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Regional Forum 2016

FELLOWS

2 3 MONGOLIA WHAT IS CAMCA? The CAMCA (Central Asia-Mongolia-Caucasus-Afghanistan) Regional Forum is KAZAKHSTAN a non-political and non-partisan entity established to promote region-wide dis- cussions on means of advancing economic growth and development in Greater Central Asia (Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). It promotes this goal by fos- tering dialogue and interaction among rising young leaders from all sectors in the 10 countries of the region, as well as with international leaders and stakeholders. UZBEKISTAN Countries of the region are all evaluating and elaborating models of future eco- GEORGIA KYRGYZSTAN nomic, political and social development. Expanded communication and collab- oration among talented professionals from a range of fields can contribute to this ARMENIA process on both a national and regional basis. AZERBAIJAN The CAMCA Regional Forum has evolved out of the Rumsfeld Foundation’s Fel- TURKMENISTAN TAJIKISTAN lowship Program at the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at Johns Hopkins Univer- sity-SAIS. Since 2008, over 145 regional leaders have completed the Fellowship Program.

The 2016 CAMCA Regional Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia will discuss ongoing develop- ments in the region as well as outlooks on broader global trends. The Forum will consist of plenary sessions, keynote addresses and a variety of panels on topics including recent geopolitical and economic developments, intraregional trade and AFGHANISTAN transport, business and investment opportunities in the region, regional security issues and much more. Attendees will include Rumsfeld Fellowship alumni and other professionals from the CAMCA region and broader international community.

4 5 WELCOME TO TBILISI

“Wherever we had been in Russia… the magical name of Georgia came up constantly. People who had never been there, and most possibly never could go there, spoke of Georgia with a kind of longing and a great admiration. They spoke of Georgians as supermen, as great drinkers, great dancers, great musicians, great workers and lovers. And they spoke of the country in the Caucasus and around the Black Sea as a kind of second heaven. Indeed we began to believe that most… hope that if they live good and virtuous lives, they will not go to heaven, but to Georgia, when they die.”

John Steinbeck

6 7 Welcome to Tbilisi, the 1,500 year-old capital of Georgia. Visitors ethnicities currently coexisting within its borders. In Tbilisi you Art Museum of Georgia and further along, the Tbilisi Open Air will find churches of various denominations and synagogues Museum of Ethnography. to this vibrant city are encouraged to explore the unique oferings and mosques built side by side – the ancient Anchiskhati of a land of vast history and ingenuity, and to enjoy a distinct and Basilica, the Sioni Cathedral, pearl-domed Armenian For those fascinated with historic memorials and monuments, dynamic culture at the crossroads where the East meets the West. churches, a spectacular Jewish synagogue, a Jummah the “Georgian Stonehenge” is located on the hill by the Tbilisi Mosque and out on the horizon of the Elijah Mount, the Sea, with its impressively decorated pillars and long rows of Like Steinbeck, perhaps you have already heard the country’s name Trinity Cathedral - the biggest orthodox church of Georgia statues of Georgian Kings. But what what surpasses it all is a expressed with fond nostalgia or great admiration. Perhaps also like symbolizing the unity of the Georgian nation. ride in a modern cableway to the Tbilisi Funicular Complex Steinbeck, you may soon believe that in Georgia you might find a on the top of the Mtatsminda Mountain overlooking the city’s The Old Town district is situated between the Botanical stunning panoramic views. Other impressive sights include second heaven. Gardens and the shadow of the imposing historic Narikala the Gabriadze Theater located in the heart of the historic

Fortress, which dominates the iconic skyline. Nearby you will quarter with its beautiful clock tower and dancing figurines, The “Paris of Eurasia,” renowned for its hospitality, superb the hot springs discovered during a royal hunt, which would find numerous modern restaurants, clubs and art galleries or the Dry Bridge, home to a famous flea market where art wine and cuisine, melodic songs and efervescent dances, is eventually lend themselves to the city’s naming, rooted in located at the focal Chardin Street, named after a French and antiques are on display. an exceptional city with significant diversity and a rich cultural the old Georgian word, “Tbili,” meaning “warm.” Nowadays, Catholic missionary and scholar who once resided there. composition. It is where time seems to stop, as ancient Tbilisi’s world-renowned sulfur baths remain a major tourist Continuing along the Mtkvari River leads you into the heart As Tbilisi’s international reputation quickly grew after Georgia’s mingles with modern and past coexists with future. On the list destination in the oldest quarter of the city. of Old Tbilisi with its picturesque Meidan square, famous independence in 1991, the city has continued to play host to of the world’s most breathtaking places to visit, the memory for its thermal spas and a beautiful waterfall. A walk across a number of large-scale international forums and high-level of Tbilisi and Georgia will stay with you everywhere you go. Multi-culturalism and tolerance have always been among the charming pedestrian Peace Bridge will take you to Rike events attracting leading business professionals and politicians Tbilisi’s most distinctive traits. Located at a strategic nexus of Park situated on the opposite bank of the Mtkvari River. from around the world. Moreover, after recently hosting a While enjoying a flair for modernity, Tbilisi lives and breathes the ancient Silk Road, the city has long been a melting pot of Close by are the recently renovated and charming Rustaveli major European Youth Olympic Festival and the UEFA Super by history. Its roots are linked to the legendary 5th century various cultures, languages, religions, traditions and customs, and Agmashenebeli avenues, featuring sights such as the Cup final, Tbilisi marks a new hub for European sports alongside King of Georgia, Vakhtang I Gorgasali, who built the city near and remains so today with Georgian citizens of more than 80 National Museum of Georgia, Museum of Soviet Occupation, a surge of sporting and athletics development in the capital.

8 9 Beyond its cultural and historical importance, Tbilisi is steadily Perhaps most representative of Tbilisi, are the charming transforming into a regional hub for trade, transportation, and creative tbilisians who preserve the genuine spirit energy, finance and tourism. Due to its business-friendly and character of the city. Once you have had a chance to environment and strategic location, the city continues to enjoy their warm hospitality, you will be ready to return to attract major business projects, including pivotal railroads experience Tbilisi all over again, and, indeed, Georgia will and pipelines across the area, aiming to fully unlock the always be on your mind. potential of the surrounding region. Embracing its European heritage, Georgia continues along its path toward EU and Welcome to Tbilisi. While here, we hope you create your own NATO membership, and Tbilisi, much like the rest of the history in this dynamic city that will always remain with you country, enjoys benefits from the Deep and Comprehensive everywhere you go. Free Trade Agreement with the EU and works vigorously to deepen its other global trade ties, including its strong strategic partnership with the United States. These developments and more attest to Georgia’s aspirations to attract investment and expand its access to the vibrant regional, European, Asian and U.S. markets, and to become a true superhighway of communication and trade.

10 11 GIORGI MARGVELASHVILI President of Georgia

Dear Fellows and participants of the CAMCA Forum,

It is my pleasure to welcome the CAMCA Regional Forum to Georgia. On behalf of the Georgian peo- ple, I welcome to Tbilisi, Secretary Rumsfeld - a friend of freedom, a great supporter of Georgia and of regional cooperation.

Historically a melting pot of various cultures and civilizations at a critical nexus of the geostrategic South Caucasus region that bridges East with West and North with South, Georgia has always been aware of the great potential of enhanced regional cooperation. Since its regained independence, the country has been gradually and successfully striding to become a trade, transport, logistics and financial hub in the region, through serving as a corridor for transportation of goods and free movement of labor and capital; hosting functional pipelines and railroad projects of global importance; and fostering trade and interac- tion through more global engagement, investment and the promotion of technological knowhow. The vigorous involvement and backing of the United States as Georgia’s strategic partner, of this idea attests to its viability and sustainability, as well as promises to turn the New Silk Road concept into a vibrant su- perhighway of trade and communication. Georgia, along with other countries of the CAMCA region, will have a significant role to play to reinforce wider regional and global trade and connectivity.

As the closest of all European countries to Asia, Georgia is a gateway between East and West. Our coun- try has always been actively involved in European development through the centuries. Europeanism is not the result of conjuncture, but the natural decision taken by our nation many times through history. Even the ancient Greeks recognized us as a European nation. We were not only a part of Christian-Judaic culture, but we have also contributed to the process of European civilization. With the active engage- ment of the United States, China, EU countries and other important international stakeholders, Georgia has promoted the revival of the historic Silk Road idea, fostering enhanced regional and global cooper- ation in the fields of transport, energy, trade and people-to-people contacts. Via this platform, political and business leaders have an opportunity to discover new ideas and possible scenarios for bolstering lucrative cooperation, deepening their contacts and prospective collaboration in all areas of interest.

This ongoing global integration process should prompt all countries and societies of the wider CAMCA region to push for deeper intra- and interregional cooperation. Bringing together young and talented professionals from all segments of social life and from all countries of the CAMCA region provides an excellent foundation to tap the full potential of interregional cooperation and help to endorse a regional identity.

Thereby, I am sure that the bright and dedicated Fellowship alumni, invited guests and government representatives here will not only engage in interesting discussions and promote further understanding through the lively exchange of ideas and practical projects, but also will focus on regional integration through viable initiatives and contacts. We hope the CAMCA Forum will further lend support to the im- portance of the idea of free economies, as well as accountable and responsive institutions.

I wish you all success and hope that you will enjoy your stay in Georgia.

Sincerely,

12 13 DONALD RUMSFELD Co-Founder and President Rumsfeld Foundation

Greetings,

Welcome to the 2016 CAMCA Regional Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Each year I am encouraged and impressed by the level and breadth of tal- ent that gathers from across Greater Central Asia at the CAMCA Forums. Among this increasingly significant collection of professionals, there is no question but that some of the brightest minds and foremost rising leaders of the Caucasus and Greater Central Asia are here contributing to this im- portant regional dialogue.

Joining us in Tbilisi are nearly 90 talented alumni of our Foundation’s Cen- tral Asia-Caucasus Fellowship Program. Also in attendance are a number of other regional and international participants, representing some 18 countries, who have traveled to Tbilisi in interest and support of the CAM- CA region, and with a recognition of the value of this growing network.

It has been a privilege for our Foundation to support this unique endeavor, from its beginnings as a simple idea in 2008 to bring five young leaders from Central Asia and the Caucasus to Washington, D.C. on a Fellowship Program, to the now dynamic and active network of nearly 150 rising re- gional leaders who have come together as the CAMCA network.

In support of this emerging network, we are pleased to host the annual CAMCA Regional Forums. Our hope is that those in attendance will learn, contribute and come away further engaged in the entire CAMCA region and the opportunities it has to ofer.

We are pleased you have joined us.

Sincerely,

14 15 DR. S. FREDERICK STARR Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, Johns Hopkins University-SAIS

Welcome to the CAMCA Regional Forum!

When these annual events were launched years ago, the term “CAMCA” was unknown and perhaps even puzzling to many. However, today the “CAMCA” concept, referring to “Central Asia, Mongolia, Caucasus and Afghanistan” – a broad geographical zone that amply warrants the title, “The Heart of Asia” – is promoted and supported by a growing network of influencers within the region. At present, the existence and importance of an economic, geopo- litical, and even cultural region in this key part of the Eurasian land mass is increasingly understood and gaining momentum.

Over time, the CAMCA region appears destined to warrant attention in its own right, and not merely as a sub-set of one of the many great political and economic powers that surround it.

However, it is of note that this significant region continues to be bufeted by contradictory centripetal and centrifugal forces. Many of these forces, espe- cially among the former, are positive. Others are not.

The purpose of the CAMCA Regional Forum is to bring together rising leaders of business, government, the media and independent sectors from across the region and to enable them to identify and evaluate opportunities for for- ward progress. To this end, CAMCA Forums promote and stimulate regional networking. Sponsored by the Rumsfeld Foundation in cooperation with the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at Johns Hopkins University-SAIS, CAMCA Regional Forums are open to all who share the organizers’ faith in the future of these ancient and culturally rich lands.

Sincerely,

16 17 ABOUT THE RUMSFELD FELLOWSHIP

The Rumsfeld Fellowship Program was established in 2008 by the Rumsfeld Foundation in partnership with the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. The program brings individuals from Central Asia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan and Mongolia to Washington, D.C. to pursue research projects and establish ties with their counterparts in the United States.

The program also connects talented professionals from across the region, encouraging an intraregional exchange of ideas, as well as fosters better understanding and stronger relations among the United States and the countries of the region.

18 19 to and the late Antonin Scalia; Senior businessman and philanthropist Federal Judge Laurence Silberman; Edward Scott, President and CEO and Presidents of the World Bank of the Aerospace Industries Associ- Robert Zoellick and Paul Wolfowitz. ation and former Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Fellows have also visited with some Marion Blakey, Founding Princi- of the United States’ finest military pal of Navigators Global LLC Ce- leadership including former NATO sar Conda, and many others. They Supreme Allied Commander Eu- have also met with representatives rope Admiral James Stavridis, for- from The Boeing Company, OPIC, mer Chief of Staf of the U.S. Air the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Force General Norton Schwartz, STRATFOR, Ford Motor Company, former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs BP, Facebook, Google, The Carlyle of Staf General Richard Myers and Group, Lockheed Martin, Coca-Co- Over a period of six General Peter Pace, and former Vice la, Hunt Oil, McKinsey & Co., as weeks, each group of Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staf well as the leadership of the Amer- General James Cartwright, Admiral ican Beverage Association and the Fellows meets with Edmund Giambastiani, and Gener- American Petroleum Institute. policy makers, busi- al Joseph Ralston. They have also toured the U.S. Navy Nimitz-class In journalism, groups have spent ness leaders, jour- aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson time with Chairman of the Board (CVN-70) and visited the U.S. Army of the Washington Post Company nalists, academics War College at Carlisle Barracks in Donald Graham, Washington Post and regional experts Pennsylvania and the National De- Editorial Page Editor Fred Hiatt, Ex- fense University at Fort McNair in ecutive Chairman of C-SPAN, Brian Fall 2009 Fellows with Dr. John Mearsheimer, American Political Scientist and Author to better understand Washington, D.C. Lamb, New York Times columnist how opinion making, Thom Shanker, Editor-in-chief of Groups have also had the oppor- U.S. News and World Report Mor- decision making, and tunity to meet with such business timer Zuckerman, Political Com- leaders as Chairman of the Kellogg mentators Brit Hume, Bret Baier, policy making and Executive Leadership Institute and Greta Van Susteren, Jake Tapper implementation pro- former CEO of Campbell’s Soup and Juan Williams, Pulitzer Prize Company Doug Conant, Founder winning syndicated columnists cesses work in Wash- and Chairman of Thayer Lodging Charles Krauthammer and George ington, D.C. Group Fred Malek, CEO of Inter- Will, American radio talk show host national Strategy and Investment Laura Ingraham, news analyst and As of June 2016, after 16 success- Group Ed Hyman, CEO of Rocke- author, Cokie Roberts, political con- ful Fellowship sessions, there have feller Financial Reuben Jefery, sultant and pollster Frank Luntz, and been a total of 147 program par- Founder and CEO of New Magellan Senior Editor and columnist for For- ticipants from 10 countries. The dif- Ventures Richard Lawless, entrepre- tune Magazine Nina Easton. ferent groups have met with U.S. neur and Monumental Sports own- Senators Richard Lugar, Lamar Alex- er Ted Leonsis, Chief Economist ander, Christopher Dodd, Jon Kyl, of Bank of America Mickey Levy, Joseph Lieberman, and Ted Cruz; CEO of Thompson Global LP Noel Congressmen David Dreier, Robert Thompson, Co-Founder and Chief Pittenger, Robert Aderholt, Eni Fa- Operating Ofcer of Blue Star Strat- leomavaega, and Adam Kinzinger; egies, LLC Sally Painter, President the Librarian of Congress Dr. James of the Eurasia Group Ian Bremmer, Billington; U.S. Supreme Court Jus- President and CEO of N12 Tech- tices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Ali- nologies Brad Berkson, American Spring 2010 Fellows with Gary Becker, Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics

20 21 They have also met with former of the Rumsfeld Foundation Joyce land (Ohio), Columbus (Ohio), Den- President of the United States Rumsfeld and Dr. Steve Cambone; ver (Colorado), Fort Worth (Texas), George W. Bush, former Vice Pres- President of Philanthropy Round- Helena (Montana), Huntsville (Ala- ident Richard B. Cheney, Secre- table Adam Meyerson; President of bama), Kansas City (Missouri), Mem- taries of Defense William S. Cohen the Partnership for Public Service phis (Tennessee), Miami (Florida), and Donald Rumsfeld; Secretaries Max Stier; President of Opportuni- Phoenix (Arizona), Reno (Nevada), of Commerce, Education, Energy, ty International Vicki Escarra; Pres- Riverside (California), St. Louis (Mis- Labor, Transportation, and Hous- ident of the Grameen Foundation souri), Tucson (Arizona) and Tulsa ing and Urban Development Car- Alex Counts; Founder and former (Oklahoma). los Gutierrez, Samuel Bodman, Bill President of the Heritage Founda- Bennett, Elaine Chao, Ann Korolo- tion Dr. Edwin Feulner; Co-found- gos, Ray LaHood and Carla Hills; er of the Stimson Center Dr. Barry In addition to the former U.S. Attorney General Judge Blechman; Director of the Lyndon group program, in or- Michael Mukasey; former Direc- B. Johnson Presidential Library Mark tors of the CIA Amb. John Negro- Updegrove; Executive Director of der to accommodate ponte and James Woolsey; former the Aspen Network of Development the professional inter- Director of the National Security Entrepreneurs Randall Kempner; Agency General Michael Hayden; Senior Vice President of the Smith ests of each Fellow, former National Security Advisers Richardson Foundation Dr. Marin Dr. Henry Kissinger, Dr. Zbigniew Strmecki; and President and CEO the program assists Brzezinski and Stephen Hadley; of Mary's Center and recipient of in arranging individ- former Speaker of the U.S. House the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal of Representatives Newt Gingrich; Maria Gomez. They have also met ual meetings with of- former Chairman of the Federal Re- numerous world-class experts and ficials and experts in Fall 2008 Fellows with Francis Fukuyama, Political Scientist and Author serve Dr. Alan Greenspan; President scholars from various thinks tanks of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili; and universities. their specific areas of former Prime Minister of Georgia Grigol Mgaloblishvili; former Prime The last twelve groups have also research and interest. Minister of Spain Jose Maria Aznar; traveled to cities including Atlan- former Governors Mitch Daniels, ta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dal- Evan Bayh, and John Engler, along las, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San with many others. Each group also Diego, and Seattle for high-level meets with current and former Am- meetings, ofering them a view of bassadors, as well as members of the United States beyond Washing- the current Administration including ton, D.C. Additionally, since the fall representatives of the Department of 2011, the Rumsfeld Fellowship of Defense, Department of Energy, has partnered with the Open World Department of State, National Secu- Program to organize local programs rity Council staf and more. with host communities outside of Washington, D.C. to show the Fel- In addition, groups have met with lows how America works on a local the late Nobel Prize winner in Eco- level. These programs ofer insights nomics Gary Becker; world re- as to how communities and city nowned political scientists and governments work with businesses, economists Francis Fukuyama, Ar- civil organizations and individuals to thur Lafer, John Mearsheimer and bring benefits to the economy and Hernando de Soto; author Lynne society. Groups have visited Albu- Cheney; and neurosurgeon Dr. querque (New Mexico), Boise (Ida- Ben Carson. In the non-profit sec- ho), Charleston (South Carolina), tor, groups have met with Directors Charlotte (North Carolina), Cleve-

Spring 2009 Fellows with Secretary Donald Rumsfeld

22 23 Fall 2010 Fellows with Stephen Hadley, former U.S. National Security Adviser Fall 2011 Fellows with Dr. Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve

Spring 2011 Fellows with Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, former U.S. National Security Adviser Spring 2012 Fellows with Secretary Rumsfeld and Dr. Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State

24 25 Fall 2013 Fellows with Ambassador R. James Woolsey, Chairman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Fall 2012 Fellows with Elaine Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor

Spring 2014 Fellows with Dr. James MacDougall and Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, Spring 2013 Fellows with Dr. Lynne Cheney, Author and former Second Lady of the United States former Commandant of the U.S. Army War College

26 27 Fall 2015 Fellows with Robert Zoellick, former President of the World Bank Group

Fall 2014 Fellows with General Michael Hayden, former Director of the National Security Agency

Spring 2016 Fellows with Frank Luntz, American political consultant and pollster

Spring 2015 Fellows with Ambassador Carla Hills, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Fall 2015 Fellows with STRATFOR leadership and analysts in Austin, TX Spring 2016 Fellows with H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia

28 29 ABOUT THE CAMCA NETWORK LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REGIONAL LEADERS THAT COMPRISE THE CAMCA NETWORK Fellows Fellowship National Alumni meetings 147 since 2008 16 Sessions 10Coordinators 45+ in 2015

1/3 30 35 7 3/4 15% in business Over 30 Fellows are 35 Fellows founded Fellows founded Nearly 3/4 have Over 15% have earned are Directors C-level executives their own company a non-profit Master’s degrees doctoral degrees

More than 75% work REGIONAL RECEIVED A DEGREE OR TRAINING ALL FORUMS at a U.S. Ivy League institution in their home country CAMCA 28FELLOWS OR GREATER participation 28 HAVE HAVE FURTHERINGtheir nation’s development & progress HAD 50% HAVE EDITED, AUTHORED 9FELLOWS or co-authored A BOOK IN ACADEMIA SERVE as Deans or Department Chairs work for international organizations including the 1/3 WORKING 22FELLOWSUN, World Bank, USAID and NATO

ARE INVOLVED IN BUSINESS IN GOVERNMENT POSITIONS OVER 1/2 WITHIN THE CAMCA REGION 25% work for their country’s top level LEADERSHIP

30 31 index

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Mr. Azis Abakirov Dr. Nafisa Abdullaeva Mr. Hikmat Abdurahmanov Dr. David Abesadze Dr. Alisher Abidjanov Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2011 Uzbekistan, Fall 2009 Uzbekistan, Fall 2011 Georgia, Fall 2008 Uzbekistan, Spring 2009

Mr. Azis Abakirov is the owner and Dr. Nafisa Abdullaeva is a partner at Lex Mr. Hikmat Abdurahmanov is the Dr. David Abesadze is a Senior Counselor Dr. Alisher Abidjanov is the Deputy Founder of “Unique Technologies” IT Mark Advocate Law Firm, specializing in Chairman of the Association for at the Embassy of Georgia to the U.S. Director of the Republican Scientific- company, one of the most successful the preparation of legal opinions on International Business & Technologies of Before this assignment he served Practical Centre of Developing the software development companies in the subjects of compliance of foreign Uzbekistan and is Head of a commercial as a Deputy Director of the Political Innovational Methods for Teaching Kyrgyzstan, established in 2003. Mr. contracts with the current legislation of group of companies with a core staf Department at the Ministry of Foreign Foreign Languages under the Uzbekistan Abakirov is also an active member Uzbekistan and legal consultations on of 70 people involved in international Afairs of Georgia, a Senior Counselor State University of World Languages. of the Bishkek Business Club where insurance, bankruptcy and liquidation business including business tourism, at the Mission of Georgia to the EU and From 2003 to 2007, he served as a he facilitates communication and matters. She has fifteen years of trade, finance and advisory services for Head of the Policy Analysis Unit of the Program Coordinator at the University networking among the business leaders experience of conducting seminars and SMEs. Since 2006, the company has Georgian MFA. From 2005 to 2010, of Washington ofce in Tashkent. Dr. of Kyrgyzstan. In addition, Mr. Abakirov trainings on organizing and managing brought over $100 million worth of he was an assistant professor at Tbilisi Abidjanov’s research interests include was elected as Chairman of the Kyrgyz business for leading companies mini-technologies to SMEs. With their State University. He holds a MA from theory of civil society, social changes in Software and Services Developers in Uzbekistan. Dr. Abdullaeva has assistance, over 3,000 Uzbek business the Central European University and the transition period in Central Asia and FELLOWS Association. He also initiated the consulted the Senate of the Republic executives and government ofcials have a BA, MA and PhD from Tbilisi State political culture and the democratization development of High-Tech Park in the of Uzbekistan on legislative processes visited foreign trade shows, factories University. He has been a fellow of process. Throughout the 2002-2003 Kyrgyz Republic, a special low tax regime including monitoring of implementation and forums in diferent countries. non-degree programs at Stanford and academic year and spring of 2004, he for IT companies. Mr. Abakirov holds a of state programs. She has also served Mr. Abdurahmanov has successfully Georgetown Universities, and was a was a visiting Research Professor at BA in Oriental Studies from the Kyrgyz as a manager of numerous international launched an Industrial Business Center visiting scholar at George Washington George Washington University and in National University in Bishkek (2002). and national projects sponsored by named TechnoPlaza, a business center University. Dr. Abesadze is the author spring 2005, he was a Visiting Scholar at UNDP, ADB, EuropeAID and others. and incubator for local SMEs. Mr. of several publications, among Princeton University. From 2009 to 2010, [email protected] Dr. Abdullaeva is an author of more Abdurahmanov is the Chairman of the them is a recent article “Religious Dr. Abidjanov was a Fulbright Scholar than 30 publications on Uzbek law Board of Central Eurasian Leadership Systems and the Secular-religious at SAIS at Johns Hopkins University in Uzbekistan and abroad. She holds Alliance (CELA). Mr. Abdurahmanov Cleavage: Turkey and Western Europe in Washington, D.C., and during the a BA (1998) and a MA (2002) in holds a BA (2001) and a MA (2004) in Compared,” and one of the authors 2011-2012 academic year, he taught at International Law from the University International Economic Relations from of the policy paper “Georgia’s Black Constantine the Philosopher University of World Economy and Diplomacy, the University of World Economy and Sea Policy: Forging Black Sea Identity.” (Slovakia). In 2013, he established a private Tashkent and received her PhD at Diplomacy in Tashkent and a MA in educational center. Dr. Abidjanov holds the Tashkent State Judicial Institute. International Business from the School of [email protected] a BA, MA and PhD in Philosophy from Management at St. Andrews, UK (2006). the National University of Uzbekistan. nafi[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

32 33 index

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Mr. Ovez Agayev Ms. Larisa Agiarova Mr. Hanifa Ahmadov Mr. Azamat Akeleev Mr. Muratbek Akhmatov Mr. Beka Aladashvili Turkmenistan, Spring 2012 Turkmenistan, Fall 2015 Azerbaijan, Fall 2010 Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2012 Kazakhstan, Spring 2013 Georgia, Fall 2009

Mr. Ovez Agayev is a Legal Counsel and Ms. Larisa Agiarova is a First Deputy Mr. Hanifa Ahmadov works in the Mr. Azamat Akeleev is the Founding Mr. Muratbek Akhmatov is the Internal Mr. Beka Aladashvili is a Fellow at the Contracts Manager with Schlumberger Director and a Generally Accepted Administration of the President of the Director of Promotank LLC, a consulting Auditor at the JSC Center for Atlantic Council of Georgia. Prior to his Logelco Inc. in Turkmenistan. He is Accounting Principles (GAAP) Senior Republic of Azerbaijan as Head of the company and leading think tank in the International Programs which current position, Mr. Aladashvili served responsible for legal compliance, Reporting Accountant at the General working group/division for the Baku field of communication and research. administers the Kazakhstan Presidential as a Head of the Defense Policy and identifying and managing legal risks, Electric International Inc. (GE) branch in International Humanitarian Forum of the Promotank’s clients include local private Bolashak International Scholarship Planning Department at the Ministry conducting operation assurance reviews Turkmenistan. Prior to joining GE, Ms. Humanitarian Policy Issues Department. sector entities as well as international Program. Prior to his current position, Mr. of Defense of Georgia. Previously, Mr. and trainings, drafting and negotiating Agiarova worked for international non- The objectives of the Baku International organizations such as Bosch Group, Akhmatov served as the Head of Strategic Aladashvili worked in the Ministry of contracts for oilfield services and for-profit projects funded by USAID and Humanitarian Forum are to consider World Bank, GIZ, Eurasia Foundation, Analysis and Planning Division at the Internal Afairs as the Director of the products, providing overall contractual the German International Cooperation humanitarian challenges of the 21st JICA, USAID and the Government of National Space Agency of Kazakhstan Policy and Planning Department, and advice to management and is involved agency, GIZ, which facilitated economic century. Mr. Ahmadov previously served the Kyrgyz Republic. The company (Kazcosmos) where he worked on before this appointment, served at in business plans, strategies and and legal reforms in Turkmenistan. as Deputy Head of the Department provides these organizations with drafting Kazakhstan’s “Law on Space,” the Ministry of Defense as the Acting operations as part of the management Her professional expertise covers for International Cooperation at the market research, economic and industry helped to prepare the Strategic Plan and Head of Defense Policy and Planning team.FELLOWS Mr. Agayev has more than a accounting, U.S. GAAP, International Ministry of Labor and Social Protection analysis, promotional campaigns and Sectorial Program of Kazcosmos and Department, Head of the Defense decade of experience working for Financial Reporting Standards, financial of Population. From 2006 to 2011, communication products. Mr. Akeleev organized a comprehensive inventory Policy Division and as a Senior Specialist multinational auditing and consulting statement analysis, anti-money Mr. Ahmadov was a member of the is also Co-owner of a private energy and assessment of the Baikonur Space in national security afairs. Since 2003, companies including Deloitte and laundering and valuation. During her Council of Europe’s Governmental distribution company and is interested Center. Mr. Akhmatov also worked as Mr. Aladashvili has attended a number Arthur Andersen in the areas of legal and professional career, Ms. Agiarova has Committee for the European Social in investments in the renewable energy a Vice President of the National Space of professional development courses tax consulting, advising multinational oil served both in governmental institutions Charter. Mr. Ahmadov holds a BA from sector. He is an active member of the Company, Kazakhstan Gharys Sapary, and activities on national security and and gas, energy, service, construction such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey (2001) Bishkek Business Club. Prior to starting where he was directly involved in high- defense policy in Europe and in the and other companies, and participating of Economy and Development, the and a MA in International Relations from his own business, Mr. Akeleev taught level negotiations with the European United States. From 2010 to 2011, Mr. in audits of companies in the banking, Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, marketing, branding and strategy at Aerospace Corporation, EADS, on the Aladashvili attended the Royal College of oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors. of Turkmenistan, as well as in non-for- Turkey (2004). Mr. Ahmadov completed the American University in Central Asia construction of the Testing Complex of Defense Studies, London. Mr. Aladashvili Mr. Agayev holds a BS in Economics profits such as the Union of Economists with distinction the Advanced Foreign (AUCA) while chairing and redesigning Spacecrafts and the Earth Observation holds a MA in History of Diplomacy and and Law from the Turkmen Institute of of Turkmenistan and the Union of Service Program at the Azerbaijan its MBA program. Mr. Akeleev holds a System. Mr. Akhmatov holds a BA in International Relations from Tbilisi State National Economy (2000) and a LLM in Accountants of Turkmenistan. Ms. Diplomatic Academy (ADA) where he BA from AUCA (2002) and a MBA from Audit and Accounting from Kazakh University in Georgia (2003). Asian and Comparative Law from the Agiarova holds a BA in Economics from was presented the ADA Distinguished the Kelley School of Business, Indiana Economic University, Almaty (2002) University of Washington School of Law the Moscow Institute of Economic and Attaché Award (2010). University (2006). and an Engineering degree in Design, in Seattle, Washington (2007). Humanitarian Sciences, Russia (2009) Construction and Operation of Oil [email protected] and a MA in Accounting from Southern Pipelines and Gas and Oil Storage Illinois University Carbondale (2011). [email protected] [email protected] Tanks from Kazakh National Technical [email protected] University (2005). [email protected] [email protected]

