Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Close coordination is a key factor in maintaining stability in Central Asia. This perspective was expressed by Associate Professor of History and Doctor of Philosophy Askat Biykuziyev of Uzbekistan’s National University during the international scientific-practical conference, "New Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities in an Era of Global Transformation."

The conference, held on October 26 in Tashkent, was organized by the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan in partnership with the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, the International Institute of Central Asia, and Germany’s Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

The forum saw participation from over 50 leaders and experts from think tanks across more than 20 countries, including Central Asia, the CIS, Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East, along with scientists, experts, and researchers from Uzbekistan’s leading research centers and universities.

The scholar noted that under conditions of global uncertainty, unpredictability, and rising geopolitical competition, aligning the interests of different power centers in the region is becoming increasingly relevant.

Since the independence of Central Asian countries, various global and regional powers have been actively pursuing their interests in the region, attempting to shape it according to their own values and interests. However, Central Asian countries have successfully maintained regional stability, ensured sustainable development, and converged the interests of various actors.

Today, external actors’ interest in Central Asia, with its promising transport and transit potential, rich resources, substantial consumer market, and labor force pool, continues to grow. The region’s geostrategic significance, situated at the crossroads of key global powers, and its growing geopolitical weight due to political consolidation and influence on global and regional agendas have also enhanced its attractiveness.

In this context, the expert believes it is crucial to strengthen the region’s agency and unity when interacting with external players, advocating for common interests rooted in the pursuit of stability, security, and sustainable development.

Biykuziyev noted that the varied interests of external power centers can lead to competition, which, if unchecked, could escalate into conflict and destabilization. A lack of coordinated engagement with the outside world could also lead to resource fragmentation. Therefore, it is important to align these diverse interests, prevent external actors from fragmenting the region, and direct their activities toward constructive efforts serving Central Asia’s collective interests.

Today, there are conceptual foundations, mechanisms, and tools to address this critical task.

First, there is a clear vision for regional development laid out in the Central Asia Development Concept through 2040, approved by regional heads of state in Astana, along with a joint roadmap for regional cooperation from 2025 to 2027.

Second, the Interaction Concept adopted in Cholpon-Ata is already in practice, creating conditions for coordinated regional actions and state-level coordination.

Third, there are now over a dozen CA+ formats, most of which have recently been elevated to the level of heads of state.

Fourth, Central Asian countries have recently begun jointly submitting resolutions to the UN General Assembly on various issues, including climate, transport, security, tourism, and religious tolerance.

"It is essential to continue working in this direction, improving mechanisms for coordinating engagement with external actors to serve the shared interests of Central Asia," concluded the scholar.