Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 4 September 2024. The 4th CAREC Institute Annual Research Conference, titled “Rethinking Development Strategies: Green, Innovative, and Inclusive Development for the CAREC Region”, took place on August 29-30, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Co-organized by the CAREC Institute and the China & Central Asia Studies Center at KIMEP University, with the support of the Asian Development Bank, this event gathered experts, policymakers, and researchers to address pressing issues of sustainable development in the region.
The conference commenced with an opening session featuring remarks from key figures, including Kabir Jurazoda, Director of the CAREC Institute, and other distinguished leaders from academia and international organizations. Johannes F. Linn, Non-resident Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution, delivered the keynote address, setting the tone for the in-depth discussions to follow.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the session on Green Initiatives - Climate and Environment, in which the paper on “Water Security in Central Asia: Adaptation Strategies for Climate Resilience” presented by Shakhboz Akhmedov, Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) and Head of the Centre for Sustainable Development. Developed jointly with Dr. Iskandar Abdullaev, Senior Associate Research Fellow at IAIS Centre for Sustainable Development, this research delves into the challenges posed by climate change to water security in Central Asia and proposes strategic recommendations for enhancing climate resilience through cross-border cooperation and innovative practices.
Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in a series of parallel sessions addressing topics such as renewable energy, climate resilience, trade connectivity, and inclusive economic growth. These sessions, moderated by experts in their respective fields, aimed to generate actionable insights and foster collaborations that will drive sustainable development in the CAREC region.
The conference also saw the launch of two major publications: the CAREC Institute’s 3rd Annual Research Conference Report and the ESCAP-CI Joint Report on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. These reports offer critical policy recommendations and are expected to influence future development strategies across CAREC member countries.
This annual research conference represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders to reimagine development strategies that prioritize environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and social inclusivity, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for the CAREC region.
