On June 14, Astana hosted the 7th Central Asian Expert Forum “Central Asia: The Gravity of Trust”, organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event brought together leaders, experts, and specialists of strategic institutes, research institutions, and foreign policy departments of the Central Asian states.

Speaking at the Forum, the Department Head at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS) Azamat Sulimanov noted that youth is a key factor in fully realizing the region’s potential and forming its subjectivity and integrity.

According to estimates, Central Asia is currently one of the youngest regions in terms of age composition. It makes up about 60% of the population of the region’s countries, which significantly exceeds the world average, and its average age is 28.

According to the ISRS representative, youth is becoming a strategic resource that determines the development of the state and the prospects for regional cooperation.

“Our youth have a powerful intellectual potential, similar views and aspirations. It is they who will have to determine the images and contours of our common future, take responsibility for the region’s sustainable development, and become the driver of economic growth”, the expert is convinced.

In his speech, A. Sulimanov outlined the importance of consolidating joint efforts in the following areas.

First. Human Capital Development.

As the expert noted, developing a common educational space and forming a single platform for scientific research activities that meet all modern requirements are of utmost importance in developing the potential of the young generation.

According to the expert, enhancing cooperation in education, mutual academic exchanges, training personnel in technical and engineering specialties, and mid-level management seems particularly relevant.

According to Mr. Sulimanov, training specialists in a new formation can become the supporting structure of mutually beneficial multilateral cooperation. It will give interaction additional stability and depth, facilitating the effective implementation of joint projects.

Second. Regional Identity Formation.

The ISRS representative emphasized the importance of instilling in young people a sense of belonging, cohesion, and awareness of shared responsibility for the region’s future, relying on the common cultural, historical, civilizational, and spiritual heritage.

An essential practical step in this direction could be the International Media Platform “History and Culture of Central Asia: One Past and Common Future”, which would involve scientists and representatives of the general public to form pan-regional content.

UzA