CAF General Session Discusses Cooperation Trends in Asia
Experts Discuss Global Security Challenges at Central Asian Forum
International experts came together at the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum (CAF) on July 13 to discuss strategies for greater engagement amidst geopolitical tensions, climate change, and water crisis. The general session focused on global security challenges and deliberated on ways to counter terrorism, promote nonproliferation, and reform international institutions. The meeting highlighted the need for global cooperation in tackling these issues.
The session, moderated by Narushige Michishita, vice president and professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, emphasized the importance of finding common ground and building bridges in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. Erzhan Kazykhan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kazakh President and Special Envoy for International Cooperation, underlined the rising risks facing Asia and Central Asia due to instability in Afghanistan and climate change.
Kazykhan noted that the international community is facing a critical moment of uncertainty, where increasing polarization and fragmentation are compromising the world order established since the establishment of the United Nations. He pointed out that economic undercurrents are also driving divisions, including weaponizing economic policy through sanctions and trade wars. These challenges, along with rising inequality and social divides, pose existential threats to global peace and prosperity.
The participants discussed the urgent need for comprehensive reform of international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, to effectively address these challenges. Kazykhan emphasized Kazakhstan’s long-standing commitment to unity and called for continued support for the UN as the universal organization for global cooperation.
The forum also recognized the pressing issues of climate change and the water crisis in the region. Kazykhan advocated for more resources to be allocated to the International Fund to Save the Aral Sea and proposed establishing a project office of Central Asian countries in Almaty and holding a Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026.
The importance of international and regional organizations in maintaining peace and prosperity was highlighted by Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measure in Asia (CICA). He emphasized the potential of Asia to resolve differences between countries and improve state relations. Sarybay praised CICA for being actively involved in addressing current challenges and promoting peace, security, and stability in the region.
The European Union (EU) expressed its commitment to cooperation with Central Asia through its strategy with the region and the Team Europe initiative. Terhi Hakala, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, emphasized the EU’s support in areas such as counterterrorism, fighting radicalization, and arms trafficking. She stressed the importance of multilateral institutions and agreed binding rules in governing international relations.
Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, highlighted the UN’s work in the Central Asian region, including efforts to prevent terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan. He commended Kazakhstan for repatriating almost all of its citizens and praised the progress made by Central Asian countries in regional cooperation and addressing common problems.
Natalia Gherman, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, commended Kazakhstan’s commitment to multilateralism and finding sustainable solutions for the region. She applauded the political will demonstrated by Central Asian states in working together to fight terrorism at the regional level.
The Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum brought together more than 60 international speakers from various countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, India, Russia, Turkey, and the United States, among others. The forum aimed to facilitate a platform for meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas on pressing global security challenges.
