On July 18, 2024, an expert discussion on the topic “The Regionalization Process in Central Asia: Analyzing the Current State, Opportunities, and Prospects” was held at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty. The event was organized in anticipation of the VI Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State.
Representatives from research institutes, universities, and educational centers discussed issues related to security, potential challenges to regional cooperation, and the relationships of Central Asian countries with regional and global powers. Experts shared their perspectives on the current development of the region, regionalization processes, and cooperation among Central Asian countries, as well as joint programs and projects. They highlighted the importance of harmonious regional cooperation development, both at the political level and among civil society institutions, business structures, universities, and educational centers.
The discussion also addressed issues in the water-energy sector, the distribution of water from transboundary rivers, and environmental concerns related to climate change, transportation corridors, transit, growing energy resource deficits, demographic growth, and migration.
Participants emphasized the importance of research in these areas. Given Central Asia’s growing geopolitical role and economic potential, they agreed on the need to update scientific research on regionalization processes, which would be more effective with combined efforts from the expert community and analytical centers.
The expert forum brought together leading Kazakhstani specialists in international relations and regional studies, political scientists, and economists. From the Faculty of International Relations at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, participants included Dean L.F. Delvarova, Deputy Dean N.N. Sultanmuradov, Department Head G.S. Baikushikova, Professors K.I. Baizakov and F.T. Kukeiev, Acting Associate Professor A.A. Ermekbaev, and PhD doctoral candidates. From the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies at the Ministry of National Education of Kazakhstan, attendees included Center for Political Research Head A.M. Amrebaev, Senior Researcher R.Y. Izimov, Senior Researcher A.M. Muratbekova from the Eurasian Scientific Research Institute, and Senior Lecturer M.F. Shamilov from the Department of International Relations at the Ablai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages.
