Elvira Kiryanova (Kazakhstan) – General Director, specialist in international relations. For over 20 years, she has been engaged in analytical work related to the transfer of advanced foreign technologies and best practices to Kazakhstan. She is a certified practicing coach (mentor) according to the standards of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Sheripzhan Nadyrov (Kazakhstan) – Chief Scientific Consultant, a renowned Kazakh scientist in the field of economic geography. For over 50 years, he has been conducting research on effective spatial development, the economic aspects of Central Asian integration, and international transport and logistics routes, including China’s global initiative, “One Belt, One Road.” Throughout his career, he has worked in various scientific institutions, including the Academy of Sciences, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, and leading higher education institutions in Kazakhstan. He holds a Doctorate in Geography and is a professor. He has been awarded the “For Merits in the Development of Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan” badge.
Kuanish Kelgenbayev (Kazakhstan) – Specialist in international relations and international law. In collaboration with Salem State University (Massachusetts, USA), he is involved in the study of geopolitical assessments of the geography of international conflicts. He is a PhD candidate at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
Olzhas Akanov (Kazakhstan) – Project Coordinator and expert in electoral law. He conducts research on democratization and electoral policy. He is a permanent member of the observer missions of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
Maria Stepanova (Russia) – Expert in energy efficiency and sustainable development. For over 15 years, she has been conducting research on energy transition and the “green” economy. She has participated in projects of the United Nations, the European Union (TACIS program), and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). She is a certified energy management auditor (ISO 50001) and holds a PhD in Economics.
Aizhan Salimzhanova (USA) – Expert in social and gender policy. She focuses on issues such as increasing women’s wages, unpaid domestic work, the protection of human environmental rights, and women’s participation in the “green” economy. She is a regular participant in UN projects, the Soros Foundation, and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), promoting gender equality. She is also a trainer for the Elsevier Publishing House (Netherlands) and holds a PhD in Economics.
Saule Yusupova (Germany) – Expert in gender equality and human rights protection. She conducts research on the status and rights of women in Islam. She is an active participant in projects promoting gender justice in the Republic of Turkey and educational programs in Malaysia. She holds a PhD in Philosophy.
Ordenbek Mazbayev (Kazakhstan) – Expert in tourism and transboundary water resources. He is an Independent Director at the “Institute of Geography and Water Security,” Scientific Secretary of the Republican Public Association “Qazaq Geography,” and Chief Researcher at the “National Academy of Education named after I. Altynsarin” (Astana). His research focuses on developing tourism potential and improving water use efficiency in Central Asian countries. He holds a Doctorate in Geography, a PhD in Pedagogy, and is a professor. He has been awarded the “Qurmet” Order of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Gabriel Sandoval Pulido (Chile) – Expert in international relations and journalist. He is the Director of the analytical magazine “Revista Tarpàn” (Santiago, Chile), which focuses on the study and promotion of geopolitics, history, and culture of Eurasia in Latin America. His research includes the study of terrorist threats in Central Asian and Caucasus countries, as well as Chile’s foreign policy interests on the Eurasian continent.
Sagadi Kisikov (Kazakhstan) – Expert in international politics, global governance, and business administration. He is a Research Fellow at the “International School of Economics” in the International Relations Program at Maqsut Narikbayev University (Astana). His research focuses on Kazakhstan’s foreign policy and the activities of international and regional organizations in Central Asia.
Balnur Korganbekova (Kazakhstan) – Expert in public policy and international relations. Based at Nazarbayev University (Astana), she focuses on the study of international conflicts, the situation in the Middle East, and issues of gender equality.
Danara Saranova (Kazakhstan) – lawyer, public figure. Expert in NGOs, civil society development, gender equality, and support of youth initiatives. Permanent member of OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) observer missions, UN Women trainer political leadership development.
Reece Thompson – is a development professional specialist. He has previously worked as a writer and editor for USAID in Egypt and as a researcher for human rights organization in Washington, DC. Reece earned an MSc in International Security from the University of Bristol. He currently lives in Vancouver, Canada.