Dr. Begench Karayev Everything we see is only one appearance. Far from the surface of the world to the bottom. Consider the obvious in the world to be unimportant, For the secret essence of things is not visible. Omar Khayyam Whenever you trust words, And the truth that is known by the heart, Let the heart light up from the truth, There would … [Read more...]
ADB approved Project for Agricultural Development and Food Security in the Central Asia
Recently the Asian Development Bank approved technical assistance project titled “Resilient and Inclusive Agricultural Development and Food Security in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation”. The project’s covers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The CAREC member countries face … [Read more...]
From Droughts to Floods: Adapting Central Asia’s Transport to a Changing Climate
Over the next decades, the effects of climate change will likely exert considerable pressure on the transport infrastructure of Central Asia. In response, policymakers and the engineering community need to implement resilient yet sustainable designs and construction solutions. Manual for Climate Change Adaptation Measures for Transport Infrastructure in Central Asia, developed … [Read more...]
PetroChina mulls construction of Line D of Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline in 2024
PetroChina is looking to start building the Line D of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline in 2024. This was reported on 21 December 2023 by S&P Global, in an article penned by their analyst, Cindy Liang. It is understood that the negotiations between Turkmenistan and China are in an active stage, with both sides expecting to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. According … [Read more...]
EDB: mutual direct investments among Central Asian countries grow at 9.2% per year on average over the past seven years
The volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Central Asia is estimated at US$ 1.1 billion by the end of the H1 2023, marking a 1.8-fold increase from 2016. This is stated in the report of the Eurasian Development Bank "EDB Monitoring of Mutual Investments 2023". EDB analysts note that by mid-2023, the volume of FDI from Eurasian countries reached US$48.8 billion, … [Read more...]
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on combating environmental problems in Central Asia
In a crucial step towards tackling the region's mounting environmental concerns, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution titled “Central Asia facing environmental challenges: fostering regional solidarity for sustainable development and prosperity”. This document, spearheaded by Uzbekistan alongside numerous countries, marks a vital recognition of the dire … [Read more...]
Russia aims to strengthen partnership, alliance and good neighborliness with Central Asia
Russia sees its main task as pursuing a balanced policy aimed at strengthening partnership, alliance and good-neighborliness, and preserving its role as a key partner of the Central Asian states. The statement came from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin during his remarks at parliament’s meeting devoted to the geopolitical importance of the Central Asian region … [Read more...]
Role of women in organized crime in focus at OSCE workshop for law enforcement bodies in Central Asia
On 18 and 19 December, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, organized a regional workshop to present and discuss the findings of the OSCE assessment report on ‘Understanding the role of women in organized crime’ in the context of Central Asia. The workshop was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event … [Read more...]
Weaving a Brighter Future: Women Artisans of Central Asia Unveiled
The "Women Artisans of Central Asia: A Lookbook Journey," a new publication launched by USAID features the exceptional work of 50 women artisans from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, each piece a testament to their vibrant cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. The Lookbook offers a gateway to amazing variety of hand-woven … [Read more...]
Experts from EU and CA exchanging views regarding drug situation
On December 13 in Brussels, Belgium, the EU-Central Asia Drug Dialogue has been conducted under the chairmanship of Spain – regular annual dialogue aiming to strengthen international cooperation, exchange views and support the proper development of drug policies. CADAP supported the participation in the Dialogue of delegations from all 5 Central Asian countries among the … [Read more...]
Turkmen experts took part in the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Strategic Dialogue
Turkmen experts took part in the International Forum entitled "Strategic Dialogue Central Asia–Republic of Korea: Prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation", which was recently held in a hybrid format in Uzbekistan. The participants of the meeting from Turkmenistan, Chief Researcher Orazmukhammet Annabayev and researcher Dovletmurad Mammedov from the Scientific Center for … [Read more...]
