The future of Central Asia discussed in Tashkent

Tashkent hosted the International Conference “Central Asia: A New Paradigm for Regional Development”, organized by the Diplomatic Academy at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in collaboration with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The conference was attended by representatives of diplomatic academies of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, diplomatic missions, the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, and experts from international and scientific organizations, including the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA).

The participants noted the strengthening of political trust and good neighborliness in Central Asia, as well as the growing role of regional cooperation in developing economic, transport, energy, and humanitarian ties.

The importance of consistently developing regional dialogue and expanding expert and academic exchanges was highlighted at the event. In this context, the Central Asian Expert Forum (Tashkent, 2025) and the Fergana Peace Forum were noted as platforms that contribute to building trust and practical cooperation in the region.

Issues of regional security, climate and water challenges, transport connectivity, and economic cooperation were discussed. The participants agreed that cross-border challenges require coordinated, long-term solutions.

Following the conference, the importance of strengthening cooperation among the academic, expert, and diplomatic communities and of continuing the regional dialogue in the interests of stability, trust, and sustainable development was emphasized.

The event became further evidence of the formation of a new paradigm for the region’s development – the transition from active regional cooperation to deep intellectual and institutional integration.

Aziza Alimova, UzA