Cambridge Central Asia Forum

Cambridge Central Asia Forum in collaboration with GCRF COMPASS and the Centre of Development Studies organised the annual Navroz (Spring Festival) celebrations on 19 March 2021. This year the programme was virtual. The Embassies of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan along with Krygyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and representatives from the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation, Kazakhstan participated in the event. The Ambassadors of the countries gave a short address, followed by a recitation of poetry and a video of a national dance, music and song was shown.

GCRF COMPASS Cambridge in partnership with Braingain Global organised a training school on 'Leadership programme on Solving Global Challenges' from 9-19 February 2020. The training school attracted a cross-section of stakeholders including young students, researchers, early career politicians, civil society representatives and entrepreneurs. The participants had the opportunity to listen to the latest research on climate change, energy and health. The programme was multi-disciplinary in nature and had scientists and social scientists talking about the ways in which global challenges are being considered across academia and in international organisations.

GCRF COMPASS Cambridge together with The Coordination and Methodological Centre on contemporary history under the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences organised a workshop in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. It was organised with support from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the UK, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, the Academy of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan, and the Institute of Contemporary History under the Academy of Sciences in Uzbekistan, University of World Economy and Diplomacy.

On the occasion of Navroz celebrations in Cambridge, the Cambridge Central Asia Forum organised a roundtable on the Silk Roads: Prospects and Perspectives in Jesus College. The event was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Ms Iskakova (Kyrgystan), His Excellency Mr Shaykhov (Uzbekistan), His Excellency Mr Jawad (Afghanistan), Head of Mission from Tajikistan to the UK Mr Qurbonov and First Secretary Mr Annayev (Turkmenistan). The Deputy Vice Chancellor and Master of Jesus College, Professor Ian White opened the roundtable with a welcome speech. Professor Nolan and Dr Fennell along with other academics from Cambridge, UCL and University of Kent gave brief talks as well.

On 5 December 2019 Cambridge Central Asia Forum and GCRF COMPASS Cambridge hosted a high level delegation from Uzbekistan which included Senator Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Senator Rahmankulov, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies, Senator, Bobur Usmanov, Member of the Presidential Administration and Eldor Tulyakov, Director of the Centre for Development along with His Excellency S. Rustamov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the UK. Distinguisged guests and speakers included Prof Parker, Prof Korosteleva, Dr Lane, Dr Fennell and N. Raina (UKRI). The event was chaired and moderated by Dr Saxena.

CCAF in collaboration with Jesus College organised Navroz 2019 on 8 March. The event marks the 18th year of celebrating the Central Asian New Year in Cambridge. Prof White (Deputy Vice Chancellor), Prof Lord Mair, Prof Nolan and Dr Saxena welcomed and wished everyone a Happy Navroz. HE Khalifzoda (Tajikistan), HE Shaykhov (Uzbekistan), HE Jawad (Afghanistan), Mr Huseynov (Azerbaijan), Mr Annayev (Turkmenistan), Mr Sydykov (Kyrgyz Republic) and Cambridge University Kazakhstan Society were present and welcomed this momentous occasion. The audience (200+) was enthralled with the beauty and grace of children, men and women representing their countries in the oldest chapel in Cambridge.

Dr Saxena with Her Excellency Dr Iskakova (Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic, UK) launched the book, ‘Making the Kyrgyz’ at the ABRN, Borderlands Spaces: Ruins, Revival(s) and Resources at the American University of Central Asia in the Kyrgyz Republic on 13 August 2018. The multi-author volume comes out of a seminar to celebrate 25 years of Kyrgyz independence in Cambridge.