Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 27 May, the first regional foresight seminar titled “Central Asia – 2050: Charting a Course for Shared Prosperity and Stability” convened in the capital city of Uzbekistan. The event brought together representatives of all five Central Asian countries, including officials from government bodies, think tanks, research institutions, and independent experts.

The initiative, launched by Uzbekistan’s Agency for Strategic Reforms, is organized in partnership with the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies, the International Institute for Central Asia, Kazakhstan’s Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, and with the support of the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan.

The seminar focuses on forward-looking scenarios through 2050, addressing key themes such as demographic trends, energy security, climate change, water management, transport connectivity, and human capital development. Special attention is also being paid to industrial cooperation and economic complementarity among regional economies.

As noted by Bahodir Rakhmatov, Director of the Agency for Strategic Reforms:

“Central Asia is home to more than 83 million people. By 2030, 60% of the region’s population is expected to live in urban areas, sharply increasing demand for jobs, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
This also means a growing public expectation for a high quality of life, a safe environment, and confidence in the future.”

Climate change and water scarcity emerged as some of the most urgent issues. Over the past decades, the region has seen a 1.2°C increase in average temperature, a 30% reduction in glacier coverage, and a dramatic decline in per capita water availability — from 8,400 to 2,500 cubic meters per year, with projections suggesting a further drop below 1,700 by 2030. The seminar serves as a platform for developing coordinated responses in areas like environmental protection, renewable energy, and emissions reduction.

Participants identified two key priorities:

To create a shared strategic vision for the region, distinguishing between inevitable trends, likely scenarios, and outcomes that depend on joint action by Central Asian nations.

To build a sustainable expert network composed of public officials, researchers, and professionals committed to advancing long-term regional initiatives.

Additionally, the seminar announced an open essay competition for youth from across the five Central Asian republics, encouraging young voices to envision the future of the region. The top 100 essays will be published in a special collection. Submission details are available at mampassi.org/centralasia2050, with entries due by 15 June 2025.

This inaugural foresight seminar represents a critical step toward aligning regional strategies, deepening policy dialogue, and fostering innovation and integration across Central Asia. The outcomes of the seminar will feed into preparations for the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State and contribute to a long-term reform agenda focused on sustainable development and regional cooperation.