The event brought together more than 20 young researchers and students from leading universities across 10 countries in Europe, Asia, Central Asia, and the United States, including Andrássy University Budapest (AUB), Sciences Po Grenoble, Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO, Paris), the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Regensburg, LUISS University in Rome, Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), Sun Yat-sen University, the University of St Andrews, University College London (UCL), the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of the University of London, and the University of Warsaw.

In his address, Javlon Vakhabov briefed the participants on IICA's work, its role in advancing regional studies, and the Institute's priority research areas – geared toward supporting multilateral dialogue and practical cooperation in the region.

Particular attention was given to key trends in interstate engagement in the region – trade and economic cooperation, the development of transport connectivity and route diversification, energy cooperation, and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties.

In this context, the outcomes of the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia were reviewed, including Azerbaijan's participation in this format.

The event concluded with an open exchange of views, during which participants discussed prospects for further engagement on issues of Central Asia's regional development and received answers to their questions.