Kazakhstan’s Youth-Led Eco-Movement Transforms a Digital Marathon into National Change
A youth-focused environmental campaign in Kazakhstan has grown from a small online event into a major national movement. Turaqty Jol began in 2020 as a digital marathon to teach children eco-friendly habits during the pandemic. By 2023, it had expanded into a full-scale eco-campaign with thousands of participants across the country.
The initiative first launched as an online ecological marathon in 2020. Its success led to a rebranding in 2023, transforming it into Turaqty Jol—a nationwide social eco-campaign. That year, nearly 4,000 people took part, collecting around 10 tons of waste and planting roughly 400 saplings. The campaign kicked off on May 1, involving UNESCO Clubs, NGOs, and government partners.
In 2025, the programme introduced a new structure with three tracks: Innovation, Art, and Media. Nearly 3,000 submissions were received, with 100 finalists selected. Five winning teams in the Innovation category secured grants totalling 10 million tenge, the top prize being 4 million tenge. The winning projects are expected to be completed by August 2026. The expansion followed strong demand after the 2020 marathon mobilised thousands. By 2023, the movement had grown with support from NGOs and government bodies, organising clean-up drives and educational events nationwide.
Turaqty Jol has evolved from a pandemic-era online event into a key platform for youth innovation and environmental action. The 2025 edition added a Media category, broadening its reach. With grants awarded and projects underway, the campaign continues to push for sustainable change across Kazakhstan.
