The Central Asian Security Forum, “Security Architecture of Central Asia: Contemporary Challenges, Threats, and Strategic Opportunities,” opened in Dushanbe, according to the NIAT Khovar.

The event was initiated by the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation regional office for Central Asia.

Participants include representatives of analytical and research centers, international organizations, the expert community and diplomatic missions from Central Asian countries.

Organizers said that amid the erosion of widely accepted norms of international law and global policy frameworks, new challenges and threats — as well as strategic opportunities — are emerging for Central Asia and its states. They emphasized the need to balance opportunities with risks through proactive foreign policy, continued cooperation with traditional partners, stronger intra-regional ties and the use of trans-regional opportunities.

The forum aims to address current security issues in Central Asia and exchange views on near-term developments.

The first session, “Intra-regional Challenges and Opportunities for Central Asian Security,” focuses on internal regional risks, threats and opportunities.

The second session, “Trans-regional Challenges and Opportunities for Central Asian Security,” examines risks and opportunities stemming from broader regional dynamics.

The third session, “Socio-economic and Transport-Transit Aspects of Ensuring Security in Central Asia,” addresses trade cooperation, economic security trends, transport and transit projects, their impact on regional stability, and social risks.

The fourth session, “Potential Challenges and Strategic Opportunities for Central Asia in the Near Future,” explores risks, threats and opportunities facing regional states in the near term, including the impact of external competition and cooperation.