15th CAREC Institute Governing Council Meeting Concludes in Astana
The 15th Governing Council meeting of the CAREC Institute (CI) concluded successfully on 9 November in Astana, Kazakhstan, following the 23rd CAREC Ministerial Conference. During this meeting, high-level representatives from CAREC member countries, including Azerbaijan, the People’s Republic of China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, alongside officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), convened to review CI’s progress and outline its strategic path forward. The meeting agenda included a comprehensive assessment of CI’s progress report, rolling operational plan, budget, recruitment, and revitalization plan.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Sanzhar Bolotov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and CAREC National Focal Point of the Kyrgyz Republic, who emphasized the necessity of unified support from all member countries and the critical role of the Governing Council in steering CI’s strategic direction. In her opening remarks, Ms. Lyaziza Sabyrova, Regional Head of the Regional Cooperation and Integration Division at ADB, commended recent CAREC advancements in climate change, connectivity, and digitalization, underscoring the importance of reinforcing regional collaboration. She highlighted the CAREC Institute’s essential role in driving these transformative efforts and emphasized the importance of ongoing reforms and consultations to shape the Institute’s future.
CI Director Mr. Kabir Jurazoda presented a comprehensive update on the Institute’s 2024 achievements, emphasizing several significant developments. These included the acquisition of new office space, the success of flagship events such as the 8th Think Tank Development Forum and the 4th Research Conference, and the introduction of in-person fellowships under the Visiting Fellowship Program. Mr. Jurazoda also highlighted the establishment of five new partnerships, the initiation of five regional joint projects, and the completion of 20 capacity-building activities along with key research publications targeting common regional challenges. The Governing Council commended these accomplishments, recognizing their vital role in advancing sustainable development and regional integration throughout the CAREC region.
In addition, Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, CI Deputy Director Two, introduced the Rolling Operational Plan for 2025-2026, which identifies key priorities in trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and digitalization. CI Deputy Director One, Dr. Huang Jingjing, provided an overview of the proposed 2025 budget and recruitment plan, aimed at strengthening CI’s financial management and attracting expertise to enhance operations. The Governing Council expressed strong support for these proposals, acknowledging their alignment with the evolving priorities of the CAREC region.
Furthermore, the Governing Council highlighted the need for initiatives tailored to the specific challenges of individual member countries. The recently adopted CAREC Climate Plan was emphasized as a critical framework for advancing regional climate resilience, with a particular focus on sustainable infrastructure and transport. Members encouraged CI to prioritize strategies for climate change adaptation and resilience, ensuring that research and knowledge products align with member country needs to maximize impact.
The revitalization of CI was a key topic of discussion, receiving broad support from the Governing Council. Members advised CI to focus on budget efficiency, talent acquisition from both regional and global sources, and securing long-term financial sustainability. They recommended developing a detailed action plan to ensure the effective implementation of the revitalization strategy, laying a solid foundation for the Institute’s future success.
As the highest decision-making body of the CAREC Institute, the Governing Council plays a critical role in maintaining strategic oversight, shaping policy direction, and guiding CI’s operations. The outcomes of this meeting underscore the Institute’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and regional integration, positioning it for continued success in 2025 and beyond.