From August 25 to 27, 2026, a 19-member delegation of graduates from the fifth C5+O.N.E. cohort in Turkmenistan participated in the “Shaping Tomorrow: C5+O.N.E. U.S.-Central Asia Regional Conference on Economic Growth” in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The conference provided a valuable platform for emerging professionals from Central Asia and the United States to exchange perspectives, strengthen professional networks, and explore practical approaches to economic growth and regional cooperation.
Throughout the three-day program, the delegation participated in expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, business presentations, networking activities, and cultural exchange. The conference addressed a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, financial governance, investment, innovation, responsible artificial intelligence, workforce readiness, strategic communication, commercial risk management, and international business cooperation.
During the day one keynote session, Elena V. Son-LaRocco, Executive Director of the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and a leader of several initiatives advancing economic and business partnerships between the United States and Central Asia, facilitated an interactive fireside conversation with selected C5+O.N.E. delegates from across the region. Maria Kim, a member of the Turkmenistan delegation, joined the conversation as a co-speaker alongside participants from other Central Asian countries. The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on leadership, economic priorities, investment opportunities, and ways to strengthen business engagement between Central Asia and the United States.
“Participating in the keynote conversation was a valuable opportunity to share ideas, engage in international dialogue, and reflect on the role of professionals in developing new partnerships and opportunities,” Maria Kim shared.
Conference sessions brought together U.S. and Central Asian experts from business, finance, academia, law, education, and technology. Discussions on financial systems, market confidence, capital markets, and investment decisions helped participants deepen their understanding of sustainable business growth. Sessions on responsible artificial intelligence and digital transformation explored how emerging technologies can support education, professional development, and regional collaboration.
Workshops on executive communication, business writing, international positioning, negotiation, mediation, and commercial risk mitigation provided participants with practical tools for presenting ideas, building partnerships, managing risks, and communicating effectively with different stakeholders. Participants also shared innovative ideas during the C5+O.N.E. Graduate Business Presentation Session, demonstrating the program’s contribution to entrepreneurship, leadership development, and cross-border collaboration.
The final day focused on transforming knowledge into action through sessions on financial governance, innovation, strategic leadership, and project development. Delegates strengthened their ability to develop realistic project proposals with clear objectives and measurable results. During the closing ceremony, Peter Kaufman, U.S. Consul General in Almaty, emphasized the importance of English-language skills, professional networks, and knowledge exchange in supporting economic development and expanding professional opportunities.
The gala evening celebrated the cultural diversity of the participating countries. The Turkmenistan delegation presented a cultural program featuring a fashion showcase of traditional Turkmen national costumes, a performance of the traditional Kushtdepdi dance, and Turkmen poetry. The presentation highlighted Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage and contributed to meaningful people-to-people connections among participants from Central Asia and the United States.
The conference equipped the 19 graduates from Turkmenistan with practical knowledge, expanded professional networks, and direct connections with U.S. and regional experts. Their active participation reflected the professionalism, confidence, cultural pride, and forward-looking perspectives of Turkmenistan’s emerging professionals, while creating new opportunities for continued learning, collaboration, and stronger economic ties between Central Asia and the United States.