34 35 index

A

Mr. Kakhorjon Aminov Dr. Umid Aripdjanov Mr. Baktybek Asanov Mr. Ashir Ashirov Mr. Kuban Ashyrkulov Mr. Bayram Atayev Tajikistan, Fall 2011 Uzbekistan, Spring 2014 Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2010 Turkmenistan, Spring 2010 Kyrgyzstan, Fall 2010 Turkmenistan, Spring 2012

Mr. Kakhorjon Aminov is a Country Dr. Umid Aripdjanov is one of the Mr. Baktybek Asanov is the CEO at Mr. Ashir Ashirov currently is a staf Mr. Kuban Ashyrkulov is the Advisor to Mr. Bayram Atayev is a crude oil Programs Manager for the Islamic founding partners of Colibri Law Firm Victory Group LLC, a private equity member of the American Institute in the President of the Central Asian professional engaged in crude oil sales Development Bank (IDB) where he is which provides integrated legal, management company based in Bishkek. Taiwan and is finishing the Mandarin Corporation, one of the largest and trading in the Caspian and Gulf responsible for country programming business advisory and government He is also an Expert of the Business and Studies Program at the Institute of investment groups operating in regions for Dragon Oil Holdings, an and managing the portfolio of IDB’s relations services for inbound foreign Investment Development Council under Diplomacy and International Afairs Kyrgyzstan. In addition, Mr. Ashyrkulov upstream oil company based in Dubai. projects in Turkey, Kosovo and investors across Central Asia and Iran. the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic of the Ministry of Foreign Afairs of is the Chairman of the Bishkek Business Dragon Oil is the largest independent Kazakhstan. Prior to joining IDB, Mr. Throughout his career, he has advised where he is responsible for assisting the Republic of China. Recently he Club, a business association that unites crude oil exporter in Turkmenistan, Aminov worked as an Economics on multi-billion dollar investments the Secretary in improving policy undertook professional training in the proactive, objective, influential and producing from the ofshore oil fields in Ofcer at the Asian Development and transactions related to upstream, dialogue between the government and field of regional studies and management independent local business leaders the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. Bank (ADB) where he worked on midstream and downstream petroleum business. Prior to his current position, at the Foreign Service Institute of the striving to contribute to the development With more than 15 years of experience in economic and sector analyses; design, operations, mining, cement and Mr. Asanov worked as an Adviser to the U.S. Department of State. His previous of the Kyrgyz Republic. Before joining the the oil and gas industry, Mr. Atayev holds implementation, and monitoring of petrochemical industries in Central First Vice Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz experience includes working for the Central Asian Corporation, he served as professional certificates from Oxford budgetFELLOWS support programs and projects Asian countries. In the past, Dr. Republic, as Managing Director of U.N. Ofce on Drugs and Crime, for the General Director of Andash Mining Princeton, Oxford, UK; Intercontinental in education; and processing projects Aripdjanov taught business law modules Closed Joint Stock Company, Textonic, the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, and later Company LTD and as an Executive Exchange, ICE, London, UK; and the to support public sector reforms, at the Westminster International an oil and gas exploration company for several UK entities in Jerusalem. Director of the International Business Insurance Business School, Moscow, private sector development, and public University in Tashkent and tutored at the under the Australian companies Santos Mr. Ashirov holds a BA in Oriental and Council (IBC). Prior to IBC, he worked Russia. Prior to working in the oil and sector management. His previous Tashkent State Institute of Law. For the and Caspian Oil and Gas, and as a Iranian Studies from Turkmen State for the Organization for Security and gas sector, Mr. Atayev held diferent experience with ADB includes working past decade, Dr. Aripdjanov has been Commercial Attaché at the Embassy University (2001) and a MS in GIS studies Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ofce in positions in the banking, insurance and as a Project Manager for the project to recognized as the “top-ranked” business of the Kyrgyz Republic in Japan. Mr. from Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Bishkek, where he implemented projects telecommunications industries as well support the Government of Tajikistan lawyer by Chambers Global, Legal 500, Asanov holds a BA in Oriental Studies Melioration (2006). Additionally, Mr. on economic security, environmental as in business development and project in implementing the Private Sector and Who’s Who: Legal. Dr. Aripdjanov and International Relations from Bishkek Ashirov had professional trainings at the safety and good governance. Mr. management. Mr. Atayev holds a BA in Development Strategy. Mr. Aminov holds a Law Degree (1997) and PhD Humanities University (1999) and a OSCE Academy in Bishkek, the Geneva Ashyrkulov holds a MA in Technical International Economics from Moscow holds a BA in Commercial Law from (2001) from Tashkent State Institute of MA in Social Science (International Center for Security Policy in Switzerland Engineering from the Kyrgyz Technical State Institute of Foreign Relationships the State University of Commerce in Law and received his LLM from Case Economics) from the Iwate University, and the International Anti-Corruption University (1996) and a MBA from the (MGIMO), Russia (2001) and is currently Tajikistan (2002), a MA in International Western Reserve University School Japan (2003). Academy in Austria. Academy of Management under the pursuing an executive MBA degree from Economics from the Kazakh Institute of Law in Cleveland, Ohio as a Muskie President of the Kyrgyz Republic (1998). the London Business School. of Management, Economics and Fellow (2002). Strategic Research (2004) and a MS in [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Development Economics and Policy [email protected] from the University of Manchester [email protected] (2007). [email protected]

36 37 index

A B

Dr. Anuar Ayazbekov Mr. Dulguun Baasandavaa Mr. Dzhura Babaev Mr. Naidalaa Badrakh Ms. Gunesh Bakgalova Ms. Afghani Barakzai Kazakhstan, Fall 2014 Mongolia, Spring 2013 Tajikistan, Spring 2013 Mongolia, Fall 2015 Turkmenistan, Fall 2014 Afghanistan, Fall 2012

Dr. Anuar Ayazbekov is a Visiting Mr. Dulguun Baasandavaa is a Board Mr. Dzhura Babaev is the CEO of Mr. Naidalaa Badrakh is the Deputy Ms. Gunesh Bakgalova is working for the Ms. Afghani Barakzai is currently Assistant Professor at the Graduate Member of the Mongolian Business Kazakhstan Cokey Central Asia and Chairman of the National Labor Party of European Commission’s project on studying at Georgetown University in School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev Development Association. Previously, he Caucasus Ltd., a Japanese holding Mongolia. He is also a founding Board budgeting reforms in the Ministry of Washington, D.C. She holds a BA in University. Prior to joining Nazarbayev was a Vice President at Tenger Capital, a company pursuing investment Member of “Khugjil Khun” club, an Finance of Turkmenistan. Prior to her English Language and Literature from University, he worked at the Department brokerage and investment-banking arm opportunities in the Central Asia organization working to pioneer the current position, she was a Senior Legal the University of Kabul. During her of Foreign Policy Analysis and Forecasting of Tenger Financial Group and served as and Caucasus regions. Mr. Babaev is public for social reform and a Board Counsel and Regulatory Compliance studies in Afghanistan, she became of the Ministry of Foreign Afairs of the a Senior Financial Analyst and Assistant responsible for the construction of Member of “Tsakhim Urtuu,” the first Manager at Schlumberger Corporation involved in women’s rights issues and Republic of Kazakhstan, the Analytical to the Chairman at Newcom Group a new plant in the Zhambyl region and largest network of Mongolian in Turkmenistan. Previously, Ms. served as a part-time co-coordinator Department of the Administration of the where he also was a member of the of Kazakhstan. In addition, he is expatriates around the world. Mr. Bakgalova worked for numerous national at the Ministry of Women’s Afairs in President of Kazakhstan in Astana, the “Capital Market Development” working responsible for the overall management Badrakh worked as the CEO and agencies, law firms, and international Kabul. There, she managed interviews, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies group initiated by the Prime Minister of the company and the development Secretary-General of the Mongolian organizations including the Ministry of supported arbitration and counseling, in Almaty and at the Japan Institute for of Mongolia. Mr. Baasandavaa is a co- of partnerships for potentially lucrative Bankers Association, a Chief Risk Ofcer Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, and pursued inquiries into domestic InternationalFELLOWS Afairs. Dr. Ayazbekov’s author of two books: Business Planning projects in Central Asia and the at Anod Bank and Khan Bank, a Head of the Ministry of Justice, the National disputes and gender dynamics in interests include Central Asian regional and Sun Tsi (2006) and An Opportunity Caucasus. Prior to joining Cokey Central Business Development at Unitel MCS Coordinating Unit of the Cabinet of Afghan families. After graduation, afairs and the diplomatic history of to Enter the EU Market (2007). He also Asia and Caucasus Ltd., Mr. Babaev Group, a Senior Investment Manager at Ministers of Turkmenistan, ABA Rule of she shifted her focus to international Kazakhstan in the 1990s. Dr. Ayazbekov co-translated four books from English served as the Deputy CEO at the CJSC MCS Holding LLC and the CEO of the Law Initiative in Turkmenistan, OSCE development and worked at the Asia holds a BA in International Relations from to Mongolian: Audacity of Hope by Avalin which built the first modern Mongolia Economic Forum. Areas of his Center in Ashgabat, AK Counsel-SNR Consultancy Group, a large professional KIMEP University in Almaty, Kazakhstan President Barack Obama (2009), pharmaceutical factory in Tajikistan. Mr. interest include national development, Denton, PPG Industries Inc. and Miller & trade and export company and later (2003), a MA in International Diplomacy Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas Babaev has been the main driving force strategies of developmental politics, Martin PLLC. Ms. Bakgalova holds a LLB served as the Administrative Manager from Bond University, Gold Coast, Friedman (2010), Energy Autonomy by for the success of this Tajik–Japanese economics, finance and banking. from the School of Law & International for the USAID funded Central Asia Australia (2004) and PhD in International Hermann Scheer (2011), and 1 Hour joint venture that currently processes Mr. Badrakh holds a BA in Business Economic Relations of the Turkmen Development Group. She continues to Relations from the University of St. China by Jonathan Woetzel (2015). Mr. almost all of Tajikistan’s licorice roots Economics from the Institute of Finance State University (1999), a LLM from be involved with women’s rights issues Andrews, UK (2014). Baasandavaa holds a BA in Economics into a special medicine for the liver. and Economics of Mongolia (1997) and the Law School at the University of and has published articles on this topic, and Mathematics from Connecticut Mr. Babaev holds a BS in Economics a MSc in Economics from the University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2009), and a including in The Washington Post. She is College, Connecticut (2007). During his from the Finance Academy under the of Kobe, Japan (2004). MA in Political Science from the Institute currently pursuing a MA in International [email protected] undergraduate studies, he completed a Government of the Russian Federation for European Politics in Berlin, Germany Studies with a focus on Women’s Rights one-year study abroad program at the (2006). (2012). from Georgetown University. London School of Economics. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

38 39 index

B C

Ms. Nazira Beishenalieva Dr. Muhammadi Boboev Mr. Mansur Bustoni Ms. Tatyana Bystrushkina Ms. Bahar Charyyeva Ms. Zara Chatinyan Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2013 Tajikistan, Spring 2010 Uzbekistan, Spring 2013 Uzbekistan, Fall 2013 Turkmenistan, Fall 2012 Armenia, Spring 2015

