On 15 October, the international BE WOMAN ASIA 2026 Forum took place in Almaty, bringing together women leaders from different countries and professional fields. One of the key themes of the programme was the role of culture in shaping Central Asia’s global identity. This was the focus of the panel discussion “Cultural Power: Building Central Asia’s Global Identity”, featuring Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation.

The discussion explored Central Asia’s place within the contemporary global cultural landscape, the development of cultural institutions, support for artists and craftspeople, education, and international cooperation. Particular attention was given to how the preservation and contemporary interpretation of heritage enable countries across the region to develop their own cultural language and strengthen Central Asia’s presence on the international stage.

Regional cooperation was also an important focus of the discussion. Strengthening professional networks, exchanging expertise and developing joint initiatives create new opportunities for the growth of Central Asia’s cultural ecosystem and for presenting a more cohesive image of the region to the world.