiatives, CAU faculty also contribute to institutional strengthening through international cooperation. In 2025, Dr. Mansurkhon Kamalov and Dr. Sardor Azam of the Business School participated in a training program on the circular economy at FHM University in Bielefeld, Germany, as part of the Erasmus+ CirculEC project.
Their visits included the Lemgo Innovation Campus, a hub uniting education, research, and industry, as well as NochMall in Berlin, a pioneering secondhand store promoting reuse and recycling. The insights gained will feed directly into CAU’s academic programs, updating curricula and developing new courses that embed principles of responsible governance, sustainable institutions, and ethical decision-making.
Through projects such as CirculEC, CAU strengthens its academic governance, aligns with global best practices, and fosters international partnerships that build strong institutional foundations for sustainability.
Professional Development: UNITAR Certification for Students
CAU also invests in preparing its students for leadership in global governance and sustainable development. In 2025, students from the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism earned their UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) certification after completing the Introduction to Sustainable Development in Practicecourse.
CAU also invests in preparing its students for leadership in global governance and sustainable development. In 2025, students from the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism earned their UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) certification after completing the Introduction to Sustainable Development in Practicecourse.
This program exposed students to international perspectives on sustainable tourism, community development, and global challenges, while equipping them with the tools to address real-world issues responsibly. Their achievement reflects CAU’s commitment to fostering inclusive education, global citizenship, and ethical leadership, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled professionals but also advocates for sustainability and justice in their sectors.
Special recognition goes to Senior Lecturer Benchaphan Phala, whose guidance and mentorship inspired students to pursue excellence and to see their professional growth as part of a larger mission of sustainable and just development.
Through student debates, faculty training in global sustainability, and international certifications, CAU ensures that dialogue, cooperation, and responsibility remain at the core of its academic culture. These initiatives illustrate how higher education can contribute to peaceful conflict resolution, strong institutional practices, and responsible leadership - the essence of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
By preparing graduates who are both knowledgeable and ethically grounded, CAU is helping to shape a future where institutions are transparent, societies are inclusive, and dialogue triumphs over division.
Special recognition goes to Senior Lecturer Benchaphan Phala, whose guidance and mentorship inspired students to pursue excellence and to see their professional growth as part of a larger mission of sustainable and just development.
Through student debates, faculty training in global sustainability, and international certifications, CAU ensures that dialogue, cooperation, and responsibility remain at the core of its academic culture. These initiatives illustrate how higher education can contribute to peaceful conflict resolution, strong institutional practices, and responsible leadership - the essence of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
By preparing graduates who are both knowledgeable and ethically grounded, CAU is helping to shape a future where institutions are transparent, societies are inclusive, and dialogue triumphs over division.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - SDG 16
Central Asian University is dedicated to cultivating responsible leaders who contribute to peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Key initiatives include:
Through these initiatives, CAU promotes transparency, cooperation, and strong institutions, preparing graduates to lead ethically and inclusively in line with SDG 16.
- Student Engagement: The CAU Economics Debate Cup fosters critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and civic participation, empowering students to debate pressing social and economic issues constructively.
- Faculty Collaboration: Participation in the Erasmus+ CirculEC project in Germany enriches CAU’s curriculum with principles of circular economy, sustainable governance, and ethical decision-making, strengthening academic programs and international partnerships.
- Professional Development: Students earn UNITAR certification in Sustainable Development, equipping them with global perspectives and practical skills for responsible leadership in tourism and community development.
Through these initiatives, CAU promotes transparency, cooperation, and strong institutions, preparing graduates to lead ethically and inclusively in line with SDG 16.