Asian Development Bank slightly raises its 2023 forecast for economies of Caucasus and Central Asia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has slightly raised its economic forecast for economies in Caucasus and Central Asia 2023. The upward revision reflects an improved outlook for Kazakhstan and Tajikistan for 2023. The growth forecasts for the Caucasus and Central Asia are revised up to 4.8% for 2023 from September’s 4.6% projection and down to 4.6% from 4.7% for 2024, according … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Consolidation opens New Era of Cooperation with South Korea
On 12 December, Tashkent hosted the third cultural and strategic forum, "The Korean Peninsula and the North: a joint journey to Uzbekistan," welcoming a prominent delegation from South Korea and ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkiye. Launched by Seoul in 2021, the forum aims to foster understanding and collaboration … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Supports Turkmenistan’s Efforts to Strengthen Peace and Stability
Kazakhstan has expressed its strong support for Turkmenistan's efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the Central Asian region. During a meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, held in Ashgabat, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakayev, lauded Turkmenistan's positive neutrality as a key … [Read more...]
EBRD launches Youth in Business programme in Central Asia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is addressing the issue of youth entrepreneurship and employment in Central Asia by launching a seven-year €200 million (US$ 218 million) Youth in Business programme. It is designed to provide better access to finance and relevant training to young entrepreneurs in the region, where up to one third of the population is … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Concludes Chairmanship of Central Asian Women’s Dialogue with Conference on Countering Gender-Based Violence
Kazakhstan has successfully completed its chairmanship of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC), handing over the reins to Kyrgyzstan. To mark the culmination of Kazakhstan's chairmanship, an international conference titled "Countering Gender-Based Violence in the Region: In Search of Effective and Sustainable Joint Solutions" was held in Astana on 4 December. The … [Read more...]
Addressing Environmental Challenges Requires Collective Effort, Say Representatives of Foreign Ministries and Lawmakers from Central Asian countries
On 3 December 2023, the 10th meeting of representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Parliamentarians of Central Asian countries was held in Dubai (UAE) at the COP28 platform, Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia reports. The session's moderator and Center’s consultant, Ikrom Nazarov, outlined several tasks the countries have to solve. The first is … [Read more...]
Central Asia Unveils Regional Strategy to Tackle Climate Change
In a significant step towards addressing the escalating climate crisis, the Central Asian countries presented a comprehensive Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change at the UN Climate Summit in Dubai (COP 28). This strategy, unanimously approved by all Central Asian nations, marks a unified front against the region's growing vulnerability to climate change … [Read more...]
Environmental Solidarity: Central Asian Countries Unite to Address Shared Challenges
The governments of the Central Asian countries are determined to jointly solve environmental problems, which was demonstrated at the high-level meeting "Solidarity and Unity in the face of the challenges of the triple planetary crisis", organized on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai. According to the Regional Environmental Center of Central Asia, the meeting was attended by the … [Read more...]
The Central Asia Pavilion opens at COP28 in Dubai
On 1 December 2023, the grand opening of the Central Asia Pavilion at the 28th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP28) took place in Dubai, the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) reports. The pavilion launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Central Asian countries, development partners and representatives of civil society. Representative of … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosted OSCE-organized conference to discuss regional security in a globalized world
The Academy of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan in Tashkent hosted the V International scientific and theoretical conference on "The main trends in ensuring regional security in the context of globalization," as reported by the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan. The conference, organized in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), … [Read more...]
Why is COP 28 a landmark event for the future of Central Asian countries?
On 30 November 2023, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) started its work in the UAE, Dubai. At this global climate summit engaged almost all countries of the world, the states of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - will be presented as a single region … [Read more...]
Five Steps to Economic Resilience in the Caucasus and Central Asia
By Eugene Zhukov, Lyaziza Sabyrova, Roman Mogilevskii The ability of the economies of the Caucasus and Central Asia to effectively respond to external shocks critically depends on their cooperation in diversifying trade and transport routes. The right policies and development of the Middle Corridor is a key to success. In the last several years, the countries of the … [Read more...]
One Health Framework for Action Set to Enhance the Quality of Health Care Services Across Central Asia
Government officials of Central Asia gathered today at World Bank hosted regional conference to endorse the Central Asia One Health Framework for Action- a regional cooperation program designed to enhance the quality and productivity of health, agriculture, and environment sectors across the region. The framework serves as a strategic plan and investment structure, requiring … [Read more...]
Winners of the European Union Contests from Central Asia Study Latvian Experience in Energy Efficiency Promotion
Students, young researchers and professionals, as well as representatives of the most energy efficient schools from the countries of Central Asia (CA) are visiting Latvia for a week-long study tour “Promotion of Energy Efficiency – Latvian Experience”. Total 12 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are taking part in the event at the … [Read more...]
UNRCCA convened annual meeting with deputy foreign ministers of Central Asian states in Bishkek
The thirteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), took place in Bishkek on 27-28 November. The meeting brought together the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Taking into consideration … [Read more...]
Towards a shared vision for biodiversity conservation in Central Asia
Cooperation among Central Asia countries to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable management of natural resources is gaining momentum. The Regional Dialogue on Transboundary Conservation in Central Asia held 28-30 November 2023 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, makes a significant stride in advancing this shared agenda. The event is attended by government representatives from … [Read more...]
The inevitability of dialogue about peace or futility of new “Great Game” – Part One
Dr. Begench Karayev At the initiative of Turkmenistan and in accordance with resolution 77/32 of the United Nations General Assembly, 2023 was declared the “International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace.” The essence of this motto is reflected in the “New Agenda for Peace” of the UN Secretary-General. As you know, in his analytical note released on July 20, 2023, … [Read more...]
Gender aspects of border and security management in focus of OSCE regional workshop in Turkmenistan
An OSCE-organized regional workshop on gender mainstreaming in border management, held in a blended format, took place on 23 and 24 November 2023 in Ashgabat. The workshop brought together, online and in-person, officials from the five Central Asian countries’ border security and management agencies. The Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, a member of the Mejlis … [Read more...]
DARYA project – Central Asia and the EU sum up the progress in flagship project focused on youth and education
Education and Labour Deputy Ministers from Central Asia gathered for two-day meeting (23-24 Nov 2023) in Torino, Italy, for a high-level meeting of DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia), the first European Union’s regional project supporting education, youth employment and inclusive skills development in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
UNECE: SPECA States agree on a dedicated multi-partner trust fund and adopt a roadmap for digitalization of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor
Meeting for the first time since the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was created in 1998, the Heads of State and Government of SPECA participating States adopted the Baku Declaration. The declaration endorses a roadmap for the digitalization of multimodal data and document exchange along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and … [Read more...]
Summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia in Azerbaijan – Outcomes
nCa Report On 24 November 2023, the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the participating countries of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was held in Baku. The Summit was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali … [Read more...]
Strengthening cooperation between Central Europe and Central Asian states is a real European interest, Hungarian FM says
At the 18th session of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Governing Council in Baku, Peter Szijjarto emphasized Hungary's view of cooperation between East and West as an opportunity rather than a threat. He believes that Central Asia can serve as a crucial bridge between these regions. Hungary supports all moves boosting the … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan’s President Highlights Upcoming Inaugural Central Asia–Japan Summit
In a landmark move, Central Asian nations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will convene alongside Japan for the first-ever 5+1 summit in 2024, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the dialogue platform. The summit aims to foster deeper collaboration. This pivotal topic emerged during a meeting between President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan … [Read more...]
Central Asian Policymakers Examine Georgia’s Sustainable Energy Success and European Union’s Best Practices
A Delegation, comprised of 16 senior government officials and energy sector experts from the countries of Central Asia (CA), at the invitation of the European Union (EU), visited Georgia for a study tour on “Sustainable Energy in Practice: Georgia’s Success and EU Best Practices”. Organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”, … [Read more...]
ADB Appoints Yingming Yang as Vice-President for South, Central, and West Asia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Yingming Yang as Vice-President (South, Central, and West Asia) for a period of 3 years. He will be responsible for the management of the operations of ADB’s Central and West Asia Department and South Asia Department. Mr. Yang has over 30 years of experience in economic development, working on issues ranging from operations to … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries and Korea Launch Forum of Think Tanks
A roundtable of think tanks of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea was held in Seoul on 20 November 2023, the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan said in a press release. During the event, the participants discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia – Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum (CARK). Speaking at the event, Ambassador of … [Read more...]
Switzerland and Kazakhstan Collaborate on Water Projects for Central Asia
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is laying the groundwork for the second phase of the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) regional program, a collaborative initiative aimed at fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development through water cooperation among Central Asian nations. The Blue Peace Initiative seeks to promote water cooperation across … [Read more...]
Further strategic actions within the EU funded border management programme in Central Asia discussed in Tashkent
Funded by the European Union Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) held the third Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting. This event serves as a steering instrument of the programme, which defines and monitors the strategic direction of the programme implementation. RSG held in Tashkent on November 14 and gathered donor, an implementing consortium and regional … [Read more...]
Lavrov met with ambassadors of Central Asian countries
On 17 November 2023, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov met with the ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, accredited in Moscow, Russian foreign ministry reports. During the meeting, the sides evaluated Russia’s bilateral interaction with each Central Asian state, as well as within the framework of common international … [Read more...]
The EDB proposes ten practical steps to preserve irrigated land potential and support water conservation in Central Asia
In the summer of 2023, Central Asia was faced once again with water shortages and the significant impact these have on agriculture. The sector relies on irrigation, consuming up to 80% of available water, and has a poor track record with regard to the efficient use of water resources. The irrigation infrastructure is over 50 years old. More than half of all irrigated land has … [Read more...]
UNRCCA and EUSR Host The Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Visit to European Union Institutions In Brussels
BRUSSELS, Belgium - On 13-15 November UNRCCA and the office of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia (EUSR CA) jointly organized the visit of members of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) and civil society representatives from Central Asia to the Institutions of European Union in Brussels. The visit was organized within the framework of the … [Read more...]
2 billion tons of sand and dust, equal in weight to 350 Great Pyramids of Giza, enter the atmosphere every year – warn UN experts
The prevalence of sand and dust storms has intensified worldwide, with human activity contributing to over 25% of these occurrences, according to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Each year, an estimated 2 billion tons of sand and dust enter the atmosphere, a weight equivalent to 350 Great Pyramids of Giza. This alarming trend was highlighted during the … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Republic of Korea: significance for Kazakhstan
Bauyrzhan Auken, Senior Expert of the Department of Asian Studies, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies On November 1, 2023, the 16th Session of Foreign Ministers of the Cooperation Forum “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” took place in Ashgabat. The session was dedicated to the theme “Collaboration through the realization of the enormous potential of youth in shaping a … [Read more...]
Ambassadors of Central Asian countries to Austria visited Graz, the second largest Austrian city
On 8-9 November 2023, at the initiative of the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Austria Tolenda Makeev, the ambassadors of the Central Asian countries to Austria visited the capital of the Austrian Federal State of Styria (Steiermark) – the city of Graz, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reports. The visit was organized with the support of Stefan Düss, … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Hosts Meeting on CASCA+ Multimodal Transport Corridor Development
A three-day meeting of heads of railway departments from countries participating in the international multimodal transport corridor "Countries of the Asia-Pacific region-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Türkiye-Europe" (CASCA+) kicked off in Ashgabat on 15 November. Representatives from the public and private sectors of CASCA+ member countries … [Read more...]
UN Convention to Combat Desertification unveils latest data on land degradation in the world – Central Asia shows examples of effective tackling desertification
From 13-17 November 2023, Samarkand Uzbekistan hosts the twenty-first session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). At the opening of its first-ever meeting held in Central Asia, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) unveiled new data showing land degradation rapidly advancing in the region … [Read more...]
Central Asian Network on Statelessness prepares for GRF 2023
On 25-27 October 2023 the Central Asian Network on Statelessness (CANS) with support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, held its 7th annual meeting in UN Plaza, Almaty. As members of CANS, civil society organisations and academia from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan share best practices in the reduction and prevention of statelessness. … [Read more...]
UNDP together with partners hosted a training on developing an SDG Information Platform for Central Asian countries
Ashgabat, November 13, 2023: A workshop on establishing a Regional Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Information Platform for Central Asian countries was convened in Ashgabat on November 6-10, 2023. The initiative to create an SDG information dashboard is implemented with technical assistance from UNDP and the Economic Research Institute of the Ministry of National Economy … [Read more...]
Regional Conference Advances Implementation of United Nations Convention Against Corruption in Central Asia
On November 2, 2023, during the 20th anniversary of UNCAC, the heads and experts of the anti-corruption bodies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan gathered in Tashkent for the Conference on Fast Tracking the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption organized by UNODC ROCA. The intense negotiations led to the launch of … [Read more...]