Associate professor Iskakova Aliya has had formal training in history and some experience in sociological research; academically, she is a doctoral graduate of Abai Kazakh National University, where she studied philosophy and education. Iskakova A.O. worked as a researcher in assessing the vulnerability of nomadic pastoralists’ livelihoods to climate change in the Zhetysu region, Kazakhstan, in accordance with the Environmental Code of Kazakhstan. Her work and research experience in Kazakhstan sets her up as an ideal candidate to support sustainable development activities in this landlocked region.