As part of the program, IICA specialists participated in the 5th Central Asia–China Think Tank Forum titled “New Horizons for Regional Partnership.”
During the forum’s plenary and thematic sessions, particular attention was given to expert cooperation and strengthening institutional ties among Central Asian research organizations. Discussions focused on regular information exchange, analysis of current trends in the social, cultural, and educational spheres, as well as improving the quality of analytical support for regional integration processes.
In addition to forum participation, IICA researchers held a series of meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS). These discussions addressed approaches to expert engagement in regional policy processes, as well as methods of information and analytical cooperation between institutions.
Special emphasis was placed on prospects for deepening collaboration among Central Asian think tanks through continuous exchange of views and coordination of research agendas.
The IICA delegation also visited several of Kazakhstan’s leading universities — L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nazarbayev University, and M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University. Meetings with academic representatives focused on current approaches to fostering academic mobility, expanding international educational programs, and increasing youth participation in research initiatives.
The visit also included an overview of the activities of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Kazakhstan. Particular attention was given to the diplomatic mission’s information and analytical work, including monitoring trends in bilateral relations, contributing to research materials, and supporting academic collaboration between expert communities in both countries.
The outcomes of the study visit helped strengthen professional networks, facilitate knowledge exchange, and identify new directions for long-term cooperation between research and academic institutions across the region.
