Central Asia 2030: Strategic Horizons And Regional Choices

2 Febuarary, Astana Internationa University

Astana International University (AIU), a private highereducation institution, announces the inaugural publicevent marking the launch of the CFive IntellectualPlatform, established on the basis of AstanaInternational University in partnership with leadingAmerican think tanks.

Organized jointly with the Atlantic Council and theCaspian Policy Center, the event titled “Central Asia 2030: Strategic Horizons and Regional Choices” willbring together leading international experts, representatives of analytical centers, the diplomaticcommunity, and the business sector to discuss Central Asia’s evolving role amid current geo-economic andgeopolitical developments.

As Central Asia increasingly positions itself as anindependent regional hub connecting major globalactors, the discussion will focus on strategic outlooksthrough 2030, regional connectivity, policy choices, andthe role of international cooperation frameworks.

The event will also officially launch CFive, anindependent applied policy platform created at AstanaInternational University to serve as a venue for policydialogue, expert exchange, and internationalcooperation on Central Asia. As a private university, AIU places particular emphasis on openness, international engagement, and partnerships withleading global institutions.

Speakers:
• Andrew D’Anieri, Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council
• Yerkin Tukumov, Ambassador-at-Large, Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan
• Efgan Nifti, CEO, Caspian Policy Center
• Zulfiya Suleimenova, Ambassador-at-Large, MFA RK
• Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director, KazISS

Panel Moderator:
• Iskander Akylbayev, Chairman, CFive

Program schedule:
• Registration: 09:30
• Main program: 10:00

The event is intended as a forward-looking platform forsubstantive discussion and long-term engagement withinternational partners on Central Asia’s strategic future.

Registration closed

Astana, February 2, 2026

An independent intellectual platform, CFive, was officially launched at Astana International University (AIU), marking the beginning of a new international dialogue on Central Asia’s strategic future toward 2030. The initiative responds to the growing demand for credible, region-based expertise amid accelerating geopolitical and geo-economic transformations shaping the region.

In recent years, Central Asia has increasingly emerged as a key intersection of global interests. While diplomatic engagement through various “Central Asia Plus” formats has expanded rapidly, analytical infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with this evolving reality. The expert environment remains fragmented, often disconnected from global policy networks, and characterized by an abundance of opinions but a shortage of shared methodology, trust, and institutional continuity.

CFive was established to address this gap. Conceived as a next-generation think tank, the platform operates at the intersection of policy, economics, and security, producing in-depth and internationally relevant analysis from within the region. Its mission is to contribute to a clearer and more coherent understanding of Central Asia as an independent geo-economic and geopolitical hub, rather than a peripheral or purely transit space.

The opening of CFive reflects Astana International University’s role as an institutional base for new forms of international intellectual cooperation. The platform was launched in partnership with Atlantic Council and Caspian Policy Center, creating an international intellectual bridge between Kazakhstan and leading global analytical centers. This cooperation positions AIU as a space where academic research directly intersects with global policy debates and applied strategic thinking.

From Launch to Dialogue: The Panel Session

Following the official opening of CFive, the program transitioned smoothly into a high-level panel discussion focused on Central Asia’s strategic choices toward 2030. The discussion brought together policymakers, diplomats, and international experts to exchange views on regional connectivity, economic transformation, security, and Central Asia’s evolving role in the global system.

Rather than formal statements, the panel emphasized candid, forward-looking reflections on where the region stands today and what will ultimately define its trajectory in the coming decade.

Key Voices from the Panel

• Andrew D’Anieri, Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council

“Central Asia is increasingly seen as a region with its own strategic vision and growing capacity to shape outcomes. What matters today is the region’s ability to turn coordination into long-term partnerships and sustainable growth.”

• Yerkin Tukumov, Ambassador-at-Large, Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan

“Viewing Afghanistan only through a security lens is a strategic mistake. Engagement is not recognition - it is pragmatism.”

• Efgan Nifti, CEO, Caspian Policy Center

“The Trans-Caspian corridor is no longer a concept - it is a geo-economic reality. The next test is delivery.”

• Zulfiya Suleimenova, Ambassador-at-Large, MFA RK

“Environment and water are not an add-on. They are the foundation of economic resilience in Central Asia.”

• Dauren Aben, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies

“Central Asia is both a space of cooperation and competition. The real risk today is fragmentation driven by external agendas.”