Ms. Nazira Beishenalieva is the Dr. Muhammadi Boboev is an Economic Mr. Mansur Bustoni is a transport sector Ms. Tatyana Bystrushkina is the Executive Ms. Bahar Charyyeva is an Associate in Ms. Zara Chatinyan is the Local Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Ofcer with the Asian Development specialist at the World Bank Group Director of the American Chamber of the International Arbitration group of the Representative of German Development CJSC Bank of Asia, a family owned Bank (ADB). He has extensive managerial where he works on two multi-million Commerce (AmCham) in Uzbekistan, U.S. law firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt Bank (KfW) in Armenia. KfW manages business, where she oversees the banking experience as a Deputy CEO dollar transformational infrastructure where she is responsible for developing and Mosle LLP. Her practice focuses more than 600 million euro investment activities of the Board in the formation of Spitamenbank, a Member of the projects linking central Uzbekistan to and implementing the long-term strategy on investor-state arbitration and portfolios in Armenia’s energy, drinking of bank policy and the execution of Supervisory Board and Managing the Ferghana Valley via railroad and of the organization in accordance with international commercial arbitration water and irrigation, banking, and bank strategy. She is also a member of Director in OJSC Agroinvestbank, highway connections. Prior to joining the vision of the Board of Directors, proceedings under the auspices of agriculture sectors. Ms. Chatinyan the Board of Trustees of the American a Chairman of the Board of Open the World Bank in 2014, Mr. Bustoni comprised by nine CEOs of major various arbitral organizations including works closely with the governments University of Central Asia. Previously, Society Institute-Assistance Foundation was an investment ofcer at the American and international investors the International Center for Settlement of Armenia and Germany to identify Ms. Beishenalieva was the Chairperson - Tajikistan and a Board Director of International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Uzbekistan. Her responsibilities of Investment Disputes and the sectors in need of reform and of the Bishkek Business Club and the Joint Arab-Tajik Leasing Company, for five years where he dealt with new also include planning and executing International Chamber of Commerce. infrastructure projects, to facilitate President of the Rotary Club of Bishkek. ASR-Leasing. Dr. Boboev holds a BA in business development and portfolio advocacy initiatives in order to ease Prior, Ms. Charyyeva worked as an in- intergovernmental negotiations, to ForFELLOWS the last eight years, Ms. Beishenalieva Finance and Credit (2001) and a MA in management of IFC investment projects doing business in Uzbekistan; planning house counsel in the Turkmenistan participate in multi-million sovereign has engaged in educational, cultural and International Economic Relations (2003) in the Central Asia region. Previously, and conducting surveys, market branch of the Upstream Division loan negotiations, to support the social charity projects in Kyrgyzstan. Ms. from the Tajik National University, as well he served as an assistant to the First research and white papers in line with of PETRONAS Caligari, a Malaysian introduction of international standards Beishenalieva holds a BA in Journalism as a Law degree from the Russian Tajik Deputy Minister and later to the Minister the needs of the members; coordinating multinational oil and gas company, in project management and to facilitate and Public Relations from the American Slavonic University (2003). Additionally, of Foreign Afairs. Mr. Bustoni holds a major internal and external events, from 2005 to 2011. There she focused cooperation with international financial University of Central Asia (1998), a he has a MS in Development Economics MS in International Management from and handling other administrative, on PSC/License related issues, as well institutions. Ms. Chatinyan has more degree in Accounting, Analysis and from the University of Manchester Loughborough University Business managerial, and fiscal responsibilities as the statutory, contractual, business than ten years of experience with USAID Audit from the Moscow Institute of (2004) and a Degree of Candidate of School, UK (2002) and a BS in Project in the ofce. To achieve these goals and operational issues of the company financed projects in decentralization, Entrepreneurship and Law, Bishkek Economic Sciences (VAK of the Russian Finance from Tashkent Institute of she closely works with business leaders in Turkmenistan, and was involved in policy and institutional development, Branch (2004) and a Degree in Law from Federation, 2007). Dr. Boboev was a Finance (2001). He has also completed representing over 100 US, multinational negotiations on gas sales agreements. strategic planning and municipal service the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University Returning Scholar of the Academic professional courses in International and Uzbek corporations, diplomatic Ms. Charyyeva graduated from improvements. Ms. Chatinyan holds a BA (2005). She also graduated from the Fellowship Program and a Senior Fellow Afairs at the Clingendael Institute corps, international organizations and Turkmen State University, Faculty of in Philology from the Teachers’ Training Advanced Management Program at at the Central Asian Research and of International Relations in the the Government of Uzbekistan. Ms. Law and International Relations with the Institute in Armenia (1998), a MPA from Harvard Business School (2014). Training Initiative. He is an author of a Netherlands (2005) and in Diplomacy Bystrushkina holds a BA in Philology qualification of a lawyer (2001) and holds the University of Delaware as a Muskie textbook and numerous country reports at the Diplomatic Academy of London from the Samarkand State Institute an LLM from Queen Mary University of Fellow (2000), and a Certificate in and articles. (2004). of Foreign Languages (2002) and a London, UK (2010). Executive Management and Leadership [email protected] MA in International Business at the from the Judge Institute of Management Westminster International University in at the University of Cambridge (2003). [email protected] [email protected] Tashkent (2016). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

40 41 index

C D

Ms. Zarina Chekirbaeva Mr. Munkhbat Davaatseren Mr. Ozodkhon Davlatshoev Mr. Marat Djanbaev Mr. Aibek Djangaziev Amb. Levan Dolidze Kyrgyzstan, Fall 2012 Mongolia, Fall 2013 Tajikistan, Spring 2016 Kyrgyzstan, Fall 2013 Kyrgyzstan, Fall 2015 Georgia, Spring 2011

Ms. Zarina Chekirbaeva is the Executive Mr. Munkhbat Davaatseren is the CFO of Mr. Ozodkhon Davlatshoev is the Mr. Marat Djanbaev is the CEO of TAZA Mr. Aibek Djangaziev is the owner and Ambassador Levan Dolidze is the Director of the American Chamber of Senj Sant LLC, a company implementing Director of Tethys Petroleum in BIO SYSTEMS, a waste water treatment CEO of Egoist Group which operates Director of the Georgian Center for Commerce (AmCham) in the Kyrgyz the “Moncement” project to construct Tajikistan. He also owns several and biogas station company. TAZA restaurants and fashion shops in Security and Development. Prior to Republic. Prior to joining AmCham, she a modern, dry process, integrated businesses and is an Honorary Consul BIO SYSTEMS is the ofcial distributor Kyrgyzstan. He is also a member of his current position, he served as the was a Corporate Afairs Director at CJSC cement plant with production capacity of Sweden in Tajikistan. For the past of Czech technology in Central Asia the Board of Directors of ENACTUS Ambassador of Georgia to NATO and “Jerooyaltyn,” a gold mining company of one million tons of cement per year. 20 years, Mr. Davlatshoev led the Aga and Mongolia with complex solutions Kyrgyzstan, an organization that helps the First Deputy Defense Minister based in Kyrgyzstan. Her previous work Mr. Davaatseren has vast experience in Khan Fund for Economic Development for efective utilization of waste water young students start projects in social of Georgia where he coordinated experience also includes working at the the financial services industry including (AKFED) work in Central Asia. He began and other types of waste materials entrepreneurship. From 2014 to 2015, the defense transformation process U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic, the banking and asset management. In his career at AKFED’s Enterprise Support to preserve the environment and Mr. Djangaziev served as the President and supervised policy and planning, National Democratic Institute Ofce in the past, he served as the CEO of Facility and later worked as Investment promote the “green economy.” Mr. of Rotary Club of Bishkek, during which international relations and Euro-Atlantic Bishkek, the Academy for Educational Golomt Securities LLC, as well as an Ofcer in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Marat Djanbaev is an Honorary Consul he held many fundraising events and integration. Ambassador Dolidze is a Development and the Eurasia investment advisor at Golomt Bank and helping to launch and manage several of the Czech Republic to Kyrgyzstan. initiated various charity projects. Mr. former Executive Director of the Levan FoundationFELLOWS Ofce in Washington, D.C. JP Morgan Chase Bank in Mongolia. companies in telecoms, energy and He is also Chairman of the Board at the Djangaziev is also a member of the Mikeladze Foundation. His experience Ms. Chekirbaeva holds a BA in Business He also contributed to drafting a infrastructure. In 2004 he became Association of Social Entrepreneurs of Bishkek Business Club, a business is also associated with supervising the Administration from the American new securities market law adapting AKFED’s Deputy Director for Industrial Kyrgyzstan and a member of the Bishkek association that promotes and supports implementation of projects in the field University of Central Asia (2002) and internationally accepted practices of Promotion Services in Tajikistan in Business Club. Mr. Djanbaev holds a BA the interests of small and medium of democracy and development, as well a MPA from the University of Hawaii at investment protection in Mongolia. Mr. Kyrgyzstan and from 2006 on, he in Political Science from Kyrgyz State businesses in the country and aims to as with the efective implementation Manoa (2006). She is also a graduate of Davaatseren holds a BBA in Financial spearheaded investment development National University (2001) and a MA in create an efective dialogue between the of international legal principles at the Asia Pacific Leadership Program at Management from Warsaw University in activities in Central Asia in renewable International Law from the International government and business community. the domestic level and their further the East-West Center in Hawaii (2006). Poland (2006) and a MS in Finance from energy, mining, telecommunications, University of Kyrgyzstan (2003). He He is also the Vice President of the application in practice by national and She is an alumna of several international Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at airport infrastructure and management, completed a PhD program in Public Triathlon Federation of Kyrgyzstan and international stakeholders. From 2006 leadership programs and is actively DePaul University in Chicago (2010). manufacturing and agro industry. He and Social Policy at Charles University in promotes a healthy way of living. Mr. to 2008, he served as a senior Georgian involved in several social projects in currently plays a lead role in the new Prague, Czech Republic (2014). Djangaziev holds a BA in Economics diplomat (Consul) in Switzerland. Kyrgyzstan. Since November 2013, initiative, Enterprise Growth Accelerator from Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University Ambassador Dolidze holds a Degree Ms. Chekirbaeva has been a Regional [email protected] and Enterprise Development Platform in (2004). in Law (LLM equivalent) from Tbilisi Network Development Manager for the region. Mr. Davlatshoev holds a BA [email protected] State University (2002) and a MA in the Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance in Middle-Eastern Studies (1997) and a International and European Security (CELA). BA in Economics (1999) from Khorog [email protected] from Geneva University/Geneva Center State University, as well as a MBA with for Security Policy (2009). specialization in Strategic Planning [email protected] and Strategic Risk Management from Edinburgh Business School, Herriot- [email protected] Watt University, UK (2004).

[email protected]

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D E G

Col. Munkh-Ochir Dorjjugder Ms. Nino Evgenidze Mr. Nemuun Gal Ms. Sarnai Galindiv Mr. Tuvshinzaya Gantulga Mr. Badruun Gardi Mongolia, Spring 2012 Georgia, Spring 2015 Mongolia, Spring 2016 Mongolia, Fall 2011 Mongolia, Spring 2015 Mongolia, Spring 2015

Colonel Munkh-Ochir Dorjjugder is the Ms. Nino Evgenidze is the Executive Mr. Nemuun Gal is Co-founder and Ms. Sarnai Galindiv is a Corporate Afairs Mr. Tuvshinzaya Gantulga currently is a Mr. Badruun Gardi is a civil society leader Director of Public Administration at the Director at the Economic Policy Partner at NovaTerra LLC where he Director at AREVA Mongol LLC. Prior to graduate student and Fulbright Scholar in Mongolia with a deep interest in issues Ministry of Defense of Mongolia. Research Center (EPRC) in Tbilisi, specializes in deal structuring, general this position, she worked as a senior at the School of International and Public of national development. He is Founder Previously, he served as the Director Georgia, which she joined in 2004. contracts and regulatory framework ofcer in charge of Foreign Afairs at the Afairs (SIPA) at Columbia University and CEO of Ger Hub, a nonprofit of the Institute for Defense Studies She is also an anchor of a morning advice, and was instrumental in closing Ofce of the President of Mongolia. She in New York, where he also serves as social enterprise that aims to develop at the National Defense University economic show at Radio Free Europe/ several multi-million dollar deals. In also worked for the President’s election an editor of the prestigious Journal of uncommon solutions to common of Mongolia. Prior to this post, Col. Radio Liberty and a member of the the past, Mr. Gal has served as general campaign in 2009. Previously, she International Afairs. Mr. Gantulga is problems in Ulaanbaatar. By creating Dorjjugder spent 16 years in active duty Anticorruption Policy Coordination counsel at SouthGobi Sands LLC, worked as an analyst and an expert at the the former Executive Director of the opportunities for interdisciplinary military service in various postings in the Council of Georgia. Prior to joining a leading Mongolian coal mining Cabinet Secretariat of the Government American Chamber of Commerce collaboration, Ger Hub seeks to Ministry of Defense of Mongolia, General EPRC, Ms. Evgenidze served in various company, and Newcom Group, a of Mongolia, a project analyst at DBI (AmCham) in Mongolia where he was transform the living environments of Intelligence Agency of Mongolia, and positions in the Government of Georgia, major Mongolian investment holding. Construction Consultants Inc. in New in charge of management, public the urban poor. From 2011 to 2014, Mr. Institute for Strategic Studies. Col. NGOs and international organizations. Prior to joining the private sector, Mr. York, a graduate intern at the United and media relations, and advocacy Gardi served as Executive Director of FELLOWSDorjjugder holds a BA in History (1996) She holds a BA and a MA in World Gal worked for the Mongolian Foreign Nations Headquarters and an intern at eforts. During his tenure, Mr. Gantulga the Zorig Foundation, a leading non- and a MA in Political Science from the Culture and Literature (1997) and a Service for seven years. He served at the the Parliament of Mongolia. Ms. Galindiv successfully positioned AmCham as governmental organization in Mongolia National University of Mongolia where PhD in Philosophy (2002) from Tbilisi Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the holds a BA in International Relations one of the most influential business that focuses on three main areas: good he is currently pursuing his PhD. He State University and a MA in Economic United Nations where he was in charge and English from the School of Foreign associations in Mongolia. Forbes governance, youth and education, also holds a MA in Security Studies from Policy Management from the London of political and legal afairs. Mr. Gal holds Service at the National University of Mongolia recently named Mr. Gantulga and community development. the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in School of Economics, UK (2005). She a law degree in jurisprudence from the Mongolia (1998), a MA in Global Political on their “30 under 30” list of the most Mr. Gardi serves on the boards of the Monterey, California (2003) and is an also graduated from the Department Moscow State Institute of International Economy and Finance from the New influential change-makers in the Institute of Engineering and Technology, alumnus of the Asia Pacific Center for of Economic Policy Administration of Relations (2001) and a LLM from the School for Social Research, New York, country. Mr. Gantulga holds a BA in and Tomujin Academy. He is an alumnus Security Studies (2005) and the George the Joint Vienna Institute in Vienna, Columbia University Law School (2009), NY (2002) and a MA in Human Rights Value Studies with a concentration in of the U.S. Department of State’s C. Marshall Center for European Security Austria, with a World Bank Scholarship where he was the Harlan Fiske Stone from the Legal Studies Department of Political Philosophy and Literature from International Visitor Leadership Program Studies (2007). In 2010, Col. Dorjjugder (2000), has a diploma in Management of Scholar, Bretzfelder International Law the Central European University – a Bard College in Berlin, Germany (2012). and the inaugural class of the Asia was a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings International Projects from the University Scholar from 2008 to 2009 and LLM U.S. accredited university in Budapest, Foundation Development Fellowship. Institution’s Center for Northeast Asian of Maastricht in the Netherlands (2010) Class Speaker in 2009. Mr. Gal has been Hungary (2010). Mr. Gardi holds a BA with a double major Policy Studies. and was a Draper Hills Summer Fellow a member of the Bar of the State of New [email protected] in Psychology and Communication at Stanford University (2013). York since June 2010. from Stanford University (2009). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

44 45 index

G H

Mr. Emil Gasimli Ms. Diana Gaziyan Mr. Sulkhan Glonti Ms. Eka Grigalava Mr. Vahe Grigoryan Mr. Ara Hovsepyan Azerbaijan, Spring 2016 Armenia, Fall 2013 Georgia, Spring 2016 Georgia, Fall 2014 Armenia, Fall 2009 Armenia, Fall 2014

