Ministry-Funded Research Project
Fostering Ethical Leadership: Integrating ESG Practices in Kazakhstan through Abai's Philosophical Teachings
- Grant NumberAP26194873
- Funding Period2025–2027
- Principal InvestigatorProfessor Shumaila Yousafzai
- Funding BodyMinistry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Project Overview
Fostering Ethical Leadership is a three-year research project (2025–2027) exploring how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can be integrated into Kazakhstan's entrepreneurial landscape through the philosophical and ethical teachings of Abai Kunanbayev.
Led by Professor Shumaila Yousafzai at Nazarbayev University, the project brings together international sustainability standards and locally rooted cultural knowledge to develop an inclusive and ethically grounded approach to entrepreneurship education.
Through interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, entrepreneurship training, and impact evaluation, the project aims to advance responsible business practices, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurial opportunities across Kazakhstan.
A central outcome will be the development and evaluation of a culturally adapted ESG education model that integrates Abai's philosophy with international sustainability principles.
Led by Professor Shumaila Yousafzai at Nazarbayev University, the project brings together international sustainability standards and locally rooted cultural knowledge to develop an inclusive and ethically grounded approach to entrepreneurship education.
Through interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, entrepreneurship training, and impact evaluation, the project aims to advance responsible business practices, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurial opportunities across Kazakhstan.
A central outcome will be the development and evaluation of a culturally adapted ESG education model that integrates Abai's philosophy with international sustainability principles.
Research Objectives
Objective 1 – ESG Adoption and Responsible Business
Develop culturally relevant ESG education and training programmes that help entrepreneurs understand and implement sustainable and responsible business practices.
Objective 2 – Cultural Knowledge and Ethical Leadership
Investigate how Abai Kunanbayev's philosophical and ethical teachings can inform international ESG frameworks and contribute to ethical leadership and responsible entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan.
Objective 3 – Social Inclusion and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Promote equitable access to entrepreneurship education and strengthen the participation of underrepresented entrepreneurial communities in sustainable business development.
Research Approach
The project combines interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, entrepreneurship education, and impact assessment to develop and evaluate a culturally adapted ESG training model for Kazakhstan.
Together, these activities will contribute to a locally grounded ESG education framework and provide evidence for further research, educational development, and policy recommendations.
Together, these activities will contribute to a locally grounded ESG education framework and provide evidence for further research, educational development, and policy recommendations.
Its research approach includes:
- Literature and ESG Framework ReviewExamining international and Kazakhstan-specific ESG principles alongside Abai's philosophical teachings to identify opportunities for integrating global sustainability standards with local ethical values.
- Participatory ResearchEngaging entrepreneurs and stakeholders through consultations and research activities to understand their experiences, challenges, and training needs.
- Educational Programme DevelopmentDesigning, piloting, and refining an ESG training programme that integrates ethical leadership, sustainability, and inclusive entrepreneurship.
- Training and Capacity BuildingImplementing entrepreneurship education activities and developing a train-the-trainer approach to support the wider dissemination of ESG knowledge.
- Impact AssessmentCollecting and analysing research data to evaluate the educational model, participant experiences, and opportunities for improvement.
Research Publications
Additional publications will be added as they become available.
Beyond survival: tracing the processual arc of well-being among disabled entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan
Shumaila Yousafzai, Rana Zayadin, Aigerim Tarbagataeva, Mohammad Habib Abdullah
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 32(5), 1308–1332 (2026)
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 32(5), 1308–1332 (2026)
Drawing on 31 in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs with disabilities in Kazakhstan, this study examines how individuals navigate structural barriers while negotiating their well-being, identities, and entrepreneurial aspirations.
The article introduces the concept of entrepreneurial well-being negotiation, demonstrating that entrepreneurial well-being is an evolving process shaped by the interaction between empowerment, economic uncertainty, personal agency, and structural constraints.
The findings contribute to understanding inclusive entrepreneurship and highlight the importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems that support both business development and the well-being of entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Read Publication The article introduces the concept of entrepreneurial well-being negotiation, demonstrating that entrepreneurial well-being is an evolving process shaped by the interaction between empowerment, economic uncertainty, personal agency, and structural constraints.
The findings contribute to understanding inclusive entrepreneurship and highlight the importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems that support both business development and the well-being of entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Project Activities & Timeline
- 2025Research Development and Initial Training
The first phase focuses on establishing the research framework, reviewing ESG standards and Abai's philosophical teachings, engaging stakeholders, and developing the educational programme.
Planned activities include stakeholder consultations, participant recruitment, piloting the ESG training programme with 100 participants in Almaty and Astana, and delivering further training to 400 participants. - 2026Research Evaluation and Capacity Building
The second phase focuses on analysing research data, refining the educational programme, evaluating the training approach, and strengthening capacity building through a train-the-trainer model.
Activities also include academic research, longitudinal data collection, conference presentations, and preparation of scholarly publications. - 2027Participatory Research and Knowledge Dissemination
The final phase focuses on participatory research, entrepreneurial case studies, comprehensive impact assessment, and the dissemination of research findings.
Planned activities include interviews with 50 entrepreneurs, the preparation of educational and research publications, policy recommendations, and a final project report.
Training Highlights
Moments from the Tolyq Adam ESG master trainings with entrepreneurs.
Project Activities & Outputs
The project combines research, stakeholder engagement, ESG education, and participatory approaches to develop locally relevant models of sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurship. Its outputs aim to connect academic knowledge with practical business applications and policy development.
Expected Project Outputs
Expected Project Outputs
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ESG Training ProgrammeA culturally adapted educational programme integrating international ESG principles with Abai's philosophical teachings, supported by practical learning materials. Explore the Tolyq Adam training → -
Train-the-Trainer ModelAn educational approach that equips trainers and educators to disseminate ESG knowledge and promote responsible entrepreneurship. -
Entrepreneurial Case StudiesResearch-based narratives documenting entrepreneurial experiences, practical challenges, and opportunities for implementing sustainable and inclusive business practices. -
Academic Publications and Educational ResourcesPeer-reviewed academic articles, educational materials, a planned illustrated book, and other scholarly outputs communicating the project's research findings. See Research Publications → -
Policy RecommendationsEvidence-informed recommendations for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and institutional stakeholders on ESG implementation, ethical leadership, and sustainable business development. -
Impact Assessment and ReportingResearch findings and evaluation reports assessing the effectiveness of educational activities and identifying opportunities for further improvement.
Research Team
Principal Investigator
Prof. Shumaila Yousafzai — Nazarbayev University
View on NU Research Portal Prof. Shumaila Yousafzai — Nazarbayev University