• Iskander Akylbayev, Chairman, CFive

“The region needs its own narrative - formed from within and translated into practical cooperation.”

Overall Assessment

The panel discussion demonstrated a high level of engagement and substantive exchange among participants. The conversation was pragmatic, project-oriented, and clearly focused on moving beyond political signaling toward implementation. Speakers converged on the view that Central Asia has entered a phase in which credibility will be defined not by strategies, but by results—connectivity delivered, investments mobilized, and cooperation institutionalized.

The forum confirmed strong interest in CFive as a new independent analytical platform and a long-term venue for expert dialogue and international cooperation on Central Asia’s strategic future. For the academic community, CFive opens unique opportunities to integrate education and research into real-world global policy agendas, providing students and faculty at AIU with direct access to international analytical networks.

Through hosting CFive, Astana International University reinforces its role as a next-generation research university—one that not only educates future professionals, but actively contributes to shaping Central Asia’s position as a leading intellectual and strategic hub.

Photos from the event

On February 4-5, 2026, the CFive team took part in the second B5+1 Forum, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic-an initiative that lies at the core of CFive’s mission to advance applied policy dialogue and practical economic cooperation in Central Asia.

The B5+1 Forum 2026 was organized by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in cooperation with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic under the Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia (IBECA) program, supported by the U.S. Department of State. Building on the momentum of the inaugural B5+1 Forum in Almaty in 2024 and the historic C5+1 Leaders’ Summit in 2025, the 2026 Forum marked an important step toward institutionalizing economic cooperation between the five Central Asian countries and the United States.

The B5+1 platform has evolved into a long-term mechanism aimed at promoting regional economic integration, improving national and regional business climates, and strengthening public–private dialogue. The Forum brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, business associations, and international partners to address key challenges and opportunities across priority sectors, including agriculture, finance and banking, critical minerals, e-commerce and IT, tourism, and transport and logistics. Through structured dialogue sessions and regional task forces, participants focused on developing practical policy recommendations and securing commitments to improve the business environment across Central Asia.

Discussions throughout the Forum demonstrated a clear shift from declarative political messaging toward concrete initiatives, sector-specific solutions, and institutional mechanisms designed to deliver measurable outcomes. Particular emphasis was placed on regulatory coherence, investment facilitation, regional connectivity, and the role of private sector leadership in advancing sustainable economic growth.

The Forum organizers positively assessed the outcomes of the Bishkek meeting and announced plans to convene five B5 forums-one in each Central Asian country. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are currently being considered as potential venues for the next forum, with Tashkent emerging as a leading option.

CFive’s participation focused on strengthening regional linkages and positioning the platform within the international expert and policy community, contributing to the formation of a more coordinated Central Asian voice in global economic and policy processes.

In addition to the B5+1 Forum, the CFive team participated in a closed event hosted by the Atlantic Council, where a substantive discussion was held on the outcomes of the Forum and next steps for advancing regional economic cooperation.

Alongside the official program, CFive held a series of productive meetings with experts from Central Asia and leading Western analytical and policy institutions. These exchanges laid the groundwork for promising joint initiatives and applied projects, details of which will be announced in due course.

CFive extends its sincere appreciation to the Forum organizers for the strong substantive agenda and high level of organization. We also warmly thank our Kyrgyz partners for their hospitality and wish continued success to the High Technology Park of Kyrgyzstan and the Investment Council of the Kyrgyz Republic in advancing Kyrgyzstan’s IT sector and innovation ecosystem.

Stay tuned for updates.

We are pleased to announce that CFive, in partnership with the Caspian Policy Center, is co-organizing a Munich Security Conference side event titled “The Golden Mean? Connectivity, Security and the ‘Middle Corridor’”, selected as one of the highlighted events of MSC 2026.

MSC 2026 will convene nearly 70 Heads of State and Government, 65+ Foreign Ministers, and around 40 Defense Ministers, with 500+ bilateral meetings expected across political, security, and business leaders.

Our discussion comes at a pivotal moment as the Middle Corridor and Trans-Caspian connectivity move to the center of global strategic debates.

📍 Munich Security Conference | 📅 February 15

If you’re attending MSC, we warmly invite you to join us.

On February 13, CFive, the intellectual platform at Astana International University, hosted a meeting with representatives of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).

Representing Astana International University were President Serik Irsaliyev and CFive President Sapargali Shalgimbayev.

