July 9, 2026 – Today, the C5+O.N.E. (Opening Networks Through English) Program has officially launched its seventh cohort, bringing together over 400 government, private sector, civil society, and media professionals from across Central Asia. Funded by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and implemented by the American Councils for International Education, the program strengthens English proficiency across the region to support deeper integration, enhance professional collaboration, and expand economic ties with the United States.
Representing all countries of Central Asia, Cohort 7 participants bring expertise from key sectors such as agriculture, banking and finance, information technology, entrepreneurship, and energy. Through the program’s “English for the Economy” curriculum, participants will strengthen their professional English skills, engage with American experts, and build lasting cross-border networks across Central Asia and the United States. They will also become part of a vibrant alumni network of more than 2,200 professionals who have completed the program since its launch.
In his welcoming remarks to the new cohort, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Lesslie Viguerie noted:
“English is the language of future economic growth. It is the language of global commerce, IT, science, and research. I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity to make English a part of your future.”
During the nine-month program, participants will engage in specialized English language instruction and professional development programming designed to strengthen workforce skills, promote regional cooperation, and support meaningful engagement with colleagues across Central Asia and the United States. In addition to national-level activities in their home countries, selected participants will attend a regional conference that brings together professionals and American experts to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The seventh cohort includes around 130 participants from Kazakhstan, 90 from the Kyrgyz Republic, 100 from Tajikistan, 60 from Turkmenistan, and 100 from Uzbekistan.
The launch of Cohort 7 reaffirms C5+O.N.E.’s commitment to building skills, promoting regional cooperation, and expanding opportunities for shared U.S.-Central Asia growth and prosperity.
You can find more information about C5+O.N.E. on its social media pages: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and American Councils Global.
You can direct questions to Zhanna Dossova, C5+O.N.E. Regional Communications Specialist: