American Councils is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the C5+O.N.E. (Opening Networks through English) Regional Conference on Energy and Environment, which took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event brought together over 130 participants from five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—to discuss critical issues related to energy sustainability and environmental collaboration.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Yuliya Beloslyudtseva, C5+O.N.E. Program Director, followed by speeches from Jeffrey Bunting, Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, and Karissa Huntington, Director for Field Programs at American Councils. Dr. Michael Cain, Professor of Political Science at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing pressing environmental and energy-related challenges.
Participants attended a range of expert-led panels and plenary sessions covering topics such as energy security, climate change, air pollution, and resource management. A standout moment was the series of interactive workshops, including the Grant Writing session led by Anara Badyrlenova, Chairwoman of the National Alumni Network for Kazakhstan, which focused on securing funding for sustainable development projects. This practical session enabled participants to pitch their ideas and receive targeted feedback on potential funding opportunities through U.S. Government (USG) alumni grants.
Additionally, participants had the opportunity to attend workshops on water management, renewable energy, and climate adaptation, where they gained hands-on experience with tools and strategies for addressing environmental issues in their home countries. Experts provided actionable insights into the latest trends in energy and environmental management, equipping participants with the skills necessary to drive sustainable development in Central Asia.
The event also featured a cultural Gala Dinner at Bakshasaray Banquet Hall, where attendees from across the region shared traditional music, dance, and attire, celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Central Asia while further strengthening the professional and personal bonds formed during the conference.
The closing session, led by Professor Khanjan Mehta, emphasized the significance of continued regional collaboration, the potential for future projects and the great importance of impact in whatever they do. Merdan Amansahedov, a C5+O.N.E. participant from Turkmenistan reflected, “The most significant insight I gained from the event was the importance of effective communication and collaboration in achieving successful outcomes.”
As participants return to their home countries, they carry with them new knowledge, strengthened networks, and opportunities for future partnerships that will play a vital role in shaping the region’s sustainable future.
About C5 + O.N.E.
The C5+ONE Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by American Councils, continues to foster professional growth and English language fluency among energy and environment professionals from all five of the Central Asian countries of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.