ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On June 22, 2020 the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) convened its second regional online meeting with the Institutes of Strategic Studies and other state institutions of the Central Asian states. Agenda of the consultation consisted of three main components – 1) the second anniversary of the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution entitled "Strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in the Central Asian region”; 2) review of priority themes for the next Central Asian expert forum, which is held annually by the UN Regional Centre as part of the preparation process for the Summit of Central Asian leaders and 3) the presentation of the  Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Mr. Vladimir Norov, as a guest speaker.

SRSG Natalia Gherman drew attention to the relevance of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Central Asia, underlining that it further strengthened partnership not only between the countries of Central Asia, but also their cooperation with international and regional organizations. The SRSG also emphasized the long-standing partnership with the SCO in coordinating efforts to support peace and stability in the region and thanked Mr. Vladimir Norov for his personal efforts to ensure constructive and fruitful relations between the two organizations.      

As most important theme this year, participants identified regional cooperation on addressing impact of the pandemic, including sustainability of transport corridors in crisis situations; youth policy; humanitarian cooperation; development of regional tourism as well as science diplomacy, particularly in the medical field.

The next meeting of the Central Asian experts forum will be held on the second part of 2020 under the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic.