REGIONAL CONFERENCE “INTEGRATION OF CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES AMIDST CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL CHANGES: CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS”

On May 1, 2025, a regional conference titled “Integration of Central Asian Countries Amidst Contemporary Global Changes: Current State and Prospects” was held in Dushanbe. The event was organized by the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation with the Regional Office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for Central Asia.

The conference was attended by representatives of think tanks and academic institutions from Central Asian countries, leading domestic and international experts, as well as representatives of ministries and agencies of the Republic of Tajikistan. It was held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online participation.

The conference focused on in-depth analysis of the current state of regional cooperation and the development of practical approaches to strengthening integration processes amidst rapidly changing international circumstances. The discussions paid special attention to key challenges faced by Central Asian states, mechanisms for collective response, and prospects for deeper coordination in strategic areas such as security, sustainable development, digitalization, green economic transformation, and rational water resource management.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Khairiddin Usmonzoda – Director of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan; Mirzosharif Jalolov – Head of the Department of Strategic Research at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan; and André Algermissen – Regional Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for Central Asia.

In his opening speech, Director Khairiddin Usmonzoda noted that, in light of the evolving geopolitical environment, the development of Central Asia’s transport and logistics potential is gaining increasing importance. Accordingly, significant attention is now being paid in the region to the development of transport infrastructure and the reconstruction of railways, roads, and other modes of transport.

It was especially emphasized that Central Asian countries have the potential to produce affordable and reliable green energy and to develop critical minerals, making them important players in the global climate agenda.

The conference, in which this presentation was delivered, was held in anticipation of the upcoming international conference on glacier protection in Dushanbe. Also mentioned was the resolution adopted on April 25 at the 81st session of the UN ESCAP on the initiative of Tajikistan, aimed at strengthening cooperation on water resources and climate. These efforts demonstrate the growing importance of the region in global sustainability initiatives and highlight the value of expert engagement for advancing regional collaboration.

The speeches and presentations were delivered during three thematic sessions, where participants discussed key aspects of regional cooperation, including political coordination, security, and sustainable and environmentally oriented development.

The first session was devoted to the topic “The Role of Consultative Meetings of Heads of State in the Dynamics of Integration Processes in Central Asia.”

Speakers at this session included: Javlon Vakhabov – Director of the International Institute of Central Asia; Alua Zholdybalina – Deputy Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Shiri Shiriev – Director of the Center for Strategic Research of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Zhumabek Sarabekov – Acting Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics (Kazakhstan); Dyishenkul Kyzy Dinara – Deputy Director of the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives of the Kyrgyz Republic; and Rustam Haidarzoda – Director of the Institute for the Study of Problems of Asian and European Countries of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

Participants of the first session emphasized priority areas of intergovernmental cooperation, the dynamics of regional integration initiatives, and institutionalization of multilateral cooperation mechanisms. Particular focus was placed on the role of the Consultative Meetings of Heads of State in forming coordinated approaches to addressing pressing regional issues, including sustainable development, trade, transport, and water-energy security.

The second session was devoted to the topic “Strengthening Regional Security Capacity Amidst a Changing International Environment, Emerging Challenges, and Non-traditional Security Threats.”

Speakers included: Akramjon Nematov – First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Bermet Kanimetova – Head of the Department of International Relations and SDGs at the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic; Abdugani Mamadazimov – Ph.D. in Political Science, Associate Professor at the Department of Foreign Regional Studies, Faculty of International Relations, TSU; Sherali Rizoyon – Ph.D. in Political Science, Independent Researcher; Ruslan Izimov – Independent Expert; and Emil Juraev – Independent Expert.

Experts discussed current threats and risks to regional stability, including cross-border challenges, cyber threats, extremism, terrorism, and drug trafficking. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen coordination among regional countries, improve legal and institutional security mechanisms, and develop information exchange and joint programs to counter contemporary threats.

The third session focused on the topic “Development of Renewable Energy Sources in Central Asian Countries: Status, Opportunities, and Prospects.”

Speakers included: Lutfullo Saidmurodzoda – Head of the Department of Comparative Economic Studies at the Institute of Economics and Demography of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan; Barbara Janusz-Pawletta – Head of the Regional Office of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Central Asia; Rustam Rakhmatzod – Doctor of Economics, Professor; Dilshod Umarov – Director of the Tajik Scientific Research Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation under the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan; Anna Alshanskaya – Head of the Economic Policy Analysis Department of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Azamat Sulimanov – Head of Department at the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Zebuniso Muminzoda – Director of the Country Office of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia in the Republic of Tajikistan; and Dinara Ziganshina – Director of the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Coordination Water Commission of Central Asia.

The presentations focused on transitioning to an environmentally sustainable development model, the use of renewable energy sources, climate change adaptation, water resource protection, and glacier melt. Participants noted the need to intensify regional dialogue on water resource and glacier protection, as well as the importance of international cooperation in this area. National strategies and the prospects for international environmental collaboration were also discussed.

After the official part of the conference, participants were offered a cultural and sightseeing program. Delegation members visited “Istiqlol” Square – one of the symbols of the modern capital. They also toured the main attraction – the “Istiqlol Tower,” which featured an exhibition reflecting the richness of Tajik culture, including national clothing, handicrafts, musical instruments, works of art, and a symbolic throne of Ismaili Somoni. The cultural component underscored the importance of the humanitarian dimension of regional cooperation and the need to strengthen intercultural dialogue.

The conference served as clear evidence of the growing political will among Central Asian countries to unite efforts in the face of shared challenges. Ongoing coordination within international structures such as the UN, SCO, CSTO, and BRICS reflects the maturity and strategic thinking of the region’s states.

Following the event, recommendations were formulated to enhance the effectiveness of regional cooperation, develop integration mechanisms, and implement joint initiatives in the areas of security, sustainable development, and environmental adaptation. Special attention was given to the role of science and think tanks as key partners in providing expert support to the region’s countries amidst global transformations.

Press Service of the Center for Strategic Research
under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan