nCa Analysis The pith of the recent inter-regional and intra-regional formats of partnership in Central Asia is simply impressive. While it contributes solidly to the space for peace and progress, it also creates bulwarks against any negative influences of the prevailing geopolitical situations from spilling over into the region. In the past few days, the […]
IMF cautiously upbeat on economies of Caucasus and Central Asia
“Resilience in the global economy and easing global inflationary pressures are positive developments for economies in the Middle East and Central Asia. Overall growth is projected to strengthen to 2.8 percent in 2024 (from 2.0 percent in 2023) and 4.2 percent in 2025,” says the opening paragraph of the executive summary of the IMF Report […]
UNODC, CASC Network and CARICC co-organize a Regional Training on Investigation of Cybercrime Cases in Central Asia for prosecutors from the region
From 16 to 19 April, UNODC and the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) co-organized a Regional Training on Investigation of Cybercrime Cases for prosecutors from Central Asia, with the participation of experts from the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus (CASC). During the four-day training hosted at the CARICC […]
Kazakhstan and Japan share experience: Seminar for the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus on earthquake risk reduction
From 16 to 19 April this year, Almaty is hosting a seminar organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development «KazAID», the Kazakh Research Institute of Construction and Architecture and the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction. Japan, being one of the most seismically […]
2nd Ministerial Meeting of the “GCC + Central Asia” Strategic Dialogue adopted a Joint Statement – Samarkand to host the Dialogue’s next Summit
On 15 April 2024, Tashkent, hosted the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue “Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf – Central Asia” (GCC + Central Asia), chaired by the foreign minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. The forum was attended by: Bahrain – Foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani Kazakhstan – Deputy […]
EU empowers Central Asian educators with innovative learning tool
From 15 to 19 April, over 250 educators will participate in a week of training events organised by the European Union (EU) in Astana, Kazakhstan. The training, targeting trainers from five countries, will introduce participants to SCAFFOLD, an EU-developed deck of cards designed to assist educators in creating effective learning activities. Special attention will be […]
ПРООН и партнеры организовали Региональный семинар по водной дипломатии для укрепления сотрудничества в области устойчивого управления водными ресурсами в Центральной Азии
Ашхабад, 11 апреля 2024 года: ПРООН в Туркменистане совместно с Международным фондом спасения Арала (МФСА) в Центральной Азии и Научно-информационным центром Межгосударственной комиссии по устойчивому развитию (НИЦ МКУР) организовали Региональный семинар по водной дипломатии. Семинар был проведен 9 апреля 2024 г. в здании ООН в Ашхабаде. Мероприятие было организовано в рамках Проекта «Сохранение и устойчивое […]
UNDP and partners held a Regional seminar on water diplomacy to strengthen cooperation for sustainable water management in Central Asia
Ashgabat, April 11, 2024: UNDP in Turkmenistan, together with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Central Asia and the Scientific Information Centre of the Interstate Commission for Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD), organized a regional seminar on water diplomacy. The seminar was held on April 9 in the UN building in Ashgabat. The event […]
The population of Central Asia is nearly 81 million. By 2050, it would be 100 million
The population of Central Asia is currently in excess of 80.8 million. There has been an average growth of one million during the past ten years. The experts estimate that by 2050, the population of Central Asia would exceed 100 million. Central Asia – Population Country Population (million) Per square km density Average age Literacy […]
EVENT – Unveiling a Sustainable Future: 3rd CAREC Climate Policy Dialogue
The CAREC Institute is proud to announce the upcoming 3rd CAREC Climate Policy Dialogue, scheduled to take place on April 25, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Beijing Time. This pivotal event will bring together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change in Central Asia. Amidst rising temperatures […]
Restructuring of foreign office of Türkiye – new general directorate of OTS and Central Asia created
Under a decree issued by President Erdogan on 6 April 2024, the government of Türkiye has restructured its foreign office. In order to strengthen ties with the Organization of Turkic States, a Central Asia and the Organization of Turkic States General Directorate has been set up. The other changes include: The America and Latin American […]
UNODC enhances the capacities of Central Asian border and migration services officers in authenticating travel documents
From 11 to 13 March, UNODC organized a regional training on verification of the authenticity of travel documents in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, for 27 mid- and senior-level officers from Central Asian border and migration services officers. The training aimed to equip the officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively tackle challenges encountered during document […]
Turkmenistan Discusses Transport Links with Europe at Connecting Europe Days
