On June 5, an expert seminar was held at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy on the topic “Forming and Strengthening Regional Identity as a Key Factor in Ensuring Stability and Sustainable Development in Central Asia”. The event was organized jointly with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the regional office of the PeaceNexus Foundation in Central Asia as part of the Termez Dialogue.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, UWED Rector Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Director of ISRS Akramjon Ne’matov, and PeaceNexus representative Kanat Abdiev addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. During the seminar, the draft Concept for the Formation and Strengthening of Central Asian Regional Identity, prepared by the Uzbek side, was presented, and its objectives, structure, key provisions, and further areas for refinement were discussed.

The expert discussion focused particularly on the relationship between national and regional identity, overcoming existing stereotypes, fostering a sense of belonging among the region’s residents, and developing coordinated narratives to promote the idea of regional identity in the information space. Participants also examined potential challenges, risks, and sensitive issues that must be taken into account during further discussions of the Concept at the national and regional levels.

A separate session was devoted to the presentation of the methodology for sociological research on regional identity. This research is intended to provide an additional empirical basis for refining the Concept and gaining a deeper understanding of the perception of regional identity in the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.

Following the seminar, participants emphasized the importance of an inclusive and collaborative approach to developing the Concept, based on taking into account national perspectives, expert assessments, and public perception.