Today, we have successfully held a Strategic Planning Workshop, bringing together faculty, researchers, and students for a dynamic and thought-provoking session led by Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov.

The workshop explored the vital importance of strategic foresight and planning in the fields of international relations and political science, particularly at a time when global complexities demand sharper vision and adaptability. Dr. Gafarov introduced key tools and methodologies — including scenario planning, trend analysis, and strategic roadmap development — that are essential for designing forward-looking institutional and policy frameworks.

Importantly, Dr. Gafarov underscored that strategic planning is not confined to grand strategies of statecraft or global governance. Rather, it is a versatile and universal approach that applies equally to organisations, research teams, and even individuals seeking to navigate uncertainty and set purposeful directions. Whether in diplomacy, academic research, or professional development, the ability to think strategically is becoming a crucial skill in today’s fast-evolving world.

The session concluded with reflections by Dr. Akram Umarov, First Vice-Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and Director of IAIS, who emphasised the value of integrating strategic and scenario planning more deeply into academic inquiry and institutional development.

“Strategic planning is not merely an administrative tool — it is an intellectual discipline. We must invest in studying these methodologies rigorously and systematically”, he noted.

The workshop marks another important step in our mission to equip the academic community with critical tools to better understand and shape the rapidly changing international environment. Further sessions in the Frontier Talks series will continue to focus on advanced skills, interdisciplinary dialogue, and institutional innovation.