Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum initiated by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan began its work today in Astana.
“The world is witnessing extraordinary economic development, technological improvements and growing geopolitical significance of Asia. The “Asian century” is already underway. Central Asia is regaining its former greatness. The region has both opportunities and challenges that require our close attention. Asia’s future will impact the world’s future,” – said Director of KazISS Yerkin Tukumov, opening the event and welcoming guests of the forum.
According to him, this meeting provides a unique opportunity to discuss topical issues on the agenda of Asian countries and Kazakhstan in particular. The peculiarity of the forum is its broad expert representation. It is a platform for dialogue between “think tanks” of the Asian continent, working closely with decision-making centers, which determines the purely practical orientation of the forum.
The forum has brought together leading experts and intellectuals from 25 countries. According to the head of KazISS, they gathered with one goal: to contribute to the deepening of regional cooperation, exchange information and ideas on the transformation of the world order, and jointly seek new solutions to Asia’s most serious security problems.
Yerkin Tukumov, Director of KazISS, spoke at the panel session “Asia in the Era of Globalization and Regionalization: a vision of the Future”. “It is in Kazakhstan’s interests to create a solid foundation for peace and stability in Asia. Kazakhstan is firmly committed to peace, cooperation and justice. Today, in the midst of growing turbulence, Kazakhstan sees its task as the development of broad cooperation between countries. A multi-vector policy, non-involvement in international conflicts and focusing primarily on resolving domestic issues and strengthening statehood remain relevant. Political and economic reforms in Kazakhstan, carried out by President K. Tokayev, are aimed at this,” – said the head of KazISS.
Important priorities for Kazakhstan are stability and development of Central Asia. “In terms of the revolution of mentality, the Central Asian region, we can safely say – it is already a completely different region than it was 30 years ago. The speed of change is staggering. Moreover, the population has gotten younger. Whereas in 1990 the average age was 34, now it is 28.7. Young citizens are distinguished by their national identity and at the same time openness to everything new, including new technologies,” – he said.
In general, according to Y. Tukumov, the countries of Central Asia have yet to find their formula for success between economic progress, active social policy, effective government and the development of a strong civil society.
