Sustainable Peace in Central Asia: Lessons learned from the Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship

This high-level panel will explore the significance of the Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship, signed by Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on 31 March 2025, as an important milestone for peace, trust and regional cooperation in Central Asia. 

Bringing together policymakers, representatives of international and regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as well as experts from academia and civil society, the discussion will examine how dialogue, good-neighbourly relations, trust-building and preventive diplomacy can contribute to sustainable peace, stability and development. 

The panel will also consider the role of regional ownership and cooperation frameworks in addressing shared and transboundary challenges, fostering cooperative security and strengthening long-term stability. Drawing on the experience of the three Central Asian states, participants will reflect on lessons that may be relevant to other regions facing geopolitical tensions and cross-border challenges. 

More broadly, the session will provide a platform for exchange on how regional cooperation and sustained political dialogue can help prevent conflict, build mutual confidence and advance a shared vision of peaceful and sustainable development.