The consultations focused on transport connections between Europe and Central Asia were held in Brussels on the sidelines of the Connecting Europe Days 2024 event (2-5 April 2024), the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium reports. The meeting was attended by the head of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations and Logistics of the Agency of […]
Arkadag Berdimuhamedov is on an official visit to Tajikistan – Turkmenistan and Tajikistan outline promising areas of cooperation
On 4-5 April 2024, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan. On the first day of the visit, Berdimuhamedov met with President Emomali Rahmon, as well as with Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli (Parliament) of Tajikistan […]
Pakistan Breaks Ground on Central Asian Trade with First Direct Shipment to Tajikistan
Recently, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) of Pakistan carried out the first direct delivery of cargo to Tajikistan. A batch of Pakistani potatoes travelled 1,400 km in just 7 days, reaching Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, via a China-routed path bypassing Afghanistan. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the first direct shipment of cargo […]
New research reveals that chickens were widely raised across southern Central Asia from 400 BCE
An eggshell fragment from the site of Bash Tepa, representing one of the earliest pieces of evidence for chickens on the Silk Road. Credit: Robert Spengler Chickens are one of the most economically important animals in the world today. However, the story of their origins and dispersal across the ancient world is still poorly understood. […]
Young people help to ensure access to sufficient amounts of clean water in Central Asia
Climate change has already irreversibly changed the lives of everyone all around the globe, with children bearing the heaviest burden. Concerned about water shortages, air pollution and increased heat waves, children and young people in Central Asia are taking measures to protect their future. Saving water at school Fifth graders from the city of Shchuchinsk […]
Central Asia is a home for over 530 species of birds
April 1 is International Bird Day. More than 530 species of birds live in the countries of Central Asia. More than 200 species are listed in the Red Books of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Among them are the white-eyed duck, the common flamingo, and the black stork, living in the valleys of large […]
Kazakhstan Hosts Digitalization Training for Central Asian Civil Servants
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is partnering with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer the Dostyk Digitalization program. This initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, KazAID reports. From 1 to 5 April 2024, in Astana, 20 civil servants will participate in […]
Turkmen Railways had a meeting with the Ambassador of Tajikistan
The Railway Agency of Turkmenistan (“Turkmendemiryollary”) hosted a meeting on 30 March 2024, with Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Vafo Niyatbekzoda. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in the field of railway transport. In particular, special attention was paid to increasing the volume of freight […]
Kazakhstan handed over the chairmanship of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development to Tajikistan
On 28 March 2024, Kazakhstan hosted a meeting of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) in Astana, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Representatives from the environmental ministries of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) attended the meeting. Additionally, representatives from the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (RECCA), […]
CIS Border Chiefs met in Uzbekistan to address Central Asian security challenges
On 28 March 2024, Khiva, Uzbekistan hosted the 8th regional meeting of heads of border agencies from CIS member states, according to the CIS Executive Committee. The event was attended by delegations of the border agencies of Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Coordination Service of the Council of Commanders of […]
Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan met with the head of the parliamentary Turkmen-Kazakh friendship group
Ambassador of Turkmenistan Batyr Rejepov met with the Head of the parliamentary Turkmen-Kazakh friendship group, member of the Committee of the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan on International Affairs, Defense and Security Izmukhambetov Baktykozha. During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of important issues on deepening Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation through the parliaments of the […]
China and Central Asian countries to launch the secretariat of the joint cooperation mechanism
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will launch the secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism. The ceremony will take place on 30 March in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. This was stated at a press conference on 29 March by Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian. Four years ago, China and the five Central Asian countries jointly […]
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeks to foster cooperation with Turkmenistan
The recent visit by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Ashgabat explored opportunities for cooperation with Turkmenistan, according to the US Embassy. The CDC delegation was led by Dr. Alexander Millman, Program Director for the Division of Global Health Protection in Central Asia and included meetings with representatives from the Ministry […]