Mr. Emil Gasimli is the Chief of Marketing Ms. Diana Gaziyan is the Executive Mr. Sulkhan Glonti is an elected Board Ms. Eka Grigalava is a Deputy Minister of Mr. Vahe Grigoryan is a practicing lawyer Mr. Ara Hovsepyan is the Chief Executive and Business Development at the State Director of the American Chamber of Member and Chairman of the Faction of Environment and Natural Resources in Armenia. He is largely involved in Ofcer of Contour Global Hydro Oil Company of the Republic of Commerce in Armenia (AmCham), a the “Free Democrats” political party, Protection of Georgia. Prior to joining movements against human rights Cascade, the Armenian subsidiary Azerbaijan where he is responsible leading business association aimed at as well as a Deputy Chairman of the the public sector, she worked in the violations in Armenia by representing of Contour Global LLP, an American for the coordination of marketing and improving the business and investment Committee on Human Rights Protection energy industry, first as NGO and human rights cases before domestic energy company investing in energy business development activities in the climate in the country. Ms. Gaziyan of the Supreme Council (Parliament) Community Afairs Coordinator at courts and the European Court of production around the world. He has Caspian region and beyond including started her career in 1998 at the of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, BP Georgia, managing some of the Human Rights. He has participated in a led Contour Global’s negotiations with the Southern Gas Corridor. Prior to his Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Georgia. Mr. Glonti is one of the founders company’s key CSR project, and then number of human rights trainings and the Government of Armenia to acquire current position, Mr. Gasimli spent 5 Republic of Armenia. She then moved to of the Free Democrats party and from as a Stakeholder Manager for the seminars organized by the Council of Vorotan HPP, the biggest hydropower years working in diferent IT consulting international development projects and 2009 to 2012, served as the head of Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) in Zug, Europe, Strasbourg (2008), the Helsinki plant in Armenia. Mr. Hovsepyan companies, as well as for BP. Over the worked towards the implementation of the party’s youth organization. Prior to Switzerland where she was responsible Foundation for Human Rights/Poland, started his career in the Ministry of years, he has participated in numerous decentralization and local governance joining politics, Mr. Glonti was actively for managing the project’s stakeholder Warsaw (2007) and Interights, London Foreign Afairs in 1995, leaving in 2000 internationalFELLOWS conferences and events reforms (USAID) for a number of years. involved in civil society development relations in three host countries: Greece, (2009). Since 2007, Mr. Grigoryan has to become the first local Head of the on energy issues. Mr. Gasimli holds a Ms. Gaziyan’s international professional and from 2006 to 2009, worked at the Albania and Italy. Ms. Grigalava has also been a member of the Board of the Armenia Ofce of the U.K. Department BA in Finance and Accounting from experience includes the Institute of Institute of Strategy and Development. worked on an expansion project of SCP Chamber of Advocates of Armenia. for International Development. From the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy and Public Administration and Education From 2004 to 2005, he also served as natural gas pipeline as Sustainability Mr. Grigoryan earned his postgraduate 2006 to 2011, Mr. Hovsepyan served as Georgia State University, USA (2007), a Development Center in NYC, as well a Member of the Presidential Council’s Manager at Saipem-Azfen JV. She has degree in Law from Yerevan State the CEO of the Millennium Challenge MBA from the University of Louisiana as the Urban Institute in Washington, Commission of Education and Culture extensive experience in corporate University, Armenia. In 2009 he Account in Armenia. In 2011 Mr. (2009) and a MBA from the Azerbaijan D.C. She holds a BA from Yerevan of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. social responsibility, social compliance, completed his LLM in the Human Rights Hovsepyan moved to lead the North- State Economics University (2010). State University of Foreign Languages Mr. Glonti holds a BA in Theology from project management and stakeholder Law course at the Law School of the South Road Corridor Investment project He has also completed the Advanced with a major in English Language and Tbilisi Theological Academy (2003) relations. Before working in the private University of Nottingham, UK. funded by ADB and the Government Foreign Service Program at the Psychology. In 2002, she was awarded and a BA in Public Relations from Tbilisi sector, Ms. Grigalava coordinated civic of Armenia. Mr. Hovsepyan holds a Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy and has a Muskie fellowship and received a MS State University (2007). He is an active and gender programs at the Tbilisi ofce BA from Yerevan State University of earned a Master Certificate in Project in Management of International Non- blogger and an author of numerous of of the National Democratic Institute Current contact information not Foreign Languages (1995), a MA in Management from George Washington Profit Organizations (2003) from the publications. for International Afairs. Ms. Grigalava available Political Science and International University (2015). Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of holds a BA in Public Administration from Relations from the American University Public Service, New York University. Georgian Technical University (2000) of Armenia (1997) and a post-graduate [email protected] and a MA in Public Administration from diploma in International Relations and [email protected] Georgian Institute of Public Afairs Diplomacy from Oxford University, UK [email protected] (2001). (Exeter College, 1999).

[email protected] [email protected]

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H I

Ms. Fidan Huseynli Mr. Mirzo Ibragimov Mr. Talgat Imangaliyev Ms. Saule Imanova Mr. Farrukh Irnazarov Dr. Murod Ismailov Azerbaijan, Spring 2011 Uzbekistan, Fall 2014 Kazakhstan, Spring 2014 Kazakhstan, Fall 2015 Uzbekistan, Spring 2012 Uzbekistan, Fall 2009

Ms. Fidan Huseynli is currently a short- Mr. Mirzo Ibragimov is an independent Mr. Talgat Imangaliyev is the General Ms. Saule Imanova is an Investment Mr. Farrukh Irnazarov is a Co-founder Dr. Murod Ismailov is an Assistant term consultant for the World Bank consultant providing research and Director of WorleyParsons Kazakhstan. Ofcer at the International Finance and Country Director at the Central Professor in International Relations at Group as part of the ENPI FLEG (II) analytical services to international He has about 20 years of experience Corporation (IFC) in Almaty where she is Asian Development Institute, of the University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Program Team in Azerbaijan. She was organizations and foreign investors. working in the energy industry with a responsible for business development in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and a PhD Japan where his teaching and research also selected to perform as the National From 2012 to 2015, he served as the focus on general management, business Central Asia with a primary focus on the Candidate in International Studies at the focus is on the regional side efects Consultant on Communication and Deputy Head of the Political and development and regulatory approvals sectors of manufacturing, agribusiness University of Groningen, Netherlands. of globalization, mainly in relation to Awareness Creation for the FAO Public Diplomacy Section at the British of operations of upstream, downstream and services. Her professional interests He is in charge of several research poverty and environmental degradation, project titled, “Support to Development Embassy in Uzbekistan managing the and service projects in Central Asia include private sector promotion, projects on economic development, as well as the role of civil society and civil of National Forest Program and Embassy’s media and public diplomacy and the United States. Prior to joining investment climate in transitional labour migration, regional trade and capital in domestic and foreign policies Forest Legislation in Azerbaijan.” activities, as well as analyzing key political WorleyParsons in 2007, Mr. Imangaliyev economies, corporate governance and transport issues in Central Asia. From in Central Eurasia. He previously served Her professional career is linked to and economic developments in Central worked for Tengizchevroil for seven civil society. Ms. Imanova has more than 2008 to 2011, he worked as a Researcher as Dean at the School of International human rights organizations where she Asia. From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Ibragimov years in management roles responsible ten years of investment and project at the University of Applied Sciences Relations and Graduate Studies at the volunteeredFELLOWS and later worked in the worked for the International Committee for Regulatory Afairs and Internal finance experience in the countries of in Goettingen, Germany. In 2007 and University of World Economy and areas of conflict resolution, peace- of the Red Cross Delegation for Central Compliance, as well as Environmental Europe and Central Asia and, prior to 2008, Mr. Irnazarov was an Associate Diplomacy (UWED) in Tashkent, where building, and European integration Asia, implementing activities designed Programs. Mr. Imangaliyev holds a BS joining the IFC in 2007, she worked at Faculty Lecturer in International Trade he was also a Lecturer in Security issues. In the summer of 2011, The to build the capacities of the Ministries of in Petroleum Geology from Kazakhstan the Innovation Fund of Kazakhstan and at the School of Business at the National Studies. He holds a BA in History from Caucasus Edition: Journal of Conflict Defense of the regional states in the field Polytechnic Institute (1994), a MA in Astana Finance Investment Company. College of Ireland in Dublin. From 2000 Samarkand State University (2001), a MA Transformation published her article on of Law of Armed Conflict. Previously, International Studies from University Ms. Imanova holds a BS in International to 2003, Mr. Irnazarov held diferent in International Relations from UWED the EU capabilities in crisis management Mr. Ibragimov interned in the European of Washington, Seattle (2000) and Economic Relations from Karaganda positions at the Ministry of Foreign (2004), and a MS in Global Security from and conflict prevention. Her research Anti-Fraud Ofce, the International a certificate from the Leaders in State University in Kazakhstan (2000), Economic Relations of Uzbekistan. Mr. the Royal Military College of Science interests include security, conflict Criminal Court and the Ofce of the Development Executive Program at a MS in Development Finance from Irnazarov holds a BA in International at the UK Defense Academy (2006). In resolution and peace building. Ms. OSCE High Commissioner on National Harvard Kennedy School (2007). Reading University, UK (2001) and Economic Relations from the National 2010, after defending his doctoral thesis Huseynli holds a BA (2003) and a Minorities. Mr. Ibragimov holds a LLB in a Master of Public Administration University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent on non-conventional threats to regional MA (2006) in International Law and International Law from the University with a concentration in economic (2002), a Master of Social Science in security in Central Asia, he earned a PhD International Relations from Baku State of World Economy and Diplomacy in [email protected] policy management from Columbia International and European Relations in Political Science from UWED. University and a MA in EU International Tashkent (2005) and a MA in Central University’s School of International and from Linköping University, Sweden Relations and Diplomacy Studies from Asian Studies from the OSCE Academy Public Afairs. (2005) and a Master of Science in the College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium in Bishkek (2006). Business Administration and Economics [email protected] (2008). from Stockholm University, Sweden [email protected] (2006). [email protected] fi[email protected] [email protected]

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Mr. Anar Jahangirli Mr. Azizuddin Jalal Mr. Daniel Kadyrbekov Mr. Ruslan Karabukaev Dr. Rashad Karimov Mr. Kairat Karmanov Azerbaijan, Spring 2015 Afghanistan, Fall 2015 Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2015 Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2014 Azerbaijan, Fall 2013 Kazakhstan, Spring 2011

Mr. Anar Jahangirli is a Visiting Scholar at Mr. Azizuddin Jalal is the Chief Operating Mr. Daniel Kadyrbekov currently works Mr. Ruslan Karabukaev is the Investment Dr. Rashad Karimov is a Senior Research Mr. Kairat Karmanov is Acting Deputy the Georgia Institute of Technology in Ofcer at Arrow General Supplies Co, as a Market Expansion Consultant at Director at Kusto Vietnam, an investment Fellow at the Foreign Policy Analysis Chairman of the Committee of Atlanta, Georgia. His current research Ltd. Since 2003, Arrow GSC has been Tokyo based machinery exporting company based in Vietnam. Prior to his Department of the Center for Investments under the Ministry of is on energy security and geopolitics a major supplier of Organizational company, Nikkyo Co.Ltd. He is in current position, Mr. Karabukaev co- Strategic Studies under the President Investments and Development. He in Europe. Prior to academia, he was Clothing and Individual Equipment charge of creating opportunities for the founded Besmart and Namba Taxi, IT of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He is previously served as Deputy Chairman in business and established his own (OCIE) to the U.S. Military in Afghanistan. Japanese export company abroad. He is ventures in Central Asia. He also was also Founder and Chairman of the of the Board for the National Export company, as well as advised several Mr. Jalal is also a member of the also a political columnist for Radio Free a founding member and the Deputy Public Union for Azerbaijan-China and Investment Agency (Kaznex companies on communication Executive Boards for Hashimy Group, Europe/ Radio Liberty Bishkek Ofce. Director of the leading Kyrgyz airline, Cooperation. His areas of expertise Invest) under the Ministry of Industry strategies. His experience in the private the corporate parent for 1TV, East Prior to this, he was an Aide to the Avia Trafc Company, which he helped include Chinese domestic and foreign and New Technologies where he sector also includes serving as the Horizon Airline, Arrow Petroleum Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic grow from a start-up to the largest policy with an emphasis on Central Asia worked on creating a national system Director for Corporate Communications and Hashimy Mining. Prior to joining on economic reforms. Before the Prime airline in Kyrgyzstan. Mr. Karabukaev and the Caucasus regions. Previously, of foreign direct investment attraction at Azercell Telecom. Prior to moving Arrow GSC in 2010, Mr. Jalal worked Minister’s ofce, Mr. Kadyrbekov worked is also Co-founder of the regional Dr. Karimov served as an Assistant to for Kazakhstan and promoting the toFELLOWS business, Mr. Jahangirli worked as a Patient Service Manager at CURE as an Aide to the First Deputy Prime high school mentorship program “My the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to China. country’s investment image worldwide. at the Azerbaijan Foreign Service for International Hospital, a non-for-profit Minister on economics and as a Senior School,” a member-funded program Dr. Karimov holds a BA in Chinese Before, Mr. Karmanov worked as a more than a decade, including a tour hospital managed and operated by Expert in the Department of FDI, Foreign that covers more than 15 schools in Language and Culture (2000) and a consultant at the Analytical Center in the Mission of Azerbaijan to the EU American doctors in Kabul to transform Aid and Public- Private Partnership at the rural areas of Kyrgyzstan, providing MA in International Policy (2004) from for Economic Policy in the Ministry of in Brussels. Mr. Jahangirli holds a BA in the lives of disabled children and their the Ministry of Economy. He holds a their students with mentorship and Beijing Language and Culture University Agriculture where he authored a long- International Relations and International families in the country through medical BA in Finance and Taxation from the awards for academic excellence. Mr. at the United Nations Center, as well as term sugar industry development plan in Law from Baku State University (1999), and spiritual healing. Mr. Jalal holds a BS Department of Economics of Osh Trade Karabukaev holds a BA in Economics a PhD in Diplomacy from China Foreign Kazakhstan. He also served as a Head of a MA in European Public Afairs from from Kabul Education University (2005) College (2003), a Certificate in Political from the American University of Central Afairs University in Beijing (2008). Socio-Economic Analysis Department the University of Maastricht, the and a BBA from American University Science from Berea College, Kentucky Asia (1999) and as a Muskie Fellow In 2013, Dr. Karimov was awarded a at the Municipal Center for Sustainable Netherlands (2001) and a MPA from of Afghanistan (2014). He has also (2007), a Diploma in International received his MBA from Georgia Institute scholarship to attend the International Development under the Mayor of the Kennedy School of Government at completed the Management Program Relations (BA equivalent) from Osh of Technology in Atlanta (2010). Seminar for Young Scholars on Astana where he was in charge of the Harvard University (2011). He has also at Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey Technological University (2008), Economic Development Issues at the national capital’s anti-crisis program. completed courses at the Diplomatic and earned a Certificate in the Health and a MA in Political Science from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Mr. Karmanov holds a LLB from the Law Academy in Vienna, Austria and NATO Insurance Program from Interhealth the Graduate School of International [email protected] Dr. Karimov is the author of several School of Eurasian National University in Defense College in Rome, Italy. Egypt in Cairo, Egypt. Cooperation Studies, Kobe University, books and articles on China-Azerbaijan. Astana (summa cum laude, 2005) and Japan (2011). a MA in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University (2008). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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G K

