TASHKENT, Uzbekistan
On 14 May 2026, in Tashkent, UNRCCA participated in the international conference “Central Asia: A New Paradigm of Regional Development,” organized in a hybrid format by the Diplomatic Academy at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.
The conference brought together representatives of diplomatic academies from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, members of diplomatic missions and experts from international and academic institutions, including the Finnish Institute of International Affairs to discuss cooperation, security, and sustainable development in Central Asia.
In his opening remarks, SRSG Kaha Imnadze highlighted Central Asia’s rapid and dynamic transformation, driven by rising trust, deeper political dialogue and a strengthened sense of regional responsibility in addressing shared priorities. He emphasized that sustained cooperation remains essential to advancing security, connectivity and sustainable development across the region. “Central Asia today is experiencing a profound transformation, marked by growing cooperation, stronger political dialogue and increasing regional ownership in addressing common challenges,” he stated.
UNRCCA contributed to Session 2 on “Regional Security and Collective Responses to Global Challenges,” During the session Mr. Andriy Larin, Political Affairs Officer at UNRCCA, outlined the Regional Centre’s role in strengthening regional security frameworks through preventive diplomacy, particularly by promoting dialogue and confidence-building, facilitating cooperation on shared water and energy resources, addressing emerging threats, and supporting inclusive approaches to peace and security. He further stated that security in Central Asia is multidimensional, shaped not only by political dynamics but also by economic resilience, environmental sustainability and the protection of human security.
UNRCCA also participated in Session 3 on “Economic Integration in Central Asia and Transport Connectivity as Drivers of Sustainable Growth,” highlighting the region’s ongoing transition toward a more interconnected and internally driven development path. The discussion underscored the importance of developing integrated regional systems based on transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and coordinated resource management. It was noted that sustainable growth increasingly depends on strengthened regional interdependence and resilience.
UNRCCA’s engagement in the conference reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Central Asian countries in strengthening regional cooperation, fostering dialogue and advancing collective responses to shared challenges.
