Held in the lead-up to the Second Central Asia–GCC Summit of Heads of State, scheduled for May 5 this year in Samarkand, the event will serve as an important platform for expert engagement and strategic dialogue in support of the summit’s preparations.

The forum will bring together over 40 prominent experts representing key analytical, diplomatic, and academic institutions from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and other countries. Participants will include researchers, officials from governmental and independent research institutions, as well as representatives from specialized universities.

Discussions will focus on core dimensions of interregional cooperation between Central Asia and the Gulf, including connectivity and transport corridors, energy, food and climate security, regional security dynamics, and the strengthening of humanitarian and educational ties.

A concluding briefing will be held on April 22 for members of the diplomatic corps, academia, and media, presenting key insights and recommendations developed through expert deliberations during the forum.