The Central Asian Think Tanks Forum is a regional platform that brings together research and analytical organizations from the region to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise, and address shared challenges. Launched in 2022, the Forum fosters long-term partnerships among non-profit think tanks, helping them grow, increase their influence, and promote democratic values in Central Asia.
The project is implemented by the Paperlab research center in partnership with the regional analytical center CAPS Unlock, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Central Asia. The project’s media partner is MediaNet.
Think tanks are vital to shaping policies, informing public debate, and driving positive change. Yet, they also face significant challenges—political pressures, financial constraints, and the ongoing quest for greater impact. The Central Asian Think Tanks Forum provides a dedicated space to address these issues, exchange solutions, and strengthen the regional research community.
Each year, the Forum tackles critical regional issues:
In 2024, the Forum introduced a Capacity Development Workshop for Think Tanks, aimed at strengthening the institutional foundations and strategic planning of research organizations. The workshop provided practical tools for resource management, governance improvement, and enhancing policy influence.
Since its inception, the Forum has brought together over 150 experts from across Central Asia, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building. It continues to serve as a key platform for think tanks, ensuring they remain influential voices in policymaking.
As the Forum evolves, its mission remains clear: to support a resilient and independent think tank ecosystem in Central Asia—one that drives informed policymaking, fosters regional cooperation, and contributes to meaningful change.