The CIPE delegation included Natalia Otel Belan, Regional Director for Europe and Eurasia; Jeremy Cohen, Associate Program Director; and Maksat Koroluyev, Senior Program Manager.

The discussion focused on the evolution of the B5+1 format and prospects for strengthening economic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the United States. Participants exchanged views on advancing regional integration, improving the business environment, and expanding expert-level collaboration.

Particular attention was given to opportunities for engagement in the educational and analytical spheres, as well as to the role of expert platforms in supporting economic initiatives and policy dialogue.

The meeting was held in a constructive and forward-looking atmosphere and reaffirmed the parties’ mutual interest in sustaining dialogue and deepening cooperation.

Munich, 15 February 2026

On the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026), an official side event dedicated to connectivity, security, and the economic potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor) was held for the first time.

The discussion, titled “The Golden Mean? Connectivity, Security and the Caspian Middle Corridor,” was organized by the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) in partnership with the Kazakhstani intellectual platform CFive. The event was included among the highlighted sessions of MSC 2026, reflecting the growing international interest in practical aspects of Eurasian connectivity and the resilience of global supply chains.

The event gained particular significance with the participation of Helga Maria Schmid, former Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Vice President of the Munich Security Conference Foundation Council. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the increasing role of the Middle Corridor in Europe’s security agenda, economic resilience, and the diversification of international trade routes.

The event was held in the format of an in-person working breakfast and brought together representatives of government institutions, the diplomatic corps, think tanks, and the international business community.

Participants in the discussion included Assel Zhanassova, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Sodiq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration; as well as Iskander Akylbayev, Chairman of the CFive intellectual platform, and Efgān Nifti, Chief Executive Officer of the Caspian Policy Center.

The discussion focused on a shared vision of the Middle Corridor as an emerging multilateral economic platform capable of ensuring sustainable trade, transit, and investment links between Europe, the Caspian region, Central Asia, and the markets of East Asia. Participants discussed the transformation of global supply chains, new opportunities in trade, logistics, and transit, as well as the role of digitalization and infrastructure modernization in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the route.

From February 17 to 20, 2026, the CFive team conducted a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., engaging with leading U.S. policy institutions and think tanks to advance dialogue on strategic connectivity, critical minerals, energy cooperation, and supply chain diversification.

Working discussions were held with:

• The Heritage Foundation

• Hudson Institute

• Atlantic Council

• Caspian Policy Center

• Congressional Research Service

• New Lines Institute

Discussions centered on the evolving geo-economic landscape, emerging corridor initiatives, and the growing relevance of Central Asia in global supply chain realignment. Particular emphasis was placed on moving from analytical exchange to implementation-oriented cooperation, including joint research initiatives, expert dialogue, and structured business engagement.

These meetings took place on the sidelines of the Peace Summit in Washington, D.C., in which Kazakhstan participated at the invitation of President Donald Trump. Kazakhstan was represented by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, underscoring the strategic depth of the country’s engagement at the highest political level.

Throughout the week, a consistent strategic narrative emerged: Kazakhstan’s role as a connector state. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan advances a multi-vector foreign policy designed to maintain balanced relations with diverse centers of power. Its accumulated experience in providing neutral negotiation platforms and sustaining diplomatic continuity strengthens international confidence in the country as a bridge between East and West, as well as between the Global North and the Global South.

In this context, connectivity extends beyond geography. It is institutional, economic, and strategic. The CFive team’s engagement in Washington, combined with Kazakhstan’s participation in the Summit, reflects a broader effort to integrate Central Asia into transregional networks linking the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific - reinforcing Kazakhstan’s evolving identity as a connector state in a rapidly transforming global order.

The analytical platform CFive at Astana International University will host an international expert discussion titled “Kazakhstan in a Changing World Order: Political Reforms and Institutional Transformation.”

The event will bring together leading international and Kazakhstani experts to discuss the evolution of Kazakhstan’s political reforms and institutional development in the broader context of ongoing transformations in global politics and the world economy.

Today the international system is undergoing a period of profound change. Geopolitical competition is intensifying, the architecture of the global economy is evolving, and new regional centers of influence are emerging. In this context, middle powers are playing an increasingly important role in maintaining regional stability and shaping new forms of international cooperation.

Over the past several years, Kazakhstan has launched a comprehensive program of political and institutional reforms aimed at modernizing the system of public governance, strengthening state institutions, and enhancing the resilience of the political system. The discussion will examine the significance of these reforms for Kazakhstan’s domestic development as well as their broader implications for Central Asia and the international community.

