The publication represents a compilation of materials of the international seminar “Central Asia and Global Challenges” which was organized by UNRCCA on 10-11 March 2009 in Ashgabat c. (Turkmenistan). The seminar was attended by representatives of regional strategic studies institutes, academic and expert circles of Central Asian states as well as by a number of international experts and political analysts.

Speeches and presentations contained in the publication cover a range of topical problems faced by Central Asia such as threats posed by terrorism and extremism, global economic crisis as well issues arising from the environmental degradation and the situation in water/energy sectors of the region.

The publication is expected to be of interest to diplomats, state officials, academic circles and political analysts of Central Asian states and the international expert community that follows up on developments in the region.