Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
for sustainable development, provide
access to justice for all and build
effective, accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels.
for sustainable development, provide
access to justice for all and build
effective, accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels.
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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
Building Responsible Leaders at Central Asian University
Faculty Engagement: Innovation in Sustainability and Circular Economy
Professional Development: UNITAR Certification for Students
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.