MDP course of sustainable development

KazNARU Joins Global Classroom: Advancing Sustainable Development Through the MDP Network

Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) has officially joined the prestigious Global Classroom—a cornerstone of the Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) network—marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainability, international collaboration, and academic innovation.

Launched in 2008, the Global Classroom is a 13-week, web-based graduate-level course that has reached thousands of students and faculty across the globe. It is designed to foster cross-disciplinary learning and collective problem-solving on some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, public health, food security, and global governance. KazNARU’s participation in this initiative places it among a select group of universities and organizations working together to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education and applied research.

Running annually from September to December, the Global Classroom offers a dynamic learning environment that blends synchronous and asynchronous formats. Each week, enrolled students gather online for a live one-hour session featuring global experts who lead discussions on topics such as planetary boundaries, primary health and development, and the future of global institutions. These sessions are complemented by recorded guest lectures, interactive assignments, and access to a 24/7 online repository of course materials and resources.

KazNARU’s inclusion in the Global Classroom reflects its growing leadership in sustainability education and its strategic alignment with international academic networks. Through this course, KazNARU students and faculty will engage directly with peers from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, gaining exposure to innovative practices and global perspectives. The course also encourages collaborative assignments, allowing participants to co-create solutions and share insights across borders.

Dr. Rafis Abazov, Vice-Rector for International Relations and Director of the Institute of Green and Sustainable Development at KazNARU, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership:
🗣️ “Joining the Global Classroom is not just about accessing world-class content—it’s about becoming part of a global movement for change. Our students will gain the tools, networks, and vision needed to lead sustainable development efforts both locally and globally.”

KazNARU’s participation also supports its broader mission to integrate sustainability into all aspects of academic life—from curriculum design and research to community engagement and institutional development. The Global Classroom will serve as a platform for KazNARU to showcase its innovations in agriculture, climate resilience, and inclusive education, while learning from the experiences of other MDP institutions worldwide.

As the course begins this September, KazNARU stands ready to contribute its voice, expertise, and energy to a truly global conversation on sustainable development.