ABOUT CONFERENCE

Within the framework of the "Green Central Asia'' Initiative, the Kazakh-German University has been organizing an international conference - "The Silk Road of Knowledge: Science Meets Green Policy" since 2020. The conference promotes the following goals – enhancing cooperation and networking among scientists, policymakers, and practitioners, as well as exchange of experience and accumulation of knowledge in the field of integrated water resources management, food security, infrastructure development, and energy efficiency practices in the context of climate change.

Objective of the conference:the conference aimed at providing innovative solutions for the five Central Asian economies (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) by:

• presenting and discussing policy proposals on innovative science-based solutions for the economic and political development of Central Asia to mitigate the impact of climate change;
• informing on decision-making processes based on scientific research in the field of integrated water and land resources management, food security, infrastructure development, water and climate security, and energy efficiency practices in Central Asia;
• presenting innovation for development;
• involving youth in scientific research and decision-making processes.

Conference sessions: The Online Conference covered a wide range of issues presented during the conference pre-sessions, panel discussion and thematic sessions focusing on the impact of climate change on Central Asian countries and necessary adaptation measures. The Conference was divided into two segments: the pre-sessions were taking place on December 12, 2023 and January 17, 2024. The panel discussion and thematic sessions took place on February 22-23, 2024 (see agenda).

The policy briefs from the previous conferences are available here.

OUR PARTNERS

FORMAT

​​​1. Each of the sessions above will last parallel for 1,5 hours in an online format (via Zoom app.)

2. Each thematic session will be moderated by one chair and two co-chairs. The moderators define their session’s thematic scope for further development of the policy proposals.

3. Each session will include presentations by key-speakers (1-2 max.) representing high-level economy, policy or entrepreneurs. The key speakers formulate political and economic demands for future researchers/scientists working in the Central Asian region.

4. In each session, chairs present policy proposals covering:

• Introduction to a science-based solution / ‘know-how’
• Explanation and analysis of one policy issue
• Analysis of a chosen solution / ‘know-how’ as a policy option
• Key takeaways for policy advice and recommendations

5. Three - four scientific community discussants are invited to reflect on the presented policy proposals.

6. The finalized policy proposals are presented at the closing session.