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The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy is pleased to announce the THINK ROAD FORUM 2025 – an international conference on “Rethinking Sustainable Development in Central Asia in the Age of Emerging Regionalism”, to be held on 18–19 November 2025 at UWED (“B” building, Cinema Hall). The event is supported by a PRIM grant within the framework of The World bank’s MUNIS development project. Bringing together leading thinkers and practitioners from across the historic Silk Road region and beyond, the Forum is conceived as IAIS’s flagship annual platform for generating ideas, partnerships, and practical solutions for the future of Central Asia.
In a context of accelerating climate stress, geopolitical volatility and shifting economic geographies, Central Asia stands at a strategic crossroads. The Forum will explore how the region can leverage its vast natural resources, youthful societies, and pivotal location between major Eurasian markets to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable development model. Particular emphasis will be placed on how emerging forms of regionalism and cross-border co-operation can unlock shared opportunities rather than exacerbate competition and fragmentation.
Over two days, the THINK ROAD FORUM will convene senior policymakers, international and regional organizations, leading academics, private sector leaders, civil society representatives and youth voices in a highly interactive format. The program will feature opening remarks by H.E. Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, followed by keynote addresses and a sequence of thematic panel discussions, strategic conversations, and networking opportunities.
This year’s agenda is built around six interconnected thematic sessions that reflect the multidimensional nature of sustainable development in Central Asia. A first cluster of panels will address the geopolitical and security foundations of sustainability in the region, examining how the policies of major powers and the role of regional organizations shape Central Asia’s room for maneuver, and which strategies can help the region mitigate external pressures while preserving sovereign, multi-vector development choices.
A second set of discussions will focus on the economic pillars of sustainability – investment, trade, transport, and connectivity. Panelists will explore how Central Asia can better position itself within Eurasian economic corridors, attract long-term and responsible investment, and deepen regional economic integration while managing associated risks. Special attention will be paid to the role of financial centers, investment promotion agencies and regional initiatives in translating geopolitical positioning into tangible development gains.
The Forum will also dedicate substantial space to energy transition and climate resilience, including a session on the shift “From Fossil Fuels to Renewables” and another on regional climate adaptation and water resource management. These panels will examine practical pathways to accelerate clean energy deployment, strengthen energy security, and enhance co-operation on shared water basins such as the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Experts from leading international organizations and research institutions will discuss how to overcome political, technical and institutional barriers to effective transboundary water governance and low-carbon development.
Recognizing that sustainable development is not only about infrastructure and resources, program includes a dedicated session on the social dimensions of sustainability – education reforms, youth engagement, skills and social protection – with a focus on ensuring that vulnerable groups, including women, rural communities and people with disabilities, are not left behind. A final session will look ahead to the digital future, exploring how artificial intelligence and digital connectivity can be harnessed for sustainable development, while also addressing ethical dilemmas, digital divides, and the risks of technological dependency.
Participation in the Forum is envisaged for representatives of government bodies, international and regional organizations, diplomatic missions, research and academic institutions, business associations, and civil society, who are engaged in or interested in the sustainable development agenda of Central Asia.
By convening this year’s THINK ROAD FORUM under the theme “Rethinking Sustainable Development in Central Asia in the Age of Emerging Regionalism”, IAIS reaffirms its commitment to serving as a bridge between knowledge and policy, and to co-creating with its partners a long-term roadmap for a more sustainable, connected, and prosperous Central Asia.
For preliminary enquiries, interested institutions and partners are encouraged to contact us at think-road-forum@iais.uz.