Ms. Gaukhar Mr. Ato Kasymov Mr. Parwiz Kawa Mr. Dadebay Kazakov Ms. Tamar Kekenadze Mr. Umit Khairollayev Kassymzhanova Kazakhstan, Spring 2014 Afghanistan, Fall 2015 Turkmenistan, Fall 2011 Georgia, Spring 2014 Kazakhstan, Spring 2015 Kazakhstan, Spring 2011 Mr. Ato Kasymov is the Deputy CEO of Mr. Parwiz Kawa is Founder and Editor- Mr. Dadebay Kazakov is a Business Ms. Tamar Kekenadze is a Head of the Mr. Umit Khairollayev is the Chief National Investment Corporation of the in-Chief of Hashte Subh Daily, the Development Manager at Petro Gas Regional Ofce at the Free Democrats Executive Ofcer at the Inculerate, an Ms. Gaukhar Kassymzhanova is a Deputy National Bank of Kazakhstan, a sovereign leading and largest independent Group of Companies, a company Political Party where she oversees international investment holding group Head of Secretariat for the State wealth fund responsible for global newspaper in Afghanistan and winner providing services in the onshore and party building in the regions of Georgia. located in Kazakhstan which provides Secretary in the Administration of the alternative investments for the National of the International Press Freedom ofshore oil and gas sector of several Before joining the party, she was a opportunities to generate ideas, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Oil Fund. Previously, Mr. Kasymov Prize from Reporters Without Borders in countries and is responsible for the Civilian Representative of the Ministry attract investments and launch startup Previously, she served as an Adviser to served as Deputy CEO of the Kazakhstan 2012. He has worked in local and development of business strategy, of Defense of Georgia to NATO and businesses. Currently, Inculerate runs the Deputy Prime Minister. In the past, Mortgage Company where he was national media outlets since 1998. commercial negotiations and business the EU. Prior, she served as a Head of several projects including PurePro she has worked in managerial positions responsible for mortgage securitization Mr. Kawa currently also serves as partnerships. Previously, Mr. Kazakov the Euro-Atlantic Integration Division (access to clean drinking water), Restea at the Senate Administration, Ministry eforts and implementation of the Chairman of the Board of Directors worked as a Business Development at the Ministry of Defense of Georgia. (access to afordable food), Diodey of Education, National Analytical Afordable Housing Program, and as the at the Afghanistan New Generation Manager at Caspian Mainport Ltd., a UK Previously, Ms. Kekenadze worked for (smart lighting systems) and other Center under the Prime Minister’s Head of Corporate Finance at Samruk- Organization; a board member of Aid company working in the Caspian region five years in civil society organizations on startups. Previously, he was the CEO of Ofce and National Media Holdings. FELLOWS Kazyna, the Kazakh sovereign wealth Afghanistan for Education; an advisor and for the Government of Turkmenistan national and international levels. In 2008, the Carlyle Group in Kazakhstan, which Ms. Kassymzhanova started her career fund, consolidating strategic assets and a member of the board of directors overseeing various departments in the she was awarded the “Young European supplied the markets in Central Asia, the working as a host for Kazakh State in the energy, mining and logistics of Afghanistan Journalists’ Center; and a Ministry of Oil and Gas Industry and of the Year” Prize for outstanding Caucasus, Turkey and Mongolia with air Radio. In her journalism career, she was sectors worth over $100 billion. Mr. founding member and the Chairman of Mineral Resources. While heading the commitment to fostering international freshening, water purifying and health honored with a Laureate Award of the Kasymov holds a BS in Economics from Afghanistan Analysis and Awareness Control Department at the State Agency understanding and the union of Europe. care products, and was the President Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan and Saint Petersburg State University of (A3), a civil movement and think- for the Use of Hydrocarbon Resources, In 2009, she was privileged as a non- of ElitEcoGarant Corporation where a Laureate Award of the International Economics and Finance (2006) and a tank. Mr. Kawa holds a BA in Education Mr. Kazakov handled $3 billion USD EU member country representative to he built and implemented a complete Youth Information Forum, The Ring Bachelor of Business Administration in from Baghlan Teacher Training Center worth of PSAs by controlling the intern in the Cabinet of the President distribution strategy for the Aquapick, of Eurasia. In 2012, she was selected Finance and Investments from Zicklin (1996) and a BA in Law and Political fulfillment of the projects. Mr. Kazakov of the European Parliament. Ms. PurePro, Lange, and Water Therapy to participate in the Women in Public School of Business, Baruch College of Science from Kabul University (2011). holds a BS in Economic Informatics Kekenadze holds a BA in Computer brands in the region. Mr. Khairollayev Policy Program of Wellesley College. the City University of New York (2008). He is also a poet and novelist and has and Automated Control Systems from Systems and Networks (2003), a BA holds a BA in Chemistry from Ms. Kassymzhanova holds a Diploma Currently, Mr. Kasymov is pursuing published two collections of his poetry: the State Academy of Management in Jurisprudence (2007) and a MA in Lomonosov Moscow State University in International Relations from al-Farabi a joint Executive MBA degree from “A Night from Exile” and “Two Guns, Two in Moscow, Russia (1993), and a MS in Computer Engineering, Information (2004) and currently he is pursuing a Kazakh National University (2000) and a London Business School and Columbia Stones.” Economics and Industry Management Science and Control Systems (2006), all joint Executive MBA degree at London MA in International Development Policy Business School in New York (EMBA- from the Turkmen Institute of National from Georgian Technical University. Business School and Columbia Business from Duke University (2007). Global 2016). Economy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan School in New York (EMBA-Global 2017). [email protected] (1996). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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K

Ms. Raykhona Khashimova Mr. Khurshid Kholov Mr. Levan Khurtsidze Ms. Gulya Kolakova Ms. Tamta Kupradze Mr. Abdullo Kurbanov Uzbekistan, Spring 2016 Uzbekistan, Fall 2010 Georgia, Fall 2012 Turkmenistan, Fall 2012 Georgia, Spring 2012 Tajikistan, Spring 2015

Ms. Raykhona Khashimova is a Mr. Khurshid Kholov is a Consultant at Mr. Levan Khurtsidze is a Head of the Ms. Gulya Kolakova works as an Ms. Tamta Kupradze is a career diplomat Mr. Abdullo Kurbanov is Co-founder and Commercial Ofcer at the British Bain & Company, one of the world’s U.S. and Canada Division in the independent consultant. She consults currently working as a Counsellor at the CEO of Alif Capital, a microcredit Embassy in Uzbekistan where her leading consulting firms. Mr. Kholov Department of the Americas at the foreign companies seeking business Permanent Mission of Georgia to organization based in Tajikistan. responsibilities include the promotion consults Fortune 100 companies’ C-suite Ministry of Foreign Afairs of Georgia, in Turkmenistan and helps identify the UN focusing on human rights, Previously, he served as Deputy of UK-Uzbekistan trade and investment in their strategy and overall business where he coordinates bilateral relations potential market segments where humanitarian, social and cultural issues, Chairman of the Board of Orienbank, relations, lobbying interests of British improvement engagements. Previously with the U.S. and the work of the investment is needed, especially the establishment of new diplomatic one of the largest commercial banks companies operating in the country Mr. Kholov was Associate at Gotham U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership government infrastructure projects and relations and advocy for annual in Tajikistan. Prior to joining Orienbank and consulting with British investors Partners, a premier private equity Commission. He started at the Georgian trade related businesses. In her previous resolution at the UNGA addressing the in July 2012, Mr. Kurbanov was Vice- on business opportunities in the local advisory firm based in New York. Prior Foreign Service at the U.S. Desk, and job, Ms. Kolakova was a Country rights of Georgian IDPs. Currently she President for Mining Investments at market. Prior to joining the British to that, Mr. Kholov was the Chairman of was later transferred to the Political Representative for Arrow Petroleum Co. is Vice-chair of the Third Committee of Origo Partners PLC, a private equity Embassy, from 2009 to 2012 she served Ansher Investments where he oversaw Department as a policy analyst and Ltd. in Turkmenistan. Before moving to the UN General Assembly. Previously, company with investments primarily as the Head of the Country Ofce of a direct investments in the capital speechwriter. He then served as a Turkmenistan, Ms. Kolakova worked she served as Head of the U.S. and in Mongolia and China. He was based FELLOWSHong Kong based company exporting markets of Central Asia, and a Chief Counselor at the Department of for the same company in Afghanistan, Canada Division at the Georgian Ministry in Ulaanbaatar and was in charge of commodities from Uzbekistan, and Investment Ofcer and a Head of Sales International Organizations. From 2000 which was a major supplier of goods of Foreign Afairs coordinating working Mongolia investments, managing the from 2007 to 2008 was a Logistics at Ansher Fund Management where he to 2006, Mr. Khurtsidze was a senior to the U.S. and Afghan military. Prior to group sessions under the U.S.-Georgia portfolio of existing assets (copper, coal, Analyst at Carlsberg Uzbekistan where was responsible for investing funds stafer at the Georgian Parliamentary that, she worked for the Afghanistan Charter on Strategic Partnership. From moly projects) and developing new she was involved in procurement emerging markets for all Ansher Family Committee on Defense and Security Investment Support Agency. From 2004 2006-2010, Ms. Kupradze was a Political deals. Earlier, Mr. Kurbanov was based to launch a new, multimillion-dollar of Funds. Mr. Kholov has significant where he supervised the Georgia-NATO to 2010, Ms. Kolakova worked on various Ofcer at the Embassy of Georgia in in London working as an analyst in the brewery in Uzbekistan. Ms. Khashimova investment management and advisory relations. Mr. Khurtsidze holds a BA and UNDP projects, at the World Bank the U.S. Prior to joining the Foreign Metals & Mining team of UBS Investment is also a pro-bono consultant to a experience in the emerging markets of MA in History and Political Science from Country Ofce in Kyrgyzstan and on a Service, Ms. Kupradze served at the Bank, a Swiss global investment bank. He leading women’s NGO in Uzbekistan, CIS countries. Mr. Kholov holds a BBA Tbilisi State University (2004), a MPA World Bank project in Kazakhstan. Ms. Georgian Ministry of Defense and the also worked for Oliver Wyman (Financial advising on women’s entrepreneurship from Francis Marion University, South from the Georgian Institute of Public Kolakova received a MA in Public Policy CUBIC Corporation, the U.S. Defense Consulting) out of London and Moscow. development. She holds a BA in English Carolina (2003), a BBA from the School Administration (2004) and a MA in from Rochester Institute of Technology, Consultants’ team in Georgia. Ms. Mr. Kurbanov holds a BA in Management Language and Literature from Uzbek of Business Management, Tashkent State International Studies from Old Dominion New York as a Muskie Fellow (2004). She Kupradze holds her BA in International from Bogazici University in Istanbul, State University of World Languages Technical University (2004) and a MBA University as a Muskie Fellow (2008). He also holds a MA in Political Science from Relations from Tbilisi State University Turkey (2008), and a MS in Finance from (2003), a BS in Finance and Economics from the Wharton School, University of also attended the International Defense OSCE Academy, Kyrgyz Republic (2005). (2003) and a MA in International Afairs the London School of Economics, UK from Virginia Union University (2006) Pennsylvania, with majors in Finance Resource Management program at the from the Fletcher School of Law and (2009). and is currently pursuing her MA in and Management (2014). Naval Postgraduate School in California Diplomacy, Tufts University (2011). International Business and Management (2005). [email protected] at Westminster International University [email protected] in Tashkent. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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K L M

Mr. Manuchehr Kurbonali Mr. Uluk Kydyrbaev Mr. Irakli Laitadze Ms. Marika Laliashvili Maj. Bayasgalan Mr. Samiullah Mahdi Tajikistan, Spring 2014 Kyrgyzstan, Fall 2011 Georgia, Fall 2009 Georgia, Fall 2010 Lkhagvasuren Afghanistan, Fall 2011 Mongolia, Fall 2015 Mr. Manuchehr Kurbonali is the CEO of Mr. Uluk Kydyrbaev is a member of the Mr. Irakli Laitadze is the Chief Financial Ms. Marika Laliashvili is a career diplomat Mr. Samiullah Mahdi is the Chairman of Axiom Investments LLC, an investment Regulatory Impact Assessment Working Ofcer of GMT Mtatsminda, LLC. and currently serves as a Senior the PAYK Investigative Journalism Maj. Bayasgalan Lkhagvasuren has been fund owning medical centers in Central Group under the Eurasian Economic Previously, he worked as the Deputy Counselor at the Embassy of Georgia Center in Afghanistan. He previously a desk ofcer in the Foreign Cooperation Asia. He is also a founder of Nurafzo Commission. He is Founder of the CFO of the GMT Group, a leading to the U.S. Her portfolio at the Embassy worked as CEO of Khurshid TV from Department at the Mongolian Ministry Diagnostic Center, a chain of private Analytical Center BizExpert that private sector investor in Georgia. includes defense and security, counter- 2013 to 2014 and as Director of News and of Defense since 2013. He has been on imaging facilities, and Sharayon Varid advocates for a favorable business and He has also worked for the Belgian terrorism, Euro-Atlantic cooperation Current Afairs at 1TV from 2009 to 2012. active duty military service for 16 years, Cardiac Center which specializes investment environment in the Kyrgyz company, Group Thermote & Vanhalst. and other issues. Prior to her current At 1TV, Mr. Mahdi produced and hosted including several overseas deployments in procedures like angioplasty and Republic. Previously, Mr. Kydyrbaev Mr. Laitadze has worked in the Georgian position, she served as a Deputy Director internationally acclaimed programs including Operation Iraqi Freedom angiography to detect conditions of chaired the National Alliance of Ministry of Foreign Afairs, in the Mission of the Department of Americas at the such as “Kabul Debate Live,” “The Mask,” (2004) and U.N. peacekeeping missions heart arteries. Both centers are leaders Business Associations, the largest of Georgia to the European Union, and Ministry of Foreign Afairs of Georgia. “Amaj” and others. He was also an op-ed in Sierra Leone (2006), Liberia (2010) in their respective medical fields with umbrella business organization in the at the Embassy to Benelux countries. Earlier in her career she also served contributor to major Afghan newspapers and South Sudan (2012). From 2009 to six branches in major cities of Tajikistan. Kyrgyz Republic that unites 55 business From 2009 to 2011, Mr. Laitadze was as a Head of the Defense Policy and and magazines. In 2012, Mr. Mahdi 2013, Maj. Lkhagvasuren served as staf Mr.FELLOWS Kurbonali is also a founder of MBO associations. In the past, Mr. Kydyrbaev the local expert of the London-based Planning Department and a Head of the was awarded the prestigious Knight ofcer in J3 of the General Staf of the Professional LLC, the largest private served as CEO of the Chamber of company, Exclusive Analyst, which International Relations and Euro-Atlantic International Journalism Award from Mongolian Armed Forces where he was language and computer-learning Tax Consultants from 2007 to 2014, a forecasts commercially relevant political Integration Department at the Ministry the International Center for Journalism responsible for planning and conducting center in Tajikistan. He is an active professional association of tax experts and violent risks worldwide. Mr. Laitadze of Defense. Ms. Laliashvili also worked as for his excellent and courageous military training and overseas exercises. member of the Association of Tajikistan aimed at promoting tax literacy among holds a BA in Economic and Social a Head of the Euro-Atlantic Integration reporting. Prior to joining 1TV, Mr. Mahdi During his time at J3, Maj. Lkhagvasuren Businessmen and is currently working entrepreneurs, and as CEO of the Bishkek Geography from Tbilisi State University, Division where she was responsible began his career as a journalist in 2007 published a Mongolian Armed Forces to launch Nurafzo Academy, an NGO Business Club from 2006 to 2013, an Georgia (1993), a Diploma from the for coordinating the implementation with Tolo TV, where he hosted a weekly Survival Handbook based on his supporting talented future doctors. Mr. association that unites influential local Diplomatic School of Madrid, Spain of defense-related provisions of the show, “Hardtalk.” Mr. Mahdi holds a BA personal experiences of planning and Kurbonali holds an AA in International business leaders striving to develop (1997) and a MBA from the University of national programs for cooperation from the School of Law and Political participating in overseas trainings and Economics from Technological the Kyrgyz Republic. Mr. Kydyrbaev has Cambridge, UK (2003). Currently, he is with NATO. Ms. Laliashvili holds a BA Science of Kabul University (2009) and exercises. Maj. Lkhagvasuren holds a University of Tajikistan (2001), a BA in extensive experience with international pursuing a PhD in Political Science from in Public Administration from Georgian a MA in International Relations from the BA in Business Administration from Finance and Credit from the Tajikistan private and development organizations Free University of Tbilisi. Technical University, Tbilisi (2001), and University of Massachusetts Boston as a the Defense University of Mongolia branch of Moscow State University in the Kyrgyz Republic including the a MA in International Security Studies Fulbright Scholar (2016). (2003) and is preparing to complete of Economics, Statistics and Applied modernization project of Manas from the National Defense University in his MA in Security Studies at the U.S. Informatics (2013) and a Certificate in Airport and USAID funded business [email protected] Washington, D.C. (2012). Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Financial Management from Cornell development projects. Mr. Kydyrbaev [email protected] California. University (2013). holds a Jurisprudence Specialization from the Kyrgyz National University [email protected] (2004). [email protected] [email protected]

