Cambridge Central Asia Forum |

Central Asian New Year and Spring Celebration, Jesus College, Navruz 2022
His Excellency Edil Baisalov, Deputy Prime Minister, Kyrgyz Republic in Cambridge, 3 December 2021
Caspian Sea, Baku, Azerbaijan 2022
L to R: Prof Nolan, Mr Husynov (Embassy of Azerbaijan), Prof White (Deputy VC and Master of Jesus College), Prof Lord Mair, HE Khalifzoda (Ambassador of Tajikistan), HE Jawad (Embassy of Afghanistan), HE Shaykhov (Embassy of Uzbekistan), Mr Sydykov (Embas
GCRF COMPASS Workshop on Research in Action, Bukhara, Uzbekistan 8-11 April 2019
CDS Central Asia and Caucasus Mphil Cohort 2021
CCAF Garden Party, 23 June 2019

Conference on Connectivity in Central Asia and the Caucasus 6-9 December 2021

The international conference on Connectivity in Central Asia and the Caucasus was organised by CCAF and the GCRF COMPASS consortium in Jesus College, Cambridge. The conference was designed to talk about the latest research in Central Asian studies and revisit the UKRI funded COMPASS project and its findings. Themes of connectivity, nation states, regional cooperation, global history and inernational institutions were covered. Keynote speeches included Prof Meruert Abusseitova, Orient Studies Institute, Kazakhstan ; Professor Magnus Marsden, University of Sussex ; Professor Adeeb Khalid, Carleton University, Canada ’; Professor Scott Levi, Ohio State University.

Cambridge Navroz Roundtable and Celebration 2022

Cambridge Central Asia Forum had its annual celebration of Navroz in Cambridge on the 19 th of March 2022. The event began with a roundtable discussion with a select audience. This ambassadorial roundtable was attendeded by His Excellency Mr Said Rustamov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Vahabzade, Counsellor, Embassy of Azerbaijan, Mrs Talibova, First Secretary of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr Gani Bekenov, Kazakhstan, Mrs Lira Sabyrova, Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic and Mr Zalmai Nishat. The roundtable was dedicated to ‘30 years of Independence’ and was followed by a cultural evening to celebrate Navroz .

CCAF Navroz 2021

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.

'London Calling!' Panel Discussion with Ambassadors of Uzbekistan to the UK

Cambridge Central Asia Forum, Jesus College in collaboration with GCRF COMPASS & Centre of Development Studies, University of Cambridge hosted a panel discussion to discuss the epoch of Ambassadors from Uzbekistan representing different stages of development, priorities and signs of times. The panellists were His Excellency Faizullaev (1999-2003); His Excellency Akbarov (2007-2015; and now serving as Ambassador to Italy); His Excellency Kurmanov (2015-2017, currently Ambassador to Ukraine); His Excellency Rustamov (2019-Current).

Leadership Programme on Solving Global Challenges, 9-19 February 2020

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.

Panel Discussion on 'Development Damlyama', 30 July 2020

UKRI GCRF COMPASS, Centre of Development Studies, University of Cambridge and Cambridge Central Asia Forum, Jesus College, University of Cambridge organised a Panel Discussion on 'Development Damlyama: Reflecting on Development Aid Cooperation Paradigms in Central Asia' with Dr K. Kluczewska, Dr L. Lombardozzi, Dr U. Majidi, and S. Mowlds. The moderator was Dr S S Saxena, Director, Cambridge Central Asia Forum, Jesus College, University of Cambridge and discussants: Dr D. T. Kudaibergenova, PDRA, GCRF COMPASS, University of Cambridge & P. Kalra, Affiliated Lecturer, University of Cambridge. The event was attended by over 50 people. The discussion continues on a Slack channel.

GCRF COMPASS Research in Action, Bukhara, Uzbekistan 8-11 April 2019

GCRF COMPASS Research in Action Workshop, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

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.

Roundtable on 'Uzbekistan and the EAEU

On 26 February Cambridge Central Asia Forum and GCRF COMPASS Centre of Development Studies hosted a delegation from Uzbekistan headed by the Deputy Finance Minister Mr Isakov. The delegation included Prof Valiev, Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Mr Tilavov (Embassy of Uzbekistan, UK). The roundtable was chaired by Dr Saxena, opening remarks by Prof Nolan with talks by Prof Korosteleva (Kent), Dr Raina (GCRF), Dr Fennell (Cambridge) and N. Ray (Emeritus Fellow, Jesus College). Dr Umarov (UWED), Dr Kudaibergenova (Cambridge) and P. Kalra (Cambridge) participated in the discussion.

Roundtable on Silk Roads: Prospects and Perspectives

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.

Roundtable on Dynamics and Dynamisms of the Emerging Global Order

CCAF in collaboration with GCRF COMPASS and Centre of Development Studies organised a Strategic Ambassadorial meeting on 8 March 2019. The panel consisted of HE Jawad (Ambassador of Afghanistan), HE Khalifzoda (Ambassador of Tajikistan), HE Shaykhov (Ambassador of Uzbekistan), Mr Annayev (Embassy of Turkmenistan), and Mr Sydykov (Embassy of Kyrgyz Republic). Prof Lord Mair, Prof Nolan and Mr Ray addressed the gathering. The meeting was chaired by Dr Saxena.

Uzbek Delegation in Cambridge, 5 December 2019

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.

Roundtable on OSCE and EU's Strategy in Central Asia and the Caucasus, Jesus College

Roundtale on OSCE and EU Strategy in Central Asia and Caucasus, 18 October 2019

Cambridge Central Asia Forum in collaboration with GCRF COMPASS and Centre of Development Studies in partnership with H.E. Mr. Ľubomír Rehák, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic hosted a policy oriented roundtable discussion on OSCE and Europe’s strategy of engagement with Central Asia, Afghanistan, the Caucasus and Eurasia to mark Slovakia’s Chairmanship of the OSCE. Mr Marek Varga, Head of Politico–Military Dimension and Conflicts Unit, Department of Political and Security Affairs, Directorate General for the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship, HE Khalifazoda (Ambassador of Tajikistan), HE Jawad (Ambassador of Afghanistan), HE Baisalov (Ambassador of the Kyrgyz...

CCAF Navroz 2019, 8 March in Jesus College Chapel

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.

Uzbek and Turkmen Pavilions at Expo 2017 in Kazakhstan: Pave way for 'New Energy' Revolution for a Global Impact

Dr Saxena's article on the Astana Expo 2017 and regional cooperation. "The energy comes forth at Astana Expo in two forms. One is the realisation that dependence on oil and hydrocarbons is just not fashionable anymore! And, for more than two decades Western analysts have been busy predicting implosion, collapse and a dire future for the Central Asia Region."

'Making The Kyrgyz' Book Lauch

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.

Turkmen Government signs an agreement with Cambridge University

The start of 2018 marked further strengthening of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom. The government of Turkmenistan has signed an agreement with two departments of Cambridge University, to enhance the teaching and learning of English in Turkmen schools.

The 4th Global Research Network International Workshop: “Science in Diplomacy and Diplomacy in Science”, 8-9 April 2021

As part of the Korean government funded GRN project on the history of science diplomacy in Eurasia, Cambridge, Hanyang Uni, Plekhanov Institute and Eurasian Research Institute organised a two day workshop on ‘Science in Diplomacy and Diplomacy in Science’. The workshop included senior scientists and agencies involved with diplomacy in South Korea to evaluate how best to develop Eurasian Science Diplomacy programmes especially with regards to Central Asia. Read More

Visit of a delegation from Uzbekistan to Cambridge

The delegation was composed of Dr Shoazim Minavarov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Centre (Head of the Delegation); Dr Ziyodov, Director of the Imam Al Bukhari Centre; Dr Najmiddinov, Director of the Islamic Research Centre under the Tashkent Islamic University; Mr Islomov, Senior Consultant, the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan; Mr R. Bakhodirov, Director of the Centre for Research of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Artefacts Abroad, His Excellency Dr Alisher Shaykhov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan in London and Dr Safarov, Councellor. The delegation visited the Fitzwilliam Museum, Ancient India and Iran Trust and Jesus College with Dr Saxena and Dr Yunusov on 3 March 2018.

