The term “sustainable” has become a buzzword as businesses and countries strive for stable growth and environmentally friendly practices. However, it has rarely been applied to the 2-million-square-mile region, inhabited by over 180 mn people of diverse ethnicities, that encompasses Turkey, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. This vast territory, once the center of ancient civilizations and long a focus of geopolitical interest, has often been overlooked by the West, especially in terms of sustainability.
Today, this region, stretching from the eastern shores of the Mediterranean and Black Sea to the mountains of the Himalayas, is emerging as an economic powerhouse. New pathways are being created to connect people and businesses across sectors such as energy, critical minerals, trade, transportation, security, and the environment. For a region this large and influential, long-term connectivity and sustainable practices are essential. In other words, the sustainability of this region now demands attention.
The 5th Business Forum of the Caspian Policy Center, recently held at the Harvard Club of New York, focused on “sustainability”—a concept not traditionally associated with Turkey, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Historically, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic, along with the countries of the South Caucasus, were seen as mere suppliers of food, energy, and raw materials to the centralized Soviet government. The long-term environmental and societal impacts of agricultural and industrial practices were not a concern for the Soviets. However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union paved the way for greater awareness of the issues facing these individual countries.
Thirty-three years ago, these nations gained independence, emerging on the world map as sovereign states. Despite this, much of their potential remains obscured by stereotypes, with narratives often focusing on perceived “backwardness” or resource mismanagement. Many in the West still associate the region solely with oil exploration and the environmental issues tied to it, unaware of the new industries and initiatives developing there.
The forum in New York highlighted that the Central Asian and Caucasus states are much more than former “Asiatic” Soviet republics. These are growing, evolving, independent countries that increasingly rely on each other’s support in today’s volatile geopolitical environment. The event brought together distinguished speakers and participants from the U.S. and the former Soviet regions, who provided insightful commentary on creating better connectivity in the region—a key element of sustainable development. New business opportunities for the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus were also emphasized.
Notably, the event took place one year after the historic C5+1 meeting between the Central Asian presidents and U.S. President Joe Biden. Efgan Nifti, President of the Caspian Policy Center, pointed out that the U.S. and its G7 partners have made strides in investing in the region through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), a significant source of foreign investment. Nifti also noted that the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative announced a €10 bn investment package for Central Asia, primarily aimed at improving transit infrastructure.
Geoffrey Pyatt, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, emphasized the importance of energy security in the region, stating, “We are eager to help your region build energy security.” He spoke about ongoing efforts with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and the energy companies KMG and SOCAR to diversify crude oil export routes. He also touched on Caspian gas supply, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring the energy security of the EU. Pyatt added, “There is more we can do in this space.”
Forum participants made clear that cooperation on energy resources is crucial in the current geopolitical climate. Pyatt remarked, “The Caspian region is directly impacted by Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the disruption Russia’s weaponization of energy resources has caused to global energy security.” He stressed the need for cooperation within and beyond the region to ensure global energy supply.
Efgan Nifti also addressed the importance of renewable energy, noting that Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 this November signals the region’s commitment to a green energy transition. Pyatt echoed these sentiments, stating, “The U.S. is focused on decarbonization, methane abatement, and managing fossil resources in the Caspian region."
Helaina Matza from the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for the PGI highlighted the region’s growing role in supplying crucial resources to international markets. She noted a fiber-optic cable project along the bottom of the Caspian Sea, set to improve digital infrastructure in the region, with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan leading the effort. Matza emphasized that these kinds of investments are essential for building international corridors and improving connectivity.
Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States, focused on the region’s commitment to sustainable practices, noting the upcoming adoption of the “Turkic Green Region Unity” concept. He also highlighted the significance of the Middle Corridor, particularly the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is expected to reduce the distance between East Asia and Southern Europe by 900 kilometers.
The forum’s discussions covered a wide range of topics, from green energy and infrastructure to regional cooperation. Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow at the Caspian Policy Center, likened the region to a “sleeping giant that has been awakened.” He highlighted the potential for growth, stressing that greater cooperation between regional countries could significantly enhance the Middle Corridor’s capacity for freight rail traffic.
Representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan echoed the need for collaboration on energy, transport, and investment. Elnur Mammadov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, called for joint initiatives such as the UN SPECA climate innovation dialogue to drive regional cooperation. Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Berris Ekinci, stressed the urgency of tapping into the region’s energy resources, stating, “We need to act quickly to bring new volumes of gas to the market.” Meanwhile, Georgia’s Lasha Darsalia underscored his country’s role in facilitating greater energy and transport connectivity, particularly through projects like the Middle Corridor and the Anaklia deep seaport.
Zulfiya Suleimenova, Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of partnerships with global leaders like the U.S. to build resilience and achieve sustainable progress. She also highlighted the environmental challenges facing the region, including the rising sea level and degradation from oil exploration.
The forum’s closing session focused on sustainable connectivity and investment opportunities. Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board of Azerbaijan’s Small and Medium Business Development Agency, highlighted his country’s efforts to develop SMEs and stressed the importance of sustainability for competitiveness. Gabidulla Ospankulov from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of upgrading the country’s infrastructure to unlock its full potential as a transcontinental bridge between Europe and Asia.
Änjali Kaur, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator, concluded the forum with a presentation on the economic potential of the Caspian region. She highlighted USAID’s recent investments in harmonizing customs and border procedures and developing the Trans-Caspian Corridor. Kaur stressed the need to safeguard the region’s natural resources as its economic potential continues to grow.
The 5th Business Forum of the Caspian Policy Center provided a new perspective on Turkey, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. It painted a picture of the region as a rapidly evolving area rich with possibilities for sustainable growth and development—not merely a source of natural resources to be exploited but a region capable of shaping its own future through collaboration and innovation.
By: Assel Nussupova
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