[email protected]

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Ms. Varya Meruzhanyan Dr. Sergey Minasyan Mr. Bahtiyor Mirzabaev Dr. Khatuna Mshvidobadze Mr. Saintulga Munkhgerel Mr. Ibrahim Musaev Armenia, Fall 2012 Armenia, Spring 2013 Uzbekistan, Fall 2015 Georgia, Fall 2011 Mongolia, Fall 2014 Uzbekistan, Fall 2013

Ms. Varya Meruzhanyan works at the Dr. Sergey Minasyan is the Deputy Mr. Bahtiyor Mirzabaev is a Project Dr. Khatuna Mshvidobadze is a Principal Mr. Saintulga Munkhgerel is a consultant Mr. Ibrahim Musaev is the Director of the United Nations in Armenia where she is Director and Head of the Political Management Specialist at the USAID at Cyberlight Global Associates in for energy projects in Mongolia working Global Business Development unit at responsible for organizational, advisory Studies Department at the Caucasus Uzbekistan Country Ofce. In this McLean, VA, an Adjunct Professor on a 54 MW wind farm project in Global Business Incubators, a network and management coordination support Institute in Yerevan, Armenia. His capacity he oversees technical on cyber security at Utica College, Sainshand city with German investor, of member incubators located in to the UN Resident Coordinator and areas of expertise are military history, assistance projects in trade and NY and a Senior Fellow at the Ferrostaal. He previously worked as CEO diferent regions of the world. At the the UN Country Team. Previously, security studies, regional conflicts and agriculture. Before his current position, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and of Khotgor Minerals LLC, a company same time, Mr. Musaev serves as an she worked with UNICEF running a international relations. Previously, Dr. Mr. Mirzabaev worked as a Planning International Studies in Tbilisi, Georgia. developing one of the largest rare advisor to the Chairman of the Turkish project focused on minimizing social Minasyan has worked as a military and Executive at KNOC Ferghana Operating Previously, Dr. Mshvidobadze was an earth element deposits in Mongolia. Foundation and World Political Forum in consequences of labor migration in security expert at the Institute of Political Company, an Uzbek subsidiary of Korea Advisor to the Ofce of the Minister of Prior to joining Khotgor Minerals, Mr. Istanbul, Turkey. Previously, Mr. Musaev Armenia. Prior to joining the UN in 2013, Studies under the Administration of the National Oil Corporation (KNOC). He Defense of Georgia and Deputy Director Munkhgerel worked with Rio Tinto headed a non-profit scientific research Ms. Meruzhanyan worked for diferent President of Armenia and as a regional also served as the Secretary of the of the Information Centre on NATO. She Group on its Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold think-tank and worked in the investment international organizations including military analyst for the IHS Jane’s company’s Management Committee has published articles on cyber security mine development project in Mongolia field with substantial experience EurasiaFELLOWS Partnership Foundation, USAID Information Group. Dr. Minasyan has and its two Subcommittees jointly run and geopolitical issues in Georgian and where he negotiated with the Mongolian investing in Central Asia, Russia, Europe, and OSCE, in such areas as confidence- authored and co-authored several with Uzbekneftegaz. Prior to joining international media, and is an author government to obtain a license to build Asia and the U.S. Mr. Musaev holds building, democratic governance, monographs and reports, published KNOC, Mr. Mirzabaev worked for of numerous expert opinion papers, a 450MW power plant. In 2009, while a BS in Management from Tashkent election observation, civic education, dozens of academic and analytical UNDP’s “Improving the System of monographs and training courses working as a relationship manager at University of Information Technologies communications and outreach. In the articles, and taught and researched Customs Administration in Uzbekistan” on cyber issues. Dr. Mshvidobadze Golomt Bank, Mr. Munkhgerel helped (1999), a Master of Public Policy and early stages of her career, she served international relations and security Project. Mr. Mirzabaev has an extensive holds a BA in English from Tbilisi State to structure a deal between Standard Administration from the School of as Vice President of the local NGO studies in Universities in Armenia and background as a public ofcer both in University (2001), a MBA from the Bank, the Mongolian Ministry of Finance International and Public Afairs at Youth for Achievements. She received abroad. Dr. Minasyan holds a MA in local and central state bodies. From Caucasus School of Business (2008), a and other Mongolian commercial banks Columbia University in New York (2008) a Diploma in English Language and International Relations from Yerevan 2003 to 2007, he held diferent positions PhD in Political Science from Georgian for the funding of gold mining projects and an Executive MBA from the School Literature from Yerevan State Linguistic State University (1998), a PhD in Military at the Ministry of Economy, as well Technical University (2013) and a MS in worth 90 million USD. He is also a of Management at Yale University (2012). University (2005) and continued with a History (2002) and a Doctor of Political as from 2001 to 2003 at Namangan Cyber Forensics and Intelligence at Utica core member of NextGen Mongolia. He also completed the Clean Tech six-month course on Public Relations Science degree from the Institute for Province Administration of Economics. College, NY (2014) where her thesis was He holds a BA in Economics from the Execs program at Polytechnic Institute at the American University of Armenia National Security Studies at the Ministry Mr. Mirzabaev holds a BSc in Business on Russian cyber threats to its neighbors University of North Carolina at Chapel of NYU. (2006). Ms. Meruzhanyan also holds a of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Administration, with a major in Finance and to the United States. Hill (2008). MS in NGO’s and Development from (2013). from Duquesne University, Pennsylvania the London School of Economics and (2000) and a MBA from Tashkent State [email protected] Political Science, UK (2008). University of Economics (2004). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Mr. Bahriddin Najmudinov Mr. Ramid Namazov Ms. Bayasgalan Naranzul Mr. David Nardaia Ms. Nargiz Ms. Eliza Nishanbaeva Tajikistan, Spring 2012 Azerbaijan, Fall 2011 Mongolia, Fall 2011 Georgia, Fall 2013 Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2016 Azerbaijan, Spring 2013 Mr. Bahriddin Najmudinov is an Mr. Ramid Namazov is an Advisor in the Ms. Bayasgalan Naranzul is a Second Mr. David Nardaia is a Civilian Ms. Eliza Nishanbaeva is the Founder independent consultant. Until recently, Foreign Relations Department in the Secretary at the Mongolian Embassy to Representative of the Ministry of and Managing Director of Human Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu he worked as a Director of General Presidential Administration of the India responsible for Commercial Defense of Georgia to NATO and Resources of Kyrgyzstan Ltd., a regional serves as an Independent Board Services Administration and Compliance Republic of Azerbaijan where he Afairs. Prior to joining diplomatic service, the EU where he is responsible consultancy and recruitment service Member at AIG International’s Baku and a Member of the Board of Directors has worked since 2005. He prepares she was a Green Development Policy for developing, implementing and provider for assignments for highly ofce and a Member of the Advisory at Bokhtar Operating Company B.V. briefings and analytical reports for the Advisor to the Minister in the Ministry of supervising defense cooperation with qualified and experienced professionals Board of ADA University School of (BOC), an oil and gas exploration President on foreign policy issues, Environment and Green Development, NATO and the European Union. Since in Central Asia. In addition, she is the Business. From 2004 to 2015, she company created in partnership with as well as speeches on international and a Community Relations Manager 2002, Mr. Nardaia has held diferent Founder of Bishkek Business School, a served as the Executive Director of the Tethys (U.S.), CNPC (China), and Total relations for ofcials of the Presidential at the Petro Matad Limited Company. positions at the Ministry of Defense leading institution providing business American Chamber of Commerce in (France). He also served as a General Administration. He is also an op-ed Previously, Ms. Naranzul worked as of Georgia including Director of the training and coaching in the country. Azerbaijan, the largest international Director of the State Unitarian Enterprise columnist on leading Azerbaijani news an Executive Director of the Zorig International Relations and Euro-Atlantic Ms. Nishanbaeva is also a Deputy business association in the country. “Tajinvest” under the State Committee sites. Mr. Namazov holds a BA in Law Foundation, whose main mission is to Integration Department, Director of the General Director at Manas Resources Ms. Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu started forFELLOWS Investments and State Property (2003) and a MA in Business and Civil advance the formation of a democratic Analytical Department, Director of the Ltd., an Australian-based gold developer her career in the Baku Branch of HSBC Management of the Republic of Law (2006) from Baku State University. society and support political reforms Public Relations Department, Director and mining company in Kyrgyzstan. Ms. Bank Middle East in February 1997 as Tajikistan where his main responsibility He also holds a MA in Public Governance in Mongolia. She has also served as of the Defense Policy and Planning Nishanbaeva is also actively involved a Customer Service Representative, was improving the investment climate from The Presidential Academy of a senior staf assistant to Ms. Oyun Department and Rector of the National in numerous business associations in moving on to the Trade Finance and and attracting FDI to Tajikistan. Public Administration (2009) and a MA Sanjaasuren, one of the most prominent Defense Academy of Georgia. Mr. Kyrgyzstan. Ms. Nishanbaeva holds a BA Loans Department in 2000. From Previously, Mr. Najmudinov served as a from Johns Hopkins University’s School female politicians and a Member of the Nardaia holds a BA (2002) and a MA in Education Management from Arabaev 2001 to 2004, she served as a Centre CEO of CJSC “Indigo Tajikistan,” (now of Advanced International Studies Parliament of Mongolia. Ms. Naranzul (2004) in the History of Diplomacy and Kyrgyz State University (2000), a diploma Manager at the Regus Business Centre T Cell), a GSM/UMTS mobile operator (SAIS) (2013). In addition, Mr. Namazov holds a BA and a MS in Structural International Relations from Tbilisi State in Crisis Management from the Folke Trading Ltd. in Baku. Ms. Nasrullayeva- that he managed from its inception and attended special courses organized by Engineering from the Mongolian University and a MA in International Bernadotte Academy in Sweden (2007), Muduroglu holds a BA in Legal brought to international recognition in the George Marshall Center for Security University of Science and Technology Security Afairs from the College of a MA in Public Administration from Regulation of Economy from Western the telecom industry. Mr. Najmudinov Studies together with the Ministry of (2000) and a MA in Asia Pacific Policy International Security Afairs, National Lomonosov State University of Moscow University in Baku (2000) and a Masters holds a Systems Engineering degree Defense of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Studies from the University of British Defense University, Washington, D.C. (2010) and is currently pursuing a MA in Public Administration from the from Tajik Technical University, where Diplomatic Academy and the Ministries Columbia in Canada (2010). (2011). Currently, Mr. Nardaia is pursuing in Health Safety and Human Resources Kennedy School of Government at he is currently pursuing a PhD. He of Foreign Afairs of China, Egypt, and his PhD in Modern History from Tbilisi in Mining from the University of British Harvard University (2016). also holds a MBA from the Steinbeis- other countries. State University. Columbia, Canada. Hochschule University in Berlin, [email protected] Germany. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Mr. Ermek Niyazov Mr. Mahmood Noorzai Mr. Kodir Norov Ms. Gaukhar Nurgalieva Ms. Shijir Ochirbat Mr. Nafi Olomi Kyrgyzstan, Fall 2012 Afghanistan, Spring 2016 Uzbekistan, Spring 2012 Kazakhstan, Spring 2012 Mongolia, Spring 2014 Afghanistan, Spring 2013

