ISET Policy Institute’s Lead Economist Mariam Lobjanidze participated in the Eighth CAREC Think Tank Development Forum on August 27-28, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Organized by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute (CI), this annual event serves as a flagship knowledge exchange platform under the CAREC Think Tank Network (CTTN).

Mariam Lobjanidze took part in the session themed ‘Voices of CAREC Think Tanks’. This panel discussion delved into the specific challenges that think tanks face within political and business contexts, including navigating regulatory hurdles, managing stakeholder interests, and preserving independence while engaging with political and corporate entities. Moreover, the panel explored various strategies that think tanks employ to achieve financial sustainability and innovative approaches to foster institutional growth.

The forum, themed “The Climate Challenge: Thinking Beyond Borders for Collective Action,” convened diverse stakeholders to discuss regional challenges and provide policy recommendations for addressing climate issues through cross-border collaboration. Forum participants engaged in meaningful policy discourse to identify solutions for a climate-resilient region, explore joint research opportunities, and facilitate innovative climate studies beyond mainstream agendas.