SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
2nd Nazarbayev University International Conference
Planetary Health and Sustainable Healthcare
Planetary Health in Action across Central Asia: Innovation, Equity, Environmental Stewardship, and Capacity Building
Venue: Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
Dates: November 5 - 6, 2026
Languages: English/Kazakh/Russian
Venue: Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
Dates: November 5 - 6, 2026
Languages: English/Kazakh/Russian
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About Conference
The 2nd Nazarbayev University International Conference on Planetary Health and Sustainable Healthcare brings together regional and global leaders, researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and innovators committed to transforming health systems for a sustainable future. Building on the success of the inaugural conference, this event advances the theme “Planetary Health in Action across Central Asia”, emphasizing the region’s unique environmental, social, and health system challenges and promoting locally relevant, globally informed solutions that strengthen both human and ecosystem well-being.
Centered on four strategic priorities, innovation, equity, environmental stewardship, and capacity building, the event will showcase practical approaches to climate-resilient healthcare delivery, sustainable health technologies, and resource-conscious system design. Particular emphasis is placed on reducing health disparities, supporting vulnerable communities, and ensuring that sustainability transitions are socially just and regionally inclusive. The conference serves as a platform for strengthening research collaboration, workforce development, and institutional capacity throughout Central Asia, while connecting the region to wider international sustainability and health initiatives.
Hosted by Nazarbayev University, the conference reflects NU’s leadership in interdisciplinary research and its commitment to supporting sustainable healthcare transformation across the region. The conference contributes to resilient, equitable, and environmentally responsible health systems for Central Asia and beyond by linking science, education, policy, and practice.
Join us in shaping the future of healthcare where planetary health and human well-being are advanced together.
Centered on four strategic priorities, innovation, equity, environmental stewardship, and capacity building, the event will showcase practical approaches to climate-resilient healthcare delivery, sustainable health technologies, and resource-conscious system design. Particular emphasis is placed on reducing health disparities, supporting vulnerable communities, and ensuring that sustainability transitions are socially just and regionally inclusive. The conference serves as a platform for strengthening research collaboration, workforce development, and institutional capacity throughout Central Asia, while connecting the region to wider international sustainability and health initiatives.
Hosted by Nazarbayev University, the conference reflects NU’s leadership in interdisciplinary research and its commitment to supporting sustainable healthcare transformation across the region. The conference contributes to resilient, equitable, and environmentally responsible health systems for Central Asia and beyond by linking science, education, policy, and practice.
Join us in shaping the future of healthcare where planetary health and human well-being are advanced together.
Reasons to attend
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Gain insights from international speakers and leading experts in planetary health and sustainable healthcare
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Tackle urgent global issues by exploring the link between health, climate, and the environment
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Engage in interdisciplinary dialogue with experts across healthcare, science, and policy
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Learn practical strategies for building sustainable and resilient healthcare systems
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Present your research and contribute to advancing the field of planetary health
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Network with global and regional leaders driving sustainability in healthcare
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Support green health transformation and promote regional change
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Discover Nazarbayev University and experience the vibrant city of Astana
Abstract Submission Sub-Themes
Advancing green technologies, digital health solutions, and system redesign to reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare while improving quality and efficiency.
Addressing health disparities intensified by environmental change, with emphasis on vulnerable populations, inclusive policies, and socially responsive care systems.
Promoting sustainable clinical practices, low carbon healthcare operations, responsible resource use, and institutional leadership in environmental accountability.
Strengthening education, workforce development, interdisciplinary skills, research translation, and policy leadership to prepare professionals who can drive sustainable healthcare transformation.
Guidelines for Abstract Submission
The materials in the abstract should be original work, with the focus clearly stated, and not submitted to another conference. Participants are invited to submit abstracts for
- Oral Presentation
- Poster presentation
The following instructions serve as guidelines for the submission of an abstract:
- Abstracts can be submitted in English, Kazakh or Russian languages.
- Indicate your presentation type (Oral or Poster). At the review stage, the Scientific Committee may recommend a change in the presentation type submitted by the author, based on the quality of the submission and to ensure the continuity of the conference program, i.e., oral presentation may be changed to poster presentation, OR poster presentation to oral presentation. The presenting author will be informed of any change to their submitted presentation type at the acceptance notification stage and can accept/reject. Acceptance will be based on originality, scientific merit, and relevance. The decision of the Scientific Committee is final.
- The abstract should be 250-350 words (excluding title, names, and institutions).
