PRESS RELEASE

3rd Think Tank Forum
“Central Asia and the Republic of Korea”

 

24–25 June 2026,

Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan

 

On 24–25 June 2026, the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Korea–Central Asia Cooperation Forum, will hold the 3rd Think Tank Forum
“Central Asia and the Republic of Korea”.

The forum will bring together leaders and representatives of leading think tanks and research institutions, members of the expert community, international organizations and foundations, as well as staff of diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Tajikistan.

The main goal of the event is to deepen strategic dialogue and expand multilateral cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea.

The Forum is especially important ahead of the Korea–Central Asia Summit, which is scheduled for September 2026 with the participation of presidents.

In this regard, the forum will serve as an important platform for discussing current issues of regional cooperation and developing practical recommendations that can make a significant contribution to shaping the agenda of the upcoming summit and intergovernmental consultations.

The 3rd Think Tank Forum is intended to be not only an academic platform for exchanging views, but also an effective mechanism for strategic policy dialogue that will allow to:

• define key priority areas of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea;
• align discussions at the think tank level with government policy directions;
• prepare a concise and practical final document to be submitted to the relevant ministries and agencies of the participating countries in advance of the summit.

The forum program includes four thematic sessions:

The first session, “Restructuring Global Geopolitics and the Foundations of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea Cooperation”, will focus on discussing priority areas of cooperation in the context of new geopolitical dynamics.

Participants will examine mutually beneficial partnership between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, identify key priorities and untapped potential for cooperation, discuss the development of research and analytical cooperation, strengthen dialogue on regional and international issues, and explore prospects for building effective mechanisms of multilateral partnership.

The second session, “Building Mutually Beneficial Economic Partnership between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea”, will focus on strengthening trade and economic, transport and communications, and water and environmental cooperation.

Special attention will be given to the exchange of best practices, identification of new areas of economic cooperation, development of proposals to deepen trade and economic ties, promotion of sustainable water management solutions, as well as the development of interregional and eco-tourism.

The third session, “Expanding Future-Oriented Cooperation between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea”, will cover digital transformation of the economy, introduction of modern technologies, attraction of investment in the green economy, development of renewable energy, and clean technologies.

Participants will also discuss support for small and medium-sized enterprises, development of green construction mechanisms, and promotion of a culture of proper solid waste management.

The fourth session, “Central Asia and the Republic of Korea: Strengthening People-to-People Exchanges”, will focus on the humanitarian dimension of cooperation.

The focus will be on developing educational and academic ties, student and research exchange programs, language learning, cooperation between think tanks and universities, cultural cooperation, youth initiatives, tourism, sports, arts, creative industries, and media.

Special attention will be given to the role of public diplomacy as an important bridge of cooperation between the regions.

The outcomes of the forum are expected to further strengthen partnership relations between the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, as well as to develop new practical approaches to mutually beneficial and long-term cooperation.

 

Press Service of the Center for Strategic

Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan