A two-day international videoconference on “Impact of the pandemic on Central Asia: Initial lessons, coronacrisis and prospects for transformation”, organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, has kicked off.

The Forum brought together experts and leading specialists, scientists, parliamentarians, heads of leading research centers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Malaysia, Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and other countries.

First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Akromjon Nematov, made a report on the role of multilateral cooperation and international organizations in emergency conditions.

In his speech, he touched upon a number of urgent global challenges facing the international community, as well as the process taking place in Central Asia.

Among the key problems hindering broad international cooperation against the backdrop of the pandemic, the expert identified the growth of protectionism, disagreements and increasing competition among countries of the world. Such tendencies, according to A. Nematov’s estimates, negatively affect the activities of international organizations created to address such challenges and protect the interests of all members of the world community.

In this regard, the attention of participants was drawn to the need for maintaining a constructive dialogue and building confidence in international relations. According to the expert, without these elements it is impossible to build unified approaches and provide a coordinated response to the challenges and threats facing humanity. “Global problems require a global response”, Nematov said. “Only by giving a new impetus to multilateral ties by strengthening solidarity, the world will be able to overcome the negative consequences of the coronavirus crisis”.

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