The official report on the 2026 CAMCA Regional Forum has been released, highlighting discussions, speakers, activities, and testimonials from the 12th annual Forum, held October 1st-2nd, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Organized by the CAMCA Network, the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, and the Rumsfeld Foundation, in partnership with ADA University and other valued sponsors and partners, the 2026 Forum brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business executives, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, policy experts, and more from across Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, and the broader international community.
Under the theme “The World and CAMCA: A Region at the Crossroads,” the Forum provided an important platform for examining the region's evolving geopolitical and economic landscape, strengthening cross-border relationships, and identifying opportunities for greater regional cooperation, economic growth and development.
Established in 2014, the CAMCA Regional Forum has grown into one of the region's premier platforms for dialogue and collaboration. Across its 12 editions, the Forum has welcomed more than 2,300 participants and over 630 speakers representing more than 45 countries.
Distinguished Speakers and Regional Leaders
The 2026 Forum featured an impressive lineup of senior officials, policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and internationally recognized experts.
Among the distinguished speakers were:
- H.E. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- H.E. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Senator Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan
- Amb. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States
- Amb. Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of ADA University
- Chargé d’affaires Amy Carlon, U.S. Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan
- Rolande Pryce, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus
- Amb. Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia
- Jalal Gasimov, CEO of PASHA Holding
- Dr. S. Frederick Starr, Chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
Additional speakers represented leading international institutions, regional businesses, investment organizations, think tanks, universities, and civil society organizations, contributing perspectives from across the CAMCA countries and beyond.
Key Discussions and Forum Themes
The Forum's two-day program explored some of the most consequential developments shaping the future of the CAMCA region, emphasizing the importance of stronger regional connections and greater engagement with international partners.
Discussions covered broad areas including:
- Regional Geopolitics and Cooperation
- Entrepreneurship, Investment, Innovation and Strategic Industries
- Connectivity, Trade and Economic Cooperation
- Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence and Fintech
- Human Capital and Education
Looking Beyond Baku: The Future of CAMCA’s Regional Cooperation
The 2026 Forum underscored the growing importance of the CAMCA region as a bridge connecting Central Asia, the Caucasus, Mongolia, and Afghanistan with broader international markets and partners. As geopolitical and economic developments continue to impact the region, the need for stronger regional dialogue, connectivity, investment, and people-to-people relationships remains particularly important.
An essential part of sustaining this momentum is the CAMCA Network, one of the Forum’s main organizers and drivers. With more than 300 members and a growing community of professionals across the region and beyond, the CAMCA Network provides an ongoing platform for collaboration among leaders in business, government, academia, and civil society.
The Forum's discussions and connections are designed to extend far beyond the two-day gathering, encouraging participants to translate shared ideas into continued engagement, partnerships, and initiatives that contribute to the region's long-term development. Read the recent article, “The 2026 CAMCA Regional Forum Concludes – What’s Next?,” authored by Foundation Executive Director, Sarah Tonucci, to learn more about the CAMCA Forum and CAMCA Network’s important trajectory and path forward.
The closing ceremony also included the special announcement that the 2027 CAMCA Regional Forum will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in June 2027, continuing the Forum's tradition of rotating its annual gathering among countries of the CAMCA region.
Learn More About the 2026 Forum and Future Forums
For further details, review the official 2026 CAMCA Regional Forum Report, Forum Agenda, speaker information, photographs, media coverage, and updates through the Forum's official website and social media channels. Sign up for the Forum mailing list at www.camcaforum.org to receive announcements about future gatherings.
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Forum Media Contacts:
Tamuna Kekenadze – Forum Managing Director
director@camcaforum.org
David Soumbadze – Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
soumbadze@afpc.org
Sarah Tonucci – Rumsfeld Foundation
sarah@rumsfeldfoundation.org