The 4th Forum on Human Rights Development “China – Central Asia” was held on May 14, 2026, in Tashkent. The event was organized by the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights together with the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and brought together around 100 participants from Central Asian countries, China, and international organizations.
A delegation from the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in the forum, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Center for Human Rights, and the expert community.
As part of the visit program to Uzbekistan, the Kazakh delegation also held meetings at the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights and visited the Center of Islamic Civilization, which contributed to strengthening expert and institutional ties between the two countries.
The Director of the China Studies Center, Shaimergenova G., spoke at one of the thematic sessions devoted to the interconnection between environmental sustainability, green transformation, and human rights. In her speech, she paid special attention to environmental sustainability and green transformation as key conditions for ensuring human rights in the 21st century. Director Shaimergenova G. emphasized that climate change, environmental degradation, and the transition to a low-carbon economy directly affect the realization of socio-economic rights, including access to clean water, health, sustainable development, and a decent standard of living.
Particular emphasis was placed on Kazakhstan’s national strategic documents in the field of “green” development and climate policy, as well as on the need for closer coordination of efforts in the Central Asian region.
During the forum, ways to strengthen cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in the field of human rights protection through ensuring sustainable development, combating poverty, and digital transformation were discussed.
As a result of the event, the “Tashkent Initiative” was adopted, setting the framework for further interaction in the field of development and human rights between China and Central Asian countries.
China Studies Center
