Central Asian social scientists for the first time gather in Almaty to elaborate UNESCO Regional Social Sciences Strategy

7 May 2003

Regional round table on elaboration of the Regional Social Sciences Strategy with the participation of social scientists including social research agencies, National Academies of Sciences, university professors and policy makersfrom the republics of the Central Asia took place in Almaty, May 7-8, 2003

Although the Central Asian countries share a common history, ten years of independence has brought them to different stages of socio- economic development. Common issues were those of security and peace in the region as well as conflict prevention. That is the reason studies of migration and interethnic relations were considered to be the most important areas of research in all countries. Capacity building was another issue where UNESCO could provide technical assistance and expertise. Topics of high interest:
  • Regionalisation versus globalisation
  • National versus regional identification
The social scientists believed that the reaction to globalisation should be Central Asian regionalisation in order to solve problems shared by all the Central Asian countries through co-operation:
  • Territorial problems in the border districts due to poor water resource management;
  • Common threat of international terrorism;
  • Uncontrolled interregional migration;
  • Penetration of ideological separatism in the area of education in every Central Asian country - claims on the role of “main player” in the historical arena of the region and privatisation of the common regional heritage;
  • Drug trafficking through the territories of the Central Asian countries.

Permanent link: http://en.unesco.kz/central-asian-social-scientists-for-the-first-time-gather-in-almaty-to-elaborate-unesco