EU Horizon Europe program opens up new opportunities for scientists and researchers in Central Asia
The EU Horizon Europe program offers funding for organizations from Central Asian countries for research and innovation projects. What is Horizon Europe? Horizon Europe is the European Union’s 9th research and innovation (R&I) framework programme with the biggest budget ever – EUR 95.5 billion. The programme duration is 2021-2027. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens […]
EDB Report: Infrastructure in Eurasia: short-term and medium-term trends
The Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) latest report titled Infrastructure in Eurasia: Short-Term and Medium-Term Trends highlights ten significant trends in the region’s energy, transportation, logistics, water supply and telecommunications sectors. Through meticulous monitoring, the EDB has identified ten important short- and medium-term investment and institutional trends affecting Eurasia’s infrastructure. These trends hold practical value and […]
Первый в истории бизнес-диалог Центральная Азия – США «B5+1» завершился принятием рекомендаций по экономической интеграции в ЦА
Форум B5+1, государственно-частный бизнес диалог для Центральной Азии и Соединенных Штатов, состоявшийся на прошлой неделе в Алматы, Казахстан, завершился принятием конкретных рекомендаций по ускорению региональной интеграции и экономического развития Центральной Азии, говорится в заявлении Центра международного частного предпринимательства (CIPE), который провел форум. В дополнение к странам С5+1 (Казахстан, Кыргызстан, Таджикистан, Туркменистан и Узбекистан плюс Соединенные […]
Inaugural B5+1 Forum adopted recommendations for Economic Integration in Central Asia
The B5+1 Forum, a public-private business dialogue platform for Central Asia and the United States, held last week in Almaty, Kazakhstan, announced a series of concrete recommendations to accelerate Central Asia’s regional integration and economic development, according to the statement of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), who led the forum. In addition […]
Almaty Hosts First B5+1 Forum: U.S. and Central Asia Strengthen Business Ties
The inaugural B5+1 Forum kicked off on 14 March 2024 in Almaty, bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors of the United States and Central Asia. Over 200 experts and investors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the U.S. are participating in the forum. The goal is to foster stronger collaboration and […]
Central Asian countries are building new transport corridors and changing logistics
Serikbol Koshmaganbetov Geopolitical turbulence in the world is radically changing the infrastructure of transport flows in Central Asia. Asian countries are eager to send their cargo to Europe via the historic Great Silk Road. What is the current development of cargo transportation logistics in Central Asian countries, read the material of the correspondent of Kazinform […]
A Dialogue on “Central Asian Connectivity Project Pipeline” between IsDB-AIIB-MCDF and Regional Countries
On 11-12 March 2024, the Regional Dialogue on Central Asian Connectivity (CAC) Project Pipeline has convened in Istanbul, Turkiye, to facilitate a stakeholder dialogue aimed at identifying and assessing cross-border connectivity projects in Central Asia. Organized jointly by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Multilateral Cooperation Center for […]
UNODC conducts training in Ashgabat for border and migration officers from Central Asia
On 11 – 13 March, UNODC – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is conducting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, a regional training on verification of the authenticity of travel documents for 27 mid- and senior-level officers from the border and migration services of Central Asian countries. At the training sessions, participants learn about the new […]
USA-Central Asia Business Dialogue to be held in Almaty
The inaugural business dialogue in the USA-Central Asia format (B5+1 Forum) will take place on 13-15 March 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. B5+1 was initiated as part of a larger program called “Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia” (IBECA), which is administered by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) – an affiliate of the […]
Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Austria discussed the current situation in Afghanistan
On 11 March 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna. The Austrian Foreign Ministry’s press release notes: “The situation in Afghanistan, especially with regard to the fight against terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration, was the focus of today’s […]
Amudarya is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six countries
nCa Report Amudarya, the most famous river of Central Asia, is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six, possibly seven countries. Amudarya is usually written as Amudarya River, which is superfluous because ‘darya’ in Amudarya means river. This river has always caught the imagination of the travellers and authors. […]
Italian Senator Urges Businesses to Focus on Central Asia’s Potential
The Italian Senate recently hosted a conference on the “Middle Corridor: safe transit route between Italy, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia”, according to Uzbekistan news outlet “Dunyo”. The event, organized by the Italian Institute for Asia (ISIA), brought together Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Edmondo Cirielli, heads of diplomatic missions of […]
UK Foreign Secretary plans to visit Central Asia
