The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) cordially invites you to an online event taking place on December 15th at 4:00 pm CET, devoted to reforms and geopolitical shifts in Central Asia. 

The event will be moderated by CIRSD President Mr. Vuk Jeremić, featuring remarks by the following participants: 

1. Stefan Antić, Senior Research Fellow, CIRSD
2. Ambassador Bolat Nurgaliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Foreign Policy Research Institute under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
3. Mladen Mrdalj, Lecturer at Webster University in Tashkent

This informed discussion will take place against the backdrop of ongoing reforms of Kazakhstan’s political and economic system and Astana’s ambition to position itself as the beacon of security and development in Central Asia. 

In a world in which peace and stability alone can no longer be taken for granted, many countries have set their sights on basic commodities and energy. Through such tumultuous times, fortune will favor not only those with enough natural resources to make the best of a bad situation, but those capable of adapting in order to set global trends and lead by example. 

Of the world’s likely candidates to successfully complete this process, the Central Asian region is a clear frontrunner. In order to build on the transport connectivity between East and West today, one cannot avoid the Middle Corridor—a route that so centrally traverses Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s economic and geopolitical centerpiece. Kazakhstan’s vast natural resources also hold a key to the diversification of supply not only for East and South Asia, but Europe as well. Ensuring safe market access for such resources and commodities has never been more critical. To complement these efforts, preserving the region as a pillar of investment and security becomes equally important. 

This event will thus aim to inform the public about the opportunities arising from the efforts of Kazakhstan and neighboring Central Asian nations at systemic reform. Taking the audience on a journey from what prompted the region to initiate social, economic, and political reforms through the trajectory of progress that has been made since, the event will provide insight into what Central Asian governments are doing to improve their respective economic climates and create a thriving lolitical environment. Finally, the discussion will outline what challenges still lie ahead for Central Asia in the political, security, and economic realms—providing a platform for informed exchange on how to overcome them. 

Please note that registration for this event is mandatory! If you wish to participate please send your name, surname and current occupation to the following email address: [email protected]

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