GCRF COMPASS Workshop on BRI and the Silk Road on 15 March 2019

GCRF COMPASS Cambridge organised a one day workshop on BRI and the Silk Road on 15 March in the Centre of Development Studies. This workshop was a continuation of the workshop on BRI organised in the University of Kent by our GCRF COMPASS partners in Kent. The workshop included presentations and talks by Prof Peter Nolan, Dr Sanghera (Uni of Kent), Dr Radivojevic (UCL), Dr Satybaldieva (Uni of Kent), Dr Kudaibergenova (Cambridge), Dr Safdar, Prof Baichorov (BSU) and P. Kalra. The workshop was moderated by Dr Saxena.

GCRF COMPASS Roundtable on Community Dialogue and Democratisation in Uzbekistan

On 15 November 2018 the Cambridge team in the GCRF COMPASS project hosted a delegation from Uzbekistan. The event was organised by Cambridge Central Asia Forum, Jesus College, University of Cambridge, GCRF COMPASS UK, Centre of Development Studies and the Independent Institute for Monitoring Civil Society in Uzbekistan, Embassy of the Uzbekistan in the UK and the OSCE Office in Uzbekistan. The head of the delegation was Prof Obdumuradov, Head of the Sector of the Presidential Administration in Uzbekistan. Nick Ray, Convenor of the Cambridge Central Asia Forum Committe was also present.

GCRF COMPASS Launch (22-23 May, 2018, Belarus)

The University of Cambridge along with its partners – University of Kent, ADA University (Azerbaijan), Belarusian State University, Tajik National University, and University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Uzbekistan), launched the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) “COMPASS” Project (ES/P010849/1; 2017-21), on 22-23 May 2018, Minsk, Belarus.

Celebrating Strong Links with Central Asia

Some of the best graduate students from Central Asia will be able to study at Cambridge thanks to a co-funding scholarship agreement signed last week between the Cambridge Overseas Trust and the University of Central Asia.

The Trust renews partnership with University of Central Asia

A CCAF initiated project gets renewed! A senior delegation from the University of Central Asia visited Cambridge on 9 November, to sign a renewed agreement with the Cambridge Trust for a programme of co-funded PhD scholarships. Leading the delegation was Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha (pictured, right), accompanied by Dr Bohdan Krawchenko, Director General and Dean of Graduate Studies at UCA, and Dr Salim Sumar, Head of the UCA Central Asian Faculty Development.

Cambridge Doctoral Scholarships for Scholars from Central Asia

A CCAF initiated project gets renewed! A senior delegation from the University of Central Asia visited Cambridge on 9 November, to sign a renewed agreement with the Cambridge Trust for a programme of co-funded PhD scholarships. Up to nine full scholarships will be available for students starting their research in Cambridge in 2018-19 and the two following years.

Publications

Kalra, Prajakti. "Locating Central Eurasia's Inherent Resilience." Cambridge Review of International Affairs 35, no. 2 (2022): 235-55. Kalra, Prajakti, and Siddharth Shanker Saxena. "Globalizing Local Understanding of Fragility in Eurasia." Journal of Eurasian Studies 12, no. 2 (2021): 103-12. Book Review: Prajakti Kalra. Park Hyunhee, Soju: A global history. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021. 281 pp.. Korean Journal of the History of Science, 43(2), 505-509. Mowlds, Sinead, GCRF COMPASS, Centre of Development Studies. GCRF COMPASS Policy Paper on EVIDENCE-INFORMED DECISION-MAKING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN UZBEKISTAN: SPATIAL DATA.

Cambridge Central Asia Forum