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron is going to visit Central Asia, as evident from his recent statement at the parliament. During the parliament debates on foreign affairs, he said: “…Central Asia is one of those networks in which we want to do better. I am planning a visit there. I will be holding a round table […]
South Korea, Central Asia Launch Civil Service Cooperation Network
On 7 March 2024, South Korea’s Minister of Personnel Management, Kim Seung Ho, met with heads of Central Asian diplomatic missions in Seoul. The meeting marked the launch of the South Korea-Central Asia Civil Service Network, a framework for cooperation in improving civil service systems, according to the Korea ministry of personal management. The meeting […]
UNRCCA Launches 2024 Preventive Diplomacy Academy for the New Cohort of Young Leaders from Central Asia and Afghanistan
On March 5, the first session was held for students of the UNRCCA (UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia) Preventive Diplomacy Academy from the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan in online format. As a result of the competition, forty-eight participants aged 19 to 29 were selected among university students and graduates […]
OSCE-Central Asian Meeting in Ashgabat Paves Way for Stronger Climate Action
On 4 March 2024, Ashgabat hosted a forum of the OSCE and Ministers of Environmental Protection of Central Asian countries on issues related to climate change and sustainable development. OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid commented on the outcomes of the meeting in an interview with the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper. Here are the key points mentioned […]
OSCE and Central Asia held a meeting in Ashgabat on regional cooperation in the field of ecology
On 4 March 2024, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Central Asian environment ministers convened in Ashgabat to discuss regional ecological cooperation, according to TDH. OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid emphasized the meeting’s significance, highlighting its role in refocusing attention on contemporary environmental challenges. Schmid stressed that primary aspects of climate […]
OSCE Secretary General to visit Turkmenistan
OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will visit Turkmenistan from 4 to 6 March for meetings with the Ministers of Environment from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and with the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In Ashgabat, the Secretary General will engage with the high-level officials at a strategic […]
Central Asia is in pragmatic interaction with Afghanistan – Is the time now for world to recognize Taliban?
Tariq Saeedi In Central Asia, there is the unanimity among the regional countries to remain engaged with Afghanistan pragmatically. There are many reasons for it. Over a period of time, we talked to several diplomats and other officials from the regional countries. There were two questions we asked, though phrased differently each time: 1. Why […]
The UAE and Saudi Arabia Lead the Way on Central Asian Energy Pivot
As Central Asian states seek to diversify their economic partnerships, the UAE and Saudi Arabia double down on green investments in the region to bolster their energy transitions. Dania SaadiFeb 28, 2024 A view shows wind turbines near the village of Nura in the Almaty region, Kazakhstan, May 3, 2023. (REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev) Dania Saadi, Contributor Masdar, […]
UNRCCA participates in the Regional meeting on enhancing women’s participation in the peacebuilding processes in the Ferghana valley
On 27 February, 2024 United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) took part in the Regional Meeting on Enhancing Women’s Participation in the Peacebuilding Processes in Ferghana Valley. The Meeting was organized jointly by “For International Tolerance” Fund (Kyrgyzstan), “Istiqbolli Avlod” Socio-informational Centre (Uzbekistan), Scientific-technical Intelligence Association (Tajikistan), with a support […]
Central Asia – Regional Gas Landscape – Current Narrative
Elvira Kadyrova The gas landscape in Central Asia is complex and constantly evolving. The current situation relies on exports-imports of natural gas at least from three of the five countries in the region. What does the current gas landscape look like in this part of Eurasia and what agreements will determine gas relations in the […]
The Central Asia link
Anton Usov At the Second European Union (EU)-Central Asia Economic Forum at the end of May 2023, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) presented a study on sustainable transport connections between Central Asia and Europe. Funded by the European Commission, the study identified country-specific needs and measures to reduce transportation costs, increase operational […]
Central Asia Tackles Climate Risks in River Basins
On 20 February 2024, a regional seminar on “Climate risk assessment and capacity development” was held in Tashkent, dedicated to the launch of a major study on climate risk assessment for five river basins in Central Asia, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan reports. Based on the results of the […]
Kazakhstan is interested in building a prosperous and peaceful region and in the sustainable development of Central Asia, says Murat Nurtleu
Kazakhstan is interested in building a prosperous and peaceful region and in the sustainable development of the Central Asian countries, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu said at a meeting with Kaha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy […]