MANAGING GREEN TRANSITION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THE CASE OF CENTRAL ASIAN UNIVERSITIES

The study explores the readiness of Central Asian universities for the green transition, focusing on their capacity to manage the integration of green skills and sustainability practices. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive examination of the managerial challenges and opportunities faced by universities in this region as they align with global sustainability goals. The study aims to assess the management of adopting green practices in Central Asian universities and the development of green skills among students. A qualitative research methodology, combining content analysis and in-depth interviews with 22 experts from 11 universities across Central Asia, was employed to evaluate how higher education institutions are managing the integration of green practices. The findings reveal a mixed picture, with some universities incorporating green economy concepts into their curricula, while others face significant financial and regulatory barriers. Key themes such as policy integration, campus greening, the role of green skills in preparing students for the labour market, and the societal impact of these initiatives were identified. The study concludes that, although some progress has been achieved, Central Asian universities require better management strategies and external support to fully align with green transition goals.