18 march 2026 152

Learning to Change the World: Graduates of the Future 17 Program Share Their Insights

The Future 17 program, launched two years ago at Satbayev University, is already showing results: University has hosted its second graduation. Participants not only gained a unique educational experience, but also formed their own projects in the field of ecology, economics and social sustainability. Program’s important feature is the constant work with international mentors and teachers, regular online meetings and an interdisciplinary approach.

One of the participants, Aizhan Aibergenova, a student of “Cadastre and land management” degree program, told about her experience of participation:

"I chose the Future 17 program because it provides an opportunity to interact with international students from leading universities. Participation in the program has significantly changed my understanding of global issues: I saw that decisions, for example in the field of ecology, directly affect the economy and society. At the same time, there are no universal approaches – what works in Europe is not always applicable in Asia due to cultural and infrastructural differences.”

I also realized that sustainable development is impossible without cooperation between science, business and the state. This is what distinguishes Future 17 from other programs: strong mentor support and regular online meetings with international faculty where various aspects of the global agenda are discussed.

During my participation, I developed my research skills and learned how to effectively distribute tasks within the team. Program has also changed my attitude towards my future career. When you see the scale of global problems from the inside, you get a sense of responsibility and an understanding that even one person can contribute to their solution.

“The most difficult stage for me was researching and searching for information, and the most inspiring was communicating with people and the opportunity to learn from international experts. I also came to the conclusion that environmental education should start at school – it is important that the younger generation understands the importance of protecting nature and rational use of resources," she said.

The student emphasizes that Future 17 has given her not only knowledge, but also practical skills. Her team's project was dedicated to the rational use of wood in Japan. The research focused on the problem of so-called "inconvenient" wood - trunks with a curved shape that are not suitable for standard industrial processing. As a result, a significant part of the valuable resource is either burned or used with minimal added value.

The team proposed an approach based on creating a new value chain: the use of modern technologies and design solutions makes it possible to turn such wood into a sought-after product, for example, premium furniture. This not only reduces resource losses, but also forms a more sustainable model of forest management, helps create new jobs in local communities and increases interest in environmentally friendly materials.

This is how the Future 17 program at Satbayev University becomes not just an educational platform, but a space for forming the new generation of specialists capable of thinking globally and acting in the interests of science, business and society. The given issue confirmed that participation in such initiatives builds not only professional skills, but also a worldview focused on sustainable development.