Article
Emergency response training for youth in Talgar
With climate change, urbanization, and environmental degradation intensifying risks such as floods, mudflows, and landslides — especially in mountainous areas — equipping young people with emergency response skills has become essential for sustainable development. In alignment with the theme of this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, which emphasizes the role of education, UNESCO, in cooperation with the Center "Cooperation for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan" (CSD), held an emergency preparedness training on November 12 for students at the D.A. Kunaev College in Talgar, Kazakhstan. This event marked an important step in preparing local youth to face natural hazards specific to the region.
Talgar: a region prone to natural hazards
The Talgar district in Kazakhstan is recognized as a high-risk area due to the unique natural characteristics of the Talgar River Basin. Nestled at the base of the Ile Alatau mountains, this region is marked by rugged terrain and elevations ranging from 3,000 to 3,700 meters. It is home to 22 glacial lakes, seven of which are classified as high-risk for potential outbursts. Additionally, the area is susceptible to landslides, flooding, and seismic activity — all factors that pose significant threats to surrounding communities and critical infrastructure.
Training Highlights
More than 50 high school students attended the training, where they learned about different types of emergencies and essential protection measures. The session was led by Dr. Ainur Musina, an Associate Professor in Geography at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, who provided a comprehensive overview of the types of natural disasters common in Kazakhstan and essential disaster preparedness principles.
Special attention was given to local risks, presented by Erkebulan Tergeusizov, Chief Specialist of the Talgar District Emergency Situations Department. He detailed specific hazards in the Talgar region and explained the correct responses for various emergencies, providing students with handouts on what actions to take in each scenario.
Emergency kits and first aid training
The training also featured hands-on exercises: students assembled emergency kits containing essential supplies for evacuation and practiced first aid skills. Roman Churilov, a coordinator from the Department of Public Health’s First Aid Division of the , taught the students basic first aid principles, including CPR — a critical skill in emergencies.
Participants learned about the missions of UNESCO and UNICEF and how these organizations contribute to disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. This event prepared students to handle emergencies and deepened their understanding of global efforts to protect at-risk communities.