The event will feature an expert discussion followed by an open exchange with the audience.

Date: March 14, 2026

Registration: 14:30

Time: 15:00 – 17:00

Venue: Astana International University, 12th Floor, Conference Hall, 2 Zhiyembet Zhyrau Street

To attend the event, please complete the registration form via the following link: https://forms.gle/9WCDLo8bzS2yWMcm7

Speakers

• Mr. Alberto Turkstra — Project Director, Diplomatic World
• Dr. Domenico Palmieri — Director, Istituto Italiano per l’Asia (ISIA)
• Dr. Malgorzata Samojedny — CEO, Opportunity Institute for Foreign Affairs (OIFA)
• Mr. Wesley Alexander Hill — Energy, Economic Growth and Security Program, International Tax and Investment Center
• Mr. Ralph Winnie — Vice President, America–Eurasia Center / Eurasian Business Coalition
• Mr. Miras Zhiyenbayev — Advisor to the Chairman of the Management Board, Maqsut Narikbayev University

Moderator

Iskander Akylbayev — Chairman, CFive

The discussion will conclude with a networking session and coffee break, offering participants an opportunity for informal exchange and further dialogue with speakers and experts.

On 14 March 2026, the CFive Intellectual Platform and the Istituto Italiano per l’Asia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at strengthening international expert dialogue and expanding collaboration between analytical communities.

The memorandum was signed by Sapargali Shalgimbayev, President of CFive, and Domenico Palmieri, Secretary-General of the Istituto Italiano per l’Asia. The agreement establishes a framework for joint research, expert exchanges, conferences, and analytical initiatives focused on international relations, regional development, and emerging global challenges.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering dialogue between Kazakhstan and European expert communities and to promoting deeper cooperation between think tanks in addressing global and regional policy issues.

From Silicon Valley to Japan: Kazakh Talent in Global Innovation Ecosystems

Date: March 20

Time: 17:30

Organizers: CFive Intellectual Platform, Astana International University

The CFive Intellectual Platform invites you to an expert dialogue exploring the growing role of Kazakh scientists, entrepreneurs, and professionals within leading global innovation ecosystems.

Today, world-class universities, research centers, and startup hubs—from Silicon Valley and Stanford University in the United States to advanced academic and technological clusters in Japan—serve as key drivers of innovation, knowledge creation, and economic growth. Increasingly, Kazakh talent is becoming an integral part of these global networks, contributing to scientific advancement, entrepreneurial development, and cross-border collaboration.

This session will examine how international academic mobility, research cooperation, and startup ecosystems are shaping new opportunities for Kazakhstan. Participants will discuss the evolving role of universities as innovation hubs, pathways for integrating into global scientific and technological networks, and strategies for strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the global knowledge economy.

The discussion will feature firsthand insights from experts with experience across leading international institutions—from Silicon Valley to Japan—highlighting best practices in innovation policy, startup ecosystem development, and global academic engagement.

The event will be held in an open dialogue format, fostering exchange between researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and students. It aims to provide a platform for identifying practical pathways to enhance Kazakhstan’s participation in global innovation ecosystems and to empower the next generation of talent.

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Speakers:

• Prof. Serik Meirmanov

Vice President, Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University (Japan)

Chairman, QIST – Global Science & Technology Platform

• Serik Smagulov

Founder & CEO, TopMDHealth (USA)

Stanford Graduate School of Business, StartX Med

• Aliya Sembayeva

CEO Advisor, Astana Hub

Expert in Innovation Policy & Startup Ecosystem Development

• Samat Sagatov

Project leader at JSC Nazarbayev University

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Moderator:

• Iskander Akylbayev

Chairman, CFive Intellectual Platform

Founder & CEO, Xander Group

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Speaker Biographies

Prof. Serik Meirmanov

Serik Meirmanov is Vice-President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation and Professor at the College of Sustainability & Tourism at Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University (APU), Japan. Previously, he served as Dean of Academic Affairs at APU, overseeing academic programs and policies to ensure high-quality education outcomes.

He is a member of the Beppu City Environmental Conservation Council and the East-Kyushu Medical Valley initiative. Prof. Meirmanov graduated from Semey Medical University (Kazakhstan) and earned a PhD in Health Science from Nagasaki University (Japan). He also completed a Public Health program at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK).

