CAREC Institute and United Nations University Held Virtual Discussion on Future Collaboration

On 17 April, the CAREC Institute (CI) and the United Nations University (UNU) held a virtual meeting to explore potential areas of collaboration. The meeting was the first step toward strengthening the partnership to support shared goals, particularly sustainable development.

Mr. Charymuhammet Shallyyev, Director of CI, opened the meeting by welcoming participants and presenting an overview of CI’s mission, thematic research areas, key initiatives, and upcoming events. As the knowledge arm of the CAREC Program, CI focuses on conducting policy-relevant research, promoting capacity building, facilitating knowledge sharing, and advancing regional integration. The Institute addresses critical development challenges, including trade, climate change, digital transformation, and macroeconomic stability.

Building on these priorities, Mr. Shallyyev proposed several potential areas for cooperation with UNU, like joint research studies, capacity-building programs, knowledge exchange initiatives, participation in regional events, and collaboration in human resource development.

Mr. Michael Baldock, Chief of Staff at the UNU Centre, briefly outlined UNU’s mandate and noted that the two institutions share similar goals. He emphasized that UNU’s focus on research and capacity building complements CI’s operations. Headquartered in Japan, UNU operates 13 institutes around the world and works with leading universities and research institutes in United Nations (UN) member states, functioning as a bridge between the international academic community and the UN system.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed topics of mutual interest. Recognizing the mutual objectives, CI and UNU expressed a willingness to continue discussions and find concrete ways to collaborate. It will help advance sustainable development, regional integration, and inclusive growth across the CAREC region and beyond.