Next-generation intellectual platform
Politics, Economy, Culture and Emerging Technologies
About us
Central Asia is rapidly emerging as an independent geo-economic and geopolitical hub connecting China, Russia, EU, US and the Gulf states. Formats such Central Asia Plus have become core diplomatic mechanisms for the region, yet they still lack a systematic, internationally credible analytical backbone comparable to leading global think tanks.

While the region hosts a growing number of research institutions, much of the existing expertise remains either affiliated or insufficiently integrated into global analytical and media networks. The challenge today is not the absence of opinions, but the absence of trust, consistency, and depth.

CFive was established to address this gap - serving as an independent, hybrid analytical platform that consolidates state demand, business interests, and international expertise into a single intellectual ecosystem for Central Asia.
Events & Activities
    Mission
    To advance Central Asia+ initiatives through independent research and strategic dialogue that strengthen regional economic resilience, enhance external policy coordination, and deepen global connectivity.
    Strategic Goals
    • Risk Assessment and Early Warning

      Monitoring political, economic, energy, climate, and hybrid risks across Central Asia.

    • C5+ Formats

      Each member of our team has at least 5 years of legal experience. They use their knowledge to make our clients' lives better.

    • Track II Diplomacy

      Building international partnerships through think-tank-to-think-tank cooperation.

    • Global Integration

      Embedding Kazakhstan and Central Asia into global expert, media, and policy networks.

    Core Products
    • CFive Strategic Outlook
      The flagship forecast on geopolitical, economic, and security trends in the region. Published annually.
    • Policy Briefs & White Papers
      Concise, policy-oriented analyses addressing specific regional and sectoral challenges. Published on a rolling basis.
    • Strategic Markets & Investment Analytics
      Intelligence for business and investors on trade regimes, capital allocation, and critical resource dependencies in contested global markets.
    • AI & Geoeconomic Futures
      Strategic analytics on how AI and emerging technologies reshape geoeconomics, global power dynamics, and international relations.
    • Iskander Akylbayev
      Chairman
      He served as Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Council on International Relations and Chief Research Fellow at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan. He has held fellowships at institutions including Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, Harvard University’s Davis Center, the Atlantic Council, and Asia Society’s Asia 21 network, where he serves as Chapter Lead for Kazakhstan and Central Asia. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Tsukuba, Japan.
    • Sapar Shalgimbayev
      President
      He is a former diplomat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan with extensive experience in international engagement and policy dialogue. He served for many years at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United States, where he worked closely with the U.S. expert and policy community. During this time, he developed a strong appreciation for the role of think tanks in shaping policy discussions and supporting informed decision-making, which inspired his continued engagement with analytical and research platforms. He is a graduate of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and holds a Master’s degree from Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.
    Advisory Board
    • Serik Irsaliev
      President Astana International University
    • Bulat Sarsenbayev
      Advisor to the Chairman International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue
    • Assan Abdirov
      Diplomat
    Feel free to write, call and visit us.
    Kazakhstan, Astana, 2 Zhiembet Zhyrau
    Astana International University
    Phone: +7 707 200 0299
    Email: contact@cfive.org