ReStart: Moving Together Towards a Sustainable Future!

ReStart is the renewed version of the “3.2.1. Start!” project, which has been helping

young people in Kazakhstan learn the principles of waste separation and proper plastic

sorting for more than a decade.

In 2025, the project received a new name, expanded its mission, and reached even

more universities across the country. Today, ReStart aims to foster environmental awareness

among students, promote responsible attitudes toward the environment, and encourage

sustainable habits in everyday life.

As part of the project implementation, an Action Plan was signed between the

Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, CCI Kazakhstan,

and the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global Development. In addition, Astana

International University signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to support environmental

initiatives and promote sustainable development principles among young people. These

agreements became an important step in strengthening cooperation between government

institutions, businesses, educational organizations, and civil society.

The Higher School of Natural Sciences of Astana International University

actively supports the ReStart initiative and demonstrates tangible results of environmental

responsibility.

During the 2025–2026 academic year, university students collected and sent 2,045.83

kg of plastic for recycling. This is not only a significant contribution to reducing waste but

also evidence that young people are becoming more conscious about resource consumption

and environmental protection.

Importantly, participation in the project has encouraged students not only to sort waste

but also to rethink their use of single-use plastics, choose more sustainable alternatives, and

develop environmentally friendly habits.

A notable achievement was the recognition of the project coordinator, Aidana

Kydyrova, a lecturer at the Higher School of Natural Sciences, who was awarded Second

Place among ReStart Project Coordinators.

The project contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 4 – Quality Education: promoting environmental literacy and awareness

among students;

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: implementing waste

separation and promoting plastic recycling;

SDG 13 – Climate Action: reducing environmental impact through waste reduction

and responsible resource use;

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: strengthening cooperation among universities,

government agencies, businesses, and civil society organizations.

Thanks to the active participation of Astana International University students,

2,045.83 kg of plastic has been given a second life. Every kilogram collected is a

contribution to a cleaner future, sustainable national development, and the preservation of the

environment for future generations.