ABOUT CONFERENCE

Since 2020, the Silk Road of Knowledge conference has served as an international platform for dialogue among policymakers, researchers, technical experts, development partners and civil society representatives working to advance sustainable development in Central Asia. Organized by the Kazakh-German University within the framework of the Green Central Asia (GCA) initiative, the conference has brought together more than 2,000 participants from over 100 organizations, facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening the science–policy interface across the region.

Over the past years, the conference has evolved alongside the priorities of the Green Central Asia initiative. It has highlighted scientific advances, innovative tools and practical approaches in water resources management, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, environmental governance and sustainable development. Through thematic discussions and policy-oriented recommendations, the conference has contributed to strengthening regional dialogue and promoting evidence-based decision-making.

At the same time, Central Asia is entering a new stage of regional cooperation. Scientific knowledge, climate information services and regional dialogue platforms are becoming increasingly available, while governments have demonstrated stronger political commitment to addressing shared climate and water challenges. The growing challenge is no longer only to generate knowledge or facilitate dialogue, but to transform these into coordinated regional action, long-term partnerships and investment-ready initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for the region. This direction is also closely aligned with the objectives of the Green Central Asia Phase II, which seeks to reduce climate risks by strengthening transboundary cooperation and building regional resilience.

Against this backdrop, Silk Road of Knowledge 2026 shifts its focus from discussing scientific evidence towards exploring how regional actors can jointly implement climate solutions. The conference will provide a platform for governments, international organizations, financial institutions, academia, development partners, civil society and the private sector to identify practical mechanisms for strengthening regional cooperation, mobilizing climate finance and developing collaborative initiatives that support climate resilience and sustainable development in Central Asia.

CONFERENCE BROADCAST

OUR PARTNERS

FORMAT

​​​1. Each of the sessions above will last parallel for 1,5 hours in a hybrid 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.

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 and recommendations

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