Kazakhstan is once again stepping into a leadership role in the region. The country will host a groundbreaking event – the first-ever International Nuclear Eco-Camp for Central Asian youth. This initiative is set to showcase nuclear energy from a new perspective, not only as a high-tech industry but also as a tool for ecological progress and sustainable development, DKNews.kz reports.
Launching the Initiative in Almaty
The announcement was made on September 1, Knowledge Day, during the “Energy of the Future” youth forum in Almaty. Diana Gamazova, a member of the Impact Team 2050 youth council, unveiled the project to participants.
The forum, supported by Russia’s state corporation Rosatom and the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, brought together experts, school students, and university students to discuss the role of nuclear technologies in tackling ecological and climate-related challenges.
What the Camp Offers
The eco-camp will bring together 50 students from leading universities in Central Asia, along with young environmentalists and climate activists. They will take part in an intensive program including lectures from industry experts, project workshops, interactive training sessions, and hands-on assignments guided by nuclear scientists.
The purpose of the camp goes far beyond education. It aims to show young people that nuclear energy and ecology are not opposing forces. In fact, it is in their combination that solutions emerge to ensure the region’s sustainable development for decades to come.
As Diana Gamazova explained:
“Nuclear energy is not just about technology. It is an opportunity for young people to become architects of a sustainable future. Our eco-camp is a unique chance for the youth of Central Asia to see firsthand how nuclear innovations are addressing ecological challenges and creating space for leadership and service to society.”
Voices from the Forum
At the forum, Askar Dauletov, head of MEPhI’s Almaty branch, emphasized the strategic importance of building Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and training specialists in the field:
“We can place an equal sign between energy and human progress. Today we use fossil fuels, but we all know this is a finite resource. It will be your generation that must find new sources of energy. Kazakhstan has boarded this high-tech train, and in my opinion, we should have done so earlier.”
Industry experts also shared their insights.
Baurzhan Ibraev, chairman of the Advisory Council of the New Nuclear Watch Institute in Central Asia, reviewed the current state of the sector and stressed why Rosatom is the logical choice for building Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant:
“The corporation has a complete set of competencies that no other global player currently possesses.”
Kazakh energy analyst Olzhas Baydildinov underlined the significance of the Balkhash project as the future site for the country’s first nuclear power plant. He also highlighted the long-term employment prospects for students entering the nuclear field:
“You are lucky with your choice of profession. Kazakhstan has vast uranium reserves, and the nuclear power plant, which is expected to be completed after 2035, will operate for at least 60 years. This means specialists will have jobs secured at least until the year 2100.”
Building Public Trust
Still, one of the biggest challenges for nuclear energy in Kazakhstan and the wider region is public perception.
PR expert Shynar Zhanibekova emphasized the importance of ongoing communication with the public to explain the benefits and dispel persistent stereotypes:
“To develop this sector, it is crucial to maintain dialogue with society and overcome mistrust and outdated attitudes toward nuclear energy.”
The Future Is in the Hands of Youth
The overarching message of the forum was clear: it is the youth of Central Asia who will define the region’s energy future. Engaging students, young scientists, and activists in nuclear technologies and environmental projects is not simply an educational task but a strategic course.
The upcoming International Nuclear Eco-Camp in Kazakhstan is expected to be the first step on this path – a step toward nurturing a new generation of leaders who will build a cleaner, more sustainable future for Central Asia.
