A Geneva Round Table on Internal Change, Regional Dynamics, and International Cooperation
Central Asia is undergoing a period of significant transformation. Long viewed primarily through a geopolitical lens, the region is increasingly attracting international attention for its economic development, reform agendas, growing connectivity, and expanding role in international affairs.
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Russia, China, South Asia, and the Middle East, Central Asia occupies a unique strategic position within the contemporary international system. As global attention increasingly focuses on trade corridors, energy security, digital transformation, climate resilience, and regional cooperation, the region is becoming an increasingly important actor in shaping future international dynamics.
At the national level, countries across Central Asia are pursuing ambitious development strategies aimed at modernising institutions, strengthening governance, diversifying economies, and investing in human capital. At the regional level, growing cooperation between Central Asian states is creating new opportunities for economic integration, connectivity, and international engagement.
Against this backdrop, the Geneva School of Diplomacy and The Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations are pleased to host a high-level round table examining the opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends shaping the future of Central Asia.
Hosted in Geneva, one of the world’s leading centres for diplomacy and multilateral engagement, the discussion will provide a platform for dialogue on the region’s evolving place within a rapidly changing international environment. The event will be moderated by Mrs Cholpon Orozobekova, Director of The Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations, and Mr Marc Finaud, Associate Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and faculty member at GSD.
The round table aims to foster meaningful exchange between diplomats, policy practitioners, academics, representatives of international organisations, and members of civil society, contributing to a deeper understanding of a region whose importance on the global stage continues to grow.
Speakers
H.E. Ambassador Erzhan Kazykhan
Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Geneva
H.E. Ambassador Eldiyor Toshmatov
Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva
Mr David Chikvaidze
Vice-President, Swiss Forum on International Affairs (FSPI)
Mr Zhandos Shaimardanov (TBC)
Director, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Mr Sapargali Shalgimbaev
President, CFive Kazakhstan
Mr Vladimir Norov (TBC)
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan
