On 5 June 2026, PeaceNexus Foundation’s Central Asia Office, in partnership with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS), co-organized an international expert seminar at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent. The event brought together leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across Central Asia and Azerbaijan to explore pathways for strengthening a shared regional identity.
The seminar provided a platform for open and inclusive dialogue on how a stronger sense of regional belonging can contribute to trust-building, cooperation, and long-term stability across Central Asia. Discussions focused on the role of shared history, cultural ties, common interests, and good-neighbourly relations in fostering a more connected and resilient region.
A key focus of the event was the presentation and discussion of the draft Concept for the Formation and Strengthening of Central Asia’s Regional Identity. Developed through years of regional dialogue and collaboration among experts, researchers, and policy practitioners from all five Central Asian countries, the draft reflects a collective effort to articulate a shared vision for the region’s future. Participants reviewed the Concept and provided recommendations for its further refinement.
The Concept was previously presented during the Central Asian Expert Forum in Tashkent in August 2025, where it received broad support from regional academic and policy communities. The ongoing consultation process reflects a commitment to ensuring that the document remains inclusive, representative, and responsive to perspectives from across the region.
Opening the seminar, Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of ISRS, highlighted the growing relevance of regional identity in the context of deepening cooperation among Central Asian states. He noted that recent years have witnessed significant progress in regional relations, creating new opportunities for people-to-people connections, collaborative problem-solving, and shared development.
Throughout the discussions, participants emphasized that any regional identity should complement rather than replace national identities. Experts underscored the importance of respecting cultural and ethnic diversity while promoting values of mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, and constructive dialogue. They agreed that a shared regional identity can serve as a foundation for stronger cooperation while preserving the rich diversity that characterizes Central Asia.
The seminar marked the beginning of a new round of consultations across the region. These discussions will continue to engage academic institutions, think tanks, civil society actors, and other stakeholders in refining the draft Concept and strengthening regional ownership of the process.
PeaceNexus Foundation remains committed to supporting spaces for dialogue, joint learning, and collaborative analysis that contribute to greater trust, social cohesion, and sustainable partnerships across Central Asia. By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the region, such initiatives help strengthen the foundations for peaceful and inclusive regional cooperation.