- Abbreviations are not allowed.
- References are not required.
- Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the information in the abstract.
- For authors submitting more than one abstract, each abstract must be submitted separately.
- Submitting authors will be notified of the receipt of their submission by email. Please note that all correspondence from the organizing committee will be directed solely to the submitting author.
- Ethical Compliance: Research involving human or animal subjects must have appropriate ethical approval. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed at the time of submission.
Abstracts should be prepared in the following format:
A.Title - It should be in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS. The title should be concise.
B.Content – Abstracts should be organized under five headings:
D.Include the name, affiliation, and job title of co-author(s)
A.Title - It should be in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS. The title should be concise.
B.Content – Abstracts should be organized under five headings:
- Background: Brief context or rationale for the study.
- Objectives: Clearly state the purpose of the study or research question.
- Methods: Outline the design, methodology, ethics, and analysis used.
- Results: Summarize the main findings. Do not state “results will be discussed.”
- Conclusion: Highlight the significance and implications of the results.
- Keyword: 4-6 words
D.Include the name, affiliation, and job title of co-author(s)
Instruction for Each Type of Presentation
The presentations will be delivered in person only.
A.Oral Format
The presentations will be delivered in person only.
A.Oral Format
- Each presenter will have 15 minutes presentation, including Q & A session.
- Presentations must be prepared in Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt/.pptx) format.
- Ensure that your slides are clear, concise, and visually accessible (e.g., readable fonts, high-contrast visuals).
- Oral presentations may be delivered in English, Russian, or Kazakh. However, for presentations delivered in Russian or Kazakh, the PowerPoint or PDF slides must include a corresponding English translation. Simultaneous translation into English will be provided during Russian and Kazakh presentations.
- All presentations should be submitted to the organizers by October 23, 2026.
- Posters can be created in English, Kazakh, or Russian.
- Maximum poster size is A0 (0.84 x 1.19m) (portrait orientation).
- Keep text to a minimum.
- Ensure any text is in large font (minimum 16 font size).
- Use graphs, charts, and/or tables as necessary.
- Ensure the contents have a logical flow.
- Posters will be displayed in an open area where conference attendees can interact with presenters.
- Presenters are responsible for printing their poster and bringing it to the designated poster area a day before the conference or during the registration time of Day 1.
Important dates
- August 15, 2026Abstract submission deadline
- August 31, 2026Notification of accepted abstract for presentations
- September 30, 2026Early registration deadline
- October 16, 2026Regular registration deadline
Abstract submission
Abstract submission
Registration fees
Participant Type
Local participants,
including CIS countries
including CIS countries
International participants
Early registration
10,000 KZT
100 USD
Regular registration
15,000 KZT
150 USD
Student registration
5,000 KZT
50 USD
*NU employees and students are exempted for paying the registration fee.
* The registration fee covers participation in both Day 1 workshops and the full conference on Day 2. Day 1 will feature workshops in both the morning and afternoon, with two different workshops offered in each session. Registered participants may choose which workshop to attend in the morning and which to attend in the afternoon. Day 2 will be dedicated to the main conference. Participants will receive separate e-certificates for each workshop attended, as well as a certificate for attending the main conference on Day 2.
Conference Organizing Committee
Lead: Jonas P. Cruz, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
Co-Lead: Antonio Sarría-Santamera, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
Members:
Co-Lead: Antonio Sarría-Santamera, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
Members:
- Aizat Seidahmetova, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Kazakhstan
- Alma Nurtazina, Semey Medical University, Kazakhstan
- Alma Syzdykova, University Medical Center, Kazakhstan
- Anargul Kuntuganova, School of Medicine Nazarbayev University
- Ejercito Balay-odao, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
- Joseph Almazan, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
- Nurzhan Mukashev, Center for Health, Policy and Management (CHPM), SDU University, Kazakhstan
- Paolo Colet, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
- Zhaniya Dauletkaliyeva, School of Public Health, Karaganda Medical University, Kazakhstan
- Zulyar Kavashev, School of Education and Humanities, SDU University, Kazakhstan
Contacts
General inquiries
For further details, please contact:
Email: qazgreenhealth@nu.edu.kz
Media inquiries
Email: nusom.marketing@nusom.nu.edu.kz
Nazarbayev University, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan
Contacts
General inquiries
For further details, please contact:
Email: qazgreenhealth@nu.edu.kz
Media inquiries
Email: nusom.marketing@nusom.nu.edu.kzNazarbayev University, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan