The event was held as part of the program of the visit by the delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The central focus of the meeting was the discussion of a draft Concept for the Formation and Strengthening of Central Asian Regional Identity.

The seminar was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan jointly with the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the Swiss foundation PeaceNexus.

Opening the discussion, Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of ISRS, noted that Central Asia had entered a qualitatively new stage of development. In recent years, the countries of the region have significantly strengthened mutual trust, expanded connectivity, and removed many of the barriers that had previously constrained regional cooperation.

According to him, the level of consolidation achieved is not an end in itself. Its principal value lies in creating a solid foundation for lasting peace, sustainable development, and improved quality of life. The people of Central Asia are the main beneficiaries of these changes through stronger transport connectivity, the development of joint economic projects, more active humanitarian exchanges, and the emergence of new opportunities for cooperation.

At the same time, it was emphasized that intergovernmental agreements alone are not sufficient to sustain the positive momentum. Regional rapprochement must receive broad public support and be grounded in a shared understanding of the countries’ long-term common interests. The draft Concept for the Formation and Strengthening of Central Asian Regional Identity is intended to serve precisely this purpose.

Participants stressed that the initiative is not aimed at diluting national identity or sovereignty. On the contrary, regional identity is regarded as a natural complement to national identity, based on recognition of a simple interdependence: peace, security, and prosperity in each Central Asian country directly contribute to the well-being of the region as a whole. Its key foundations were identified as a shared historical, cultural, and civilizational space, similar spiritual and moral values, and a common vision of the future.

The participants noted that the Bishkek seminar continued a series of expert discussions previously held in Tashkent and the Fergana Valley. From the outset, the Concept has been developed through an open and inclusive process involving broad participation from the expert communities of all Central Asian states, making the document a shared intellectual product of the region.

During the seminar, experts discussed the substance of the future Concept, including the image of the modern “Central Asian”, the core values underpinning regional identity, the potential adaptation of international experience, and possible challenges and information barriers.

Particular attention was devoted to practical mechanisms for strengthening a sense of shared belonging among the region’s people, including the development of academic mobility, cross-border cooperation, creative industries, youth programs, and environmental initiatives.

Following the discussion, the participants reaffirmed their intention to continue joint work on the document. They emphasized that regional identity should above all acquire a practical dimension that contributes to strengthening trust, good-neighborly relations, and sustainable cooperation among the states of Central Asia.