Three Central Asian universities – Nazarbayev University (Astana), New Uzbekistan University (Tashkent), American University of Central Asia (Bishkek) agreed to cooperate in providing a unified platform to enhance the visibility and impact of economic sciences in the region. The association will be open to all scholars based in Central Asia and outside the region and will rely on its membership in identifying directions of its future development and growth. The association will foster cooperation among academic institutions, private sectors, and public policymakers. It will open dialogue on critical economic and public policy issues.
Steven N. Durlauf, Frank P. Hixon Distinguished Service Professor, Director, Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago: “The formation of the Central Asian Economic Association is great news for the world of economic science. The association will facilitate research on an understudied region of great importance and will help grow the academic communities embraced by its members.”
Dr. Lyaziza Sabyrova, Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration, CWRD, Asian Development Bank: “The association is going to fill in the gap in the region of Central Asia broadly understood. ADB shares the vision of the association as an inclusive, open and highly professional partnership, well integrated into the global, regional and national multidisciplinary networks of researchers and experts maintaining the state-of-the-art research and publication standards.”
The CAEA will offer activities such as conferences, workshops, and seminars to foster dialogue among economists and stakeholders. The association also plans to facilitate partnerships with international scholars and institutions to expand the reach and impact of Central Asian economic research. The Secretariat, responsible for coordinating the association’s initiatives, will initially rotate among member universities starting with Nazarbayev University.
Committed to inclusivity, transparency, and ethical research practices, the CAEA aims to elevate economic education and scholarship across the region. The association will provide a platform for the regional and global cooperation on regional issues, exchange of ideas and strengthen networking opportunities for economists, contributing to the development of effective economic policies and innovations.
About Founding Universities.
Nazarbayev University (NU): As a flagship academic institution in Central Asia, NU aims for global recognition as a top-tier research university. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, NU placed in the 401+ band globally, ranking first among universities in Central Asia and the Caucasus and fourth in the CIS region. It features a fully merit-based admission system that integrates professor-led teaching and research from the freshman year. Dedicated to equipping graduates with skills for an era of globalization and technological advancement, NU offers a wide range of programs, strongly emphasizes research, and provides a modern campus with extensive student facilities.
New Uzbekistan University (NewUU): Uzbekistan’s first comprehensive research university, seamlessly integrating education with cutting-edge research. New Uzbekistan University is a home for the Greater Eurasia Research Center (GEAR), whose main objective is to explore the diverse dynamics of Central Asia. It focuses on interdisciplinary research and academic excellence, probing into the historical, contemporary, and future aspects of Central Asia’s economic, social, technological, and political landscapes
American University of Central Asia (AUCA): AUCA is an international, multi-disciplinary learning community that follows the American liberal arts tradition. Founded in 1993, AUCA was the first university in Central Asia to offer US accredited degrees in liberal arts programs through its partnership with Bard College in the United States. It is dedicated to developing future leaders who will contribute to the democratic transformation of Central Asia.
