Fourth CAREC Institute Annual Research Conference in Almaty Charts New Pathways for Sustainable Development in the CAREC Region

The CAREC Institute’s 4th Annual Research Conference, hosted at KIMEP University, concluded on 30 August 2024, marking a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable development strategies within the CAREC region. This significant event brought together over 70 prominent figures from academia, policy circles, development partners, and industry, all committed to forging pathways for green, innovative, and inclusive growth.

Held in person for the first time, the conference was a collaborative effort involving KIMEP University’s College of Social Sciences, the China & Central Asia Studies Center, and the ADB-PRC Regional Knowledge Sharing Initiative (RKSI). Strong support was also provided by the Asian Development Bank and the PRC Poverty Reduction and Regional Cooperation Fund.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Kabir Jurazoda, Director of the CAREC Institute, underscored the conference’s collaborative spirit, stating, “This conference demonstrates the power of partnership across borders and disciplines. Together, we are laying the groundwork for an environmentally and socially sustainable future in the CAREC region.” Mr. Damian Riviez, Vice President of Academic Affairs at KIMEP University, and Mr. Ibrahim Shoukry, Head of the Islamic Development Bank Regional Hub Almaty, also emphasized the crucial role of regional partnerships in pursuing sustainable development goals.

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Dr. Johannes F. Linn, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. Dr. Linn stressed the importance of actionable research in tackling global challenges: “Research on regional development and climate action is foundational for successful policy design and implementation. The 4th CAREC Institute Research Conference offers an exceptional opportunity for experts from the CAREC region and beyond to deepen our understanding of critical development and climate issues. However, it is imperative that we translate this knowledge into action for sustainable impact at scale. Bridging the gap from research to impactful action is a key role for think tanks such as the CAREC Institute.”

The heart of the conference comprised six thematic sessions covering a broad range of topics, including energy transitions, green initiatives, trade connectivity, and innovative approaches to inequality. A notable session, conducted in partnership with ADB-PRC RKSI, featured insights from the CAREC Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring Database, sparking valuable discussions on enhancing trade and connectivity.

Distinguished panelists, including representatives from the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), KIMEP University, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), engaged in dynamic debates, exploring innovative solutions and policy needs essential for the region’s progress.

The conference also marked the launch of the CAREC Institute’s 3rd Annual Book, “Prospects for Inclusive Green Growth and Sustainability in the CAREC Region,” along with a strategic joint report with UNESCAP on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. These publications embody the collaborative spirit of the conference and serve as critical resources for future policymaking.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, Deputy Director Two at the CAREC Institute, and Dr. Xiaotong Zhang, Academic Director at the China and Central Asia Studies Center, KIMEP University. Over two days, the event featured rich discussions and forward-looking strategies. This collaboration reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to regional development and set the stage for ongoing research and dialogue aimed at sustainable prosperity.