Overall Rating Bronze
Overall Score 41.18
Liaison Mira Dzhakshylykova
Submission Date July 19, 2024

STARS v2.2

American University of Central Asia
EN-11: Inter-Campus Collaboration

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 3.00 Mira Dzhakshylykova
Sustainability Coordinator
Center for Civic Engagement
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Is the institution currently a member of a national or international higher education sustainability network?:
Yes

The name of the national or international sustainability network(s):

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Youth Office
Through its participation in the UNFCCC Youth Office, AUCA is connected to a global network of youth-driven sustainability initiatives. This affiliation supports AUCA’s involvement in regional youth conferences and global climate discussions, enhancing its role in international sustainability efforts.


Does the institution actively participate in a regional, state/provincial, or local higher education sustainability network?:
Yes

The name of the regional, state/provincial or local sustainability network(s):

Sustainable Living University Network (SLUN)
AUCA is a member of the Sustainable Living University Network (SLUN), a regional network focused on promoting sustainability within academic institutions across Central Asia. SLUN provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable practices and education in the region.


Has the institution presented at a higher education sustainability conference during the previous year?:
Yes

A list or brief description of the conference(s) and presentation(s):
 

Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024
AUCA participated in the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024, an international event focused on advancing sustainable development goals. This conference brought together global leaders, researchers, and practitioners to explore innovative solutions and strategies for sustainability. AUCA's involvement included presenting its sustainability initiatives and gaining insights from international best practices.

UN Climate Change Conference (COP-28)
AUCA was represented at COP-28, the world’s premier climate conference, held from November 30 to December 12, 2023. AUCA’s Sustainability Coordinator, showcased AUCA’s sustainability efforts and its commitment to combating climate change. At COP-28, she contributed to sessions on youth-driven climate solutions and presented AUCA's EcoPark initiative at the Central Asian Pavilion, emphasizing the role of education and green skills in addressing climate issues.

10th World Water Forum
The sustainability coordinator represented Central Asia at the 10th World Water Forum, participating in three sessions, including a high-level panel on Hydro-diplomacy and Peace. She joined experts such as Henk Ovink and Barbara Pompili to discuss how water cooperation can drive peace and sustainable development. She also spoke about the role of science in transboundary water management and highlighted the importance of youth engagement in water and peace initiatives at the Youth Pavilion.

Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit (APCYS) 4.0
At the APCYS 4.0, AUCA engaged in the Plenary Session on "Cooperation for a Sustainable Lifestyle," hosted by the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific. The summit, which included 185 participants from 16 countries, emphasized the role of educational institutions in fostering sustainability and cooperative values. AUCA’s participation involved discussions on community immersion activities and the impact of cooperation on a sustainable future.

Alaska Forum on the Environment 2024
AUCA participated online in the Alaska Forum on the Environment 2024, held on February 7th, 2024. As a speaker in the International Sustainability Efforts session, she presented on Sustainable Ecotourism, focusing on Kyrgyzstan’s unique approach. The session attracted a diverse audience, including government agencies, businesses, and community leaders, all showing keen interest in the topic.

The Alaska Forum on the Environment is renowned for bringing together environmental professionals through over 100 technical sessions and inspiring keynote events. AUCA’s presentation highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s successful integration of traveler needs with a commitment to environmental preservation, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable ecotourism. The forum also featured international speakers who shared insights on sustainability efforts in regions like Mongolia and the Sayan Crossroad areas, focusing on the impacts of climate change on frozen commons and their significance in local decision-making.

Participants engaged actively with Kyrgyzstan’s case, underscoring the growing global interest in sustainable tourism practices. The forum provided a crucial platform for exchanging ideas and fostering international collaboration on pressing environmental issues. AUCA’s participation enriched the dialogue and reinforced its commitment to promoting sustainable practices on a global scale.


Has the institution submitted a case study during the previous year to an external higher education sustainability resource center or awards program?:
No

A list or brief description of the sustainability resource center or awards program and submission(s):
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Has the institution had employees or students serving on a board or committee of a sustainability network or conference during the previous three years?:
Yes

A list or brief description of the board or committee appointment(s):

RCOY- Regional Conference of Youth UNFCCC

 


Does the institution have an ongoing mentoring relationship with another institution through which it assists the institution with its sustainability reporting and/or the development of its sustainability program?:
Yes

A brief description of the mentoring relationship and activities:

At AUCA, the mentoring relationship for the recycling program is designed to support both the development of AUCA's own initiatives and to assist other schools in creating effective recycling systems. Experienced sustainability advocates at AUCA offer guidance to newer or less experienced institutions through a range of activities. They help in designing and implementing recycling programs by sharing best practices for setting up recycling bins, managing waste segregation, and promoting recycling habits among students and staff.

Mentors conduct workshops and training sessions, focusing on practical aspects of recycling such as sorting and processing recyclables and strategies for boosting participation and engagement. They also provide comprehensive resources, including educational materials, operational guidelines, and case studies, to ensure that best practices are accessible and adaptable to different contexts.

Site visits are organized to allow representatives from other schools to observe AUCA’s recycling program in action. These visits provide hands-on learning opportunities, demonstrating effective methods and enabling direct interaction with the program team. Continuous support is maintained through regular check-ins and feedback sessions, where mentors offer ongoing advice, address challenges, and share updates on new developments or improvements.

Through these mentoring activities, AUCA not only enhances its own recycling efforts but also contributes to the broader educational community by helping other schools establish and refine their recycling practices. This collaborative approach fosters a network of institutions committed to sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship.


Has the institution had employees or students serving as peer reviewers of another institution’s sustainability data and/or STARS submission during the previous three years?:
No

A brief description of the peer review activities:
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Optional Fields 

A brief description of other inter-campus collaborative efforts around sustainability during the previous year :
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Website URL where information about the institution’s inter-campus collaborations is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.