His research focuses on public and global health, particularly psychological aspects affecting students and medical professionals. He has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and three books. His teaching areas include Health & Wellness Tourism, Health Science, and Psychology.

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Serik Smagulov

Serik Smagulov is a healthtech entrepreneur dedicated to making high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable globally. As Founder & CEO of TopMDHealth (USA), he develops scalable solutions aimed at improving healthcare access for over one billion people.

He is affiliated with Stanford University, having completed the Executive Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business and contributing as a research scientist at Stanford School of Medicine. His company is part of StartX Med, Stanford’s leading accelerator for high-impact healthtech startups.

Previously, he founded iDoctor.kz, the largest digital healthcare platform in Central Asia, connecting over 100,000 medical professionals and offering telemedicine, booking systems, and medical tourism services.

Recognized as a top entrepreneur and finalist in multiple startup competitions, he brings strong expertise in scaling ventures across emerging markets and is actively seeking strategic partnerships to expand global impact.

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Dr. Aliya Sembayeva

Dr. Aliya Sembayeva is an expert in innovation policy and startup ecosystem development, currently serving as CEO Advisor at Astana Hub.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Nazarbayev University, an MSc by Research from the University of Birmingham, and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Liverpool.

Her professional experience spans academia, industry, and public sector leadership. She has held teaching positions at the University of Birmingham, Nazarbayev University, and the University of Liverpool. She also served as Director of the Innovation and Knowledge Management Department and ESG Director at Samruk-Kazyna, as well as CEO of the Center for Scientific and Technological Initiatives Ltd.

Dr. Sembayeva has served on multiple boards, including as an independent director of the Science Fund JSC and as a member of supervisory boards in national institutions. Her expertise focuses on building innovation ecosystems, advancing ESG strategies, and strengthening science-industry collaboration.

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Samat Sagatov

Samat Sagatov is a project leader at JSC Nazarbayev University, where he is responsible for the development of a pharmaceutical cluster aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s life sciences ecosystem.

His work focuses on integrating scientific research with pharmaceutical manufacturing by implementing internationally recognized standards, including GLP (Good Laboratory Practice), GCP (Good Clinical Practice), and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). The project is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, supporting the development, testing, and production of high-quality medicines in Kazakhstan.

Samat has professional expertise in strategic leadership and governance, quality and risk management, process improvement, change management, and stakeholder engagement. His work contributes to advancing Kazakhstan’s capacity in healthcare innovation and building a globally competitive pharmaceutical sector.

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Join us for a forward-looking discussion on how Kazakh talent is shaping global innovation—and what it means for the country’s strategic trajectory in a rapidly evolving world.

CFive Intellectual Platform and the Danube Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the margins of the recently held Turkic–Western Dialogue in Washington, D.C., marking a significant step in strengthening institutional cooperation between leading analytical and academic communities.

The agreement was signed by István Kiss, Executive Director of the Danube Institute, and Iskander Akylbayev, Chairman of the CFive Intellectual Platform, underscoring the high-level institutional commitment to this partnership.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment to advancing dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative engagement across the broader transregional space. It establishes a framework for sustained interaction between the two institutions, including joint academic and analytical initiatives, exchanges of expertise, and coordinated participation in international platforms.

The signing took place in the context of growing demand for structured dialogue between the Turkic world and Western partners. Against this backdrop, CFive continues to position itself as an emerging hub for strategic thought, actively expanding its network of partnerships with leading think tanks and research institutions.

By formalizing cooperation with the Danube Institute, CFive reinforces its broader institutional trajectory aimed at building a dynamic ecosystem of think tank–to–think tank engagement. This approach prioritizes intellectual exchange, policy-relevant research, and the development of long-term collaborative formats that contribute to informed decision-making and deeper mutual understanding.

The Turkic–Western Dialogue served as a timely platform for this development, bringing together policymakers, experts, and institutional leaders to address evolving geopolitical dynamics and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.

The Memorandum enters into force upon signature and lays the foundation for continued engagement between the parties in the years ahead.

About CFive Intellectual Platform
CFive is a strategic think tank based at Astana International University, focused on advancing policy dialogue, research, and international cooperation across Central Asia and beyond.

About Danube Institute
The Danube Institute is an international research institution dedicated to the study of geopolitics, international relations, and public policy, with a strong emphasis on fostering dialogue between regions and intellectual traditions.