Mr. Ermek Niyazov has been a Board Mr. Mahmood Noorzai is an independent Mr. Kodir Norov is Co-founder and CEO Ms. Gaukhar Nurgalieva is currently an Ms. Shijir Ochirbat is a Senior Strategy Mr. Nafi Olomi is the Director of the Member of the Bank of Asia since 2012 political consultant and Director of the of Stolik, a startup that is developing investor in fintech companies, which and Policy Analyst at Oyu Tolgoi LLC/ Analysis Department at the National and a Board Member of Shoro, a leader NGO, “Kandahar Women, Peace and mobile applications for the restaurant include online and mobile financial Rio Tinto Copper LLC, where she leads Directorate of Security of the in the national beverage industry, since Unity Association.” Prior to his current industry (stolikapp.com). Previously, services, in Kazakhstan and Russia. Prior a team responsible for strategic analysis Government of Afghanistan. Prior to his 2015. From 2013 to 2015, he served as a position, from 2013 to 2014, Mr. Noorzai from its inception to May 2011, Mr. Norov to her involvement in fintech sector, and corporate strategy development. current post, he was an independent Vice President and Commercial Director served as the Open Source Intelligence served as the Founding Chairman of the Ms. Nurgalieva served as an Adviser to Her team also provides the company’s political analyst/consultant and CEO/ of KyrgyzTelecom, the incumbent Chief at the National Directorate of National Association of Securities Market the Commissioner on Transport and executives with analysis regarding owner of Blueberry Construction operator in the Kyrgyz Republic. Mr. Security of Afghanistan, from 2012 to Participants of Uzbekistan. In 2003 Mr. Infrastructure at the Eurasian Economic country risks from economic, political Company based in Kandahar, Niyazov has been in finance and 2013, as Senior Political Advisor to the Norov co-founded and served as the Commission in Moscow where she and geopolitical perspectives. Prior Afghanistan. From 2010 to 2011, he was marketing for most of his career working NATO Senior Civilian Representative to Chairman of Avesta Investment. From dealt with transportation projects and to joining Rio Tinto Copper LLC, Ms. a political advisor to the European Union for such ICT companies as Oracle Afghanistan, and from 2010 to 2012, as 2002 to 2005, he was the Head of the integration policies of the Customs Ochirbat worked as a Senior Researcher Special Representative for Afghanistan. Corporation, Beeline, Cisco Systems a Senior Political Analyst at the National Investment Banking Department at the Union members. Before relocating to at the National Development and From 1997 to 2010, Mr. Olomi worked andFELLOWS others. He is a well-known and self- Security Council of Afghanistan. He National Bank of Uzbekistan. From 2000 Moscow in 2012, she worked in Astana Innovation Committee under the Ofce with UNDP and various international made entrepreneur who has initiated is also Co-founder of “Afghanistan to 2002, Mr. Norov worked in the Interest as a Managing Director of Corporate of the Prime Minister of Mongolia where NGOs such as Catholic Relief Services several start-ups in Kyrgyzstan, most Forward,” a leading civil movement Rate Strategy Group of the Fixed Income Development at the National Mining she participated in formulating medium (CRS) and Médecins sans Frontières of which are still in operation. From with a nation-wide network of young Division of Morgan Stanley. During the Company and as a Regional Director for term economic strategies for Mongolia. (MSF). Mr. Olomi has done extensive work 2011 to 2012, Mr. Niyazov served as the professionals of Afghanistan. Mr. summers of 2008 and 2009, he interned Asia and the Americas at the National Ms. Ochirbat was also a Trade Analyst on the Afghan peace and reconciliation Chairman of the Bishkek Business Club, Noorzai holds a BA in Political Science in the Sales and Trading and Investment Agency for Export and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Afairs and process, facilitated numerous track II a business association that promotes and Sociology from St. Joseph’s Banking divisions of Deutsche Bank and Promotion, Kaznex Invest. From 2006 to Trade of Mongolia, where she provided peace talks and worked on regional and supports the business community College, University of Bangalore, India Credit Suisse First Boston. Mr. Norov 2010, she was the Founder and General substantive input on trade-related economic cooperation promoting of Bishkek. He was also President of the (2008), a MA in Diplomacy from the holds a BS in Economics, with majors in Director of Bookmark Bookstores, policy formulation from development Afghanistan as a regional hub between Rotary Club of Bishkek for the 2012- University of Nottingham, UK (2012) and Finance and Statistics from the Wharton the first western-style bookstore in perspectives. Ms. Ochirbat holds a BBA Central Asia and South Asia. Mr. Olomi 2013 term. Mr. Niyazov holds a BA from a Masters level diploma in Advanced School of the University of Pennsylvania Kazakhstan. Ms. Nurgalieva holds a BBA in Finance from the National University co-authored a book, The Battle for the American University in Central Asia Security Studies from the George C. (2000). From 1996 to 1997, he attended from George Washington University, of Mongolia (2006) and a MBA from the Khorasan, which studies the Afghan war (1998). Marshall Center for European Security the University of World Economy and Washington, D.C. (2001), a MBA from University of Sydney (2011). and its relations to regional geostrategic Studies, Germany (2010). Diplomacy in Tashkent. Moscow State University, Russia (2010), dynamics. Mr. Olomi holds a MA in Peace and a MA in International Relations and Conflict Studies from the European [email protected] from the Fletcher School of Law and [email protected] Peace University in Austria (2008). [email protected] [email protected] Diplomacy at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts (2014). nafi[email protected]

[email protected]

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Mr. Semetei Omurgazy Mr. David Oniani Dr. Döwran Orazgylyjow Mr. Rakhim Oshakbayev Mr. Mashbat Otgonbayar Mr. Almas Otynshiyev Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2013 Georgia, Fall 2013 Turkmenistan, Fall 2010 Kazakhstan, Spring 2016 Mongolia, Spring 2011 Kazakhstan, Fall 2103

Mr. Semetei Omurgazy is the owner and Mr. David Oniani is an Advisor for Dr. Döwran Orazgylyjow is a private Mr. Rakhim Oshakbayev is a member of Mr. Mashbat Otgonbayar is a Visiting Mr. Almas Otynshiyev is a Chief Risk CEO of Bishkek Fashion Retail Group, Strategic Planning at the Georgian State lawyer and Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Center of Professor of International Relations and Specialist at Joint-Stock Company which combines several American, Oil and Gas Corporation (GOGC) where the consulting firm Dogry Maslahat Applied Research “TALAP,” a think-tank Foreign Policy at the National University Volkovgeology, a leading company in European and Turkish brands mainly his responsibilities include commercial HK that ofers legal consulting services focused on macroeconomic research of Mongolia. He started his career in the the uranium industry in Kazakhstan, presented by monobrand stores in and external afairs of the company, to local and foreign companies in and economic policy. Before joining Parliament of Mongolia as Assistant to the main subsidiary of JSC Atomic Kyrgyzstan. With 25 operating stores, project assessment and evaluation, Turkmenistan. Dr. Orazgylyjow is also “TALAP,” from 2015 to March 2016 Mr. the Chair of the Standing Committee on Company Kazatomprom, a state-owned the company is considered one of international relations, capital debt Partner and Editor-in Chief of Homeland Oshakbayev served as a Vice-Minister National Security and Foreign Policy. He nuclear holding company. Previously, the biggest in the apparel market of management and business strategy Turkmenistan Journal, as well as for Investments and Development of then worked at the Institute for Strategic he served as an Economist at the JSC Kyrgyzstan. At the same time, Mr. development. Mr. Oniani works closely manager of an analytical website, www. the Republic of Kazakhstan where he Studies under the National Security OGCC KazStroyService, a multinational Omurgazy is Chairman of the Board of with the Ministry of Energy of Georgia turkmenlawyer.com. Dr. Orazgylyjow was responsible for the development Council of Mongolia for 15 years from oil and gas construction company. Mr. the Association of Young Entrepreneurs and other relevant state agencies on has taught International Commercial and implementation of investment researcher to a Vice Director and Dean of Otynshiyev has also conducted intensive of Kyrgyzstan which promotes the industry development and energy Arbitration at the special school for policy and international cooperation Research. In 2013 he was appointed as a research on historical and modern ties FELLOWSbusiness community and improves the policy issues. Mr. Oniani has held various state lawyers organized by the Ministry in this area. Prior to joining the Ministry Strategic Policy Adviser to the Minister of between Central Asia and South Asia business environment by organizing managerial positions at GOGC since its of Justice of Turkmenistan and the Law of Investment and Development, from Foreign Afairs. Mr. Otgonbayar holds a and is the author of several publications educational courses and helping local inception in 2007 and served as the School of Magtumkuly State University. 2011 to 2015 Mr. Oshakbayev served as LLM from the Law School of the National related to the role of the Scythian and business leaders attend international State Representative in international He holds a LLB from Dokuz Eylul a First Deputy Chairman of the Board of University of Mongolia (1998) and a MA Turk rule in India in ancient and medieval business exhibitions. Mr. Omurgazy energy projects. Previously, Mr. University Law School, Turkey (2002) the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs in National Security Studies from the epochs. Mr. Otynshiyev holds a BA in is also a Council Member of the Oniani worked as a fiscal expert at and a LLM (2005) and PhD in Law (2012) of Kazakhstan “Atameken”. Mr. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Hindi Language and History of South Chamber of Commerce and Industry Development Alternatives, Inc., and for from the Department of Private Law at Oshakbayev also has robust experience California (2007). For his distinguished Asia from Kazakh National University, of the Kyrgyz Republic. Previously, Mr. the Fiscal Administration Project at the the Institute of Social Sciences, Dokuz working in senior management service, Mr. Otgonbayar was decorated named after al-Farabi (2005), a Hindi Omurgazy was a General Director of World Bank in Washington, D.C., where Eylul University. Dr. Orazgylyjow is an positions in diferent state-owned and with Order of Polar Star of Mongolia and Language Advanced Diploma from Daniel Pharm, LLC Kyrgyzstan-India; a he provided country risk analysis and author of the book, International Direct private companies in Kazakhstan. Mr. Medal of Friendship of North Korea. University of Delhi, India (2003) and General Director of Asia Cement, LLC; creditworthiness studies, commodity Investment and Joint Ventures, and Oshakbayev holds a BS in Economics a MBA with a double major in Finance and a General Director of Lunacom analysis and trade policy development more than 250 articles on legal, energy from Lomonosov Moscow State and Management from Bang College of Telecommunication, LLC. He holds a research. Mr. Oniani holds a BS in Applied and economic issues in Turkmenistan University (1999). [email protected] Business at the Kazakhstan Institute of BA in International Economics from the Mathematics and Engineering from and abroad. Management, Economics and Strategic Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (1998) Georgia Technical University (2001) and Research (2009). and a MBA from the American University a Master of Public Finance from Indiana [email protected] of Central Asia (2001). University, Indiana (2005). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Mr. Giorgi Pertaia Ms. Lilit Petrosyan Mr. Sulaiman Qeyamat Mr. Makhbub Radzhabboev Mr. Shoaib Rahim Ms. Firuza Rahimova Georgia, Fall 2015 Armenia, Spring 2016 Afghanistan, Spring 2010 Tajikistan, Spring 2011 Afghanistan, Fall 2015 Tajikistan, Fall 2010

Mr. Giorgi Pertaia is the Director of the Ms. Lilit Petrosyan is the Commissioner Mr. Sulaiman Qeyamat is a Media Watch Mr. Makhbub Radzhabboev is currently Mr. Shoaib Rahim is a Deputy Director of Ms. Firuza Rahimova is a National Georgian National Investment Agency of the Commission on Ethics of High- Editor at Nai Supporting Open Media in working at a law firm in Manhattan, New Budget and Finance at the Ministry of Program Ofcer for Quality Assurance, which is responsible for Foreign Direct Ranking Ofcials, a corruption prevention Afghanistan. His areas of interest include York. Prior to moving to the United Defense of Afghanistan, responsible Monitoring and Evaluation at the Swiss Investment facilitation in Georgia, agency in Armenia that was established governance, public policy analysis and States, he was Co-founder of Dubai for management and oversight of its Cooperation Ofce in Tajikistan. She is creating the investment portfolio of in 2012 to promote ethical conduct economic development. From 2008 Messenger magazine and the Regional $1.5 billion USD annual budget. Before responsible for the quality of diferent the Government of Georgia’s initiated and standards in the public sector. to 2010, Mr. Qeyamat was a Fellow Manager for the Middle East at Green this promotion, he served as the Senior documents, as well as the monitoring projects and promoting Georgia’s She was nominated to this position by at Afghanistan’s Center for Research World Group, a group of companies Advisor to the Minister of Defense on and evaluation of diferent programs investment climate. Prior to his current the Chairman of the Parliament and and Policy Studies. Previously, he involved in renewable energy, waste administrative and financial systems of the Swiss Central Asian Cooperation position, from 2011 to 2012, Mr. Pertaia appointed by the President of Armenia. worked with a number of international management, production of waste development. Prior to joining the MOD Strategy. In 2012, she graduated served as a Business Ombudsman of In her capacity as Commissioner, organizations including the Friedrich- care products, bio-ethanol technology, in 2013, he served as a Program Manager from the International Program for Georgia, responsible for defending the Ms. Petrosyan is responsible for the Ebert-Foundation and the National metal manufacturing, etc. Throughout at CeReTechs Ltd., the President of H&S Development Evaluation Training at rights and interests of businesses with elaboration and implementation of Democratic Institute for International his career Mr. Radzhabboev has Consulting Services in Kabul and as Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. theFELLOWS government and protecting the ethics and integrity reform initiatives in Afairs. He served as Project Coordinator worked in various positions in both the an Energy Analyst at Hickory Springs She provided guidance to a local NGO rights and legal interests of taxpayers. Armenia. In addition, she coordinates for the Afghan Young Leaders Forum private and public sectors as well as in Manufacturing Company in North and the World Bank Governance team in In addition, from 2010 to 2011, Mr. ethics related programs supported by from 2006 to 2008 where he was international organizations including the Carolina. Mr. Rahim is a Fulbright Scholar monitoring the state agency responsible Pertaia served as a Chief Advisor to the international organizations and partners involved in empowering and engaging Ministry of Foreign Afairs of Tajikistan, and Asia 21 Fellow at the Asia Society’s for implementation of the World Bank Prime Minister of Georgia advising on of the Commission. Previously, from Afghan youth to raise their voice in the National Bank of Tajikistan, the Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative. Project on Land Reform. Previously, issues of private sector protection. His 2007 to 2012, Ms. Petrosyan worked in policy and decision-making processes World Bank Country Ofce in Tajikistan Mr. Rahim holds a BS in Electronics Ms. Rahimova served as an Executive experience also includes working for the Ofce of the President of Armenia in their country. He was a representative and TLG law firm in Dubai, UAE. Mr. Engineering from Multimedia University Director at the American Chamber Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, Virginia; as an advisor to the Analytical Research of his country at the International Youth Radzhabboev holds a BA in Law from in Cyberjaya, Malaysia (2008) and a MA of Commerce in Tajikistan. In 2005- the American Chamber of Commerce Department where she was responsible Dialogue on Millennium Development the Moscow Institute of National and in Engineering Management from Duke 2006, she was a General Director of in Georgia; and the Department of for preparing recommendations Goals in Berlin, Germany in 2005. He Regional Relations (2004), a BA in University (2011). He co-authored an Tajik-American Joint Venture, Inter Fur, Customs of Georgia. Mr. Pertaia holds a on draft legislation and reforms, as holds a MD in Medical Sciences from Linguistics from the Russian People’s essay, “Global Youth: Why this Group is and in 2005, she won the prestigious BA in Finance from Tbilisi State University well as conducting research on best Kabul Medical University (2005) and a Friendship University (2006) and a LLM more Important than Ever?” in a book award “The Best Entrepreneur of (1998) and a MBA from Western Illinois international practices. Ms. Petrosyan MA in Public Afairs from the School of in International Business Law from the titled, Millennials Speak. Essays on the Dushanbe City.” Ms. Rahimova holds University (2009). holds a BA in International Economics Public and Environmental Afairs (SPEA) University of Manchester (2009). 21st Century (2013). a MA in Linguistics and Intercultural from Yerevan State University (1999) at Indiana University (2012). Communications from Dushanbe Slavic and a MA in Public Administration University (2001) and a LLM from the [email protected] from the Harvard Kennedy School of [email protected] [email protected] Tajik National University (2010). Government (2009). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Ms. Gunay Rahimova Mr. Jamshed Mr. Mirzokhid Rakhimov Mr. Elyor Rakhmanov Mr. Ruslan Ramanov Ms. Xeniya Rogan Azerbaijan, Fall 2009 Rahmonberdiev Uzbekistan, Spring 2015 Uzbekistan, Spring 2011 Uzbekistan, Spring 2016 Kazakhstan, Fall 2008 Tajikistan, Fall 2011 Ms. Gunay Rahimova is a career diplomat Mr. Mirzokhid Rakhimov is Head of the Mr. Elyor Rakhmanov is the Head of Mr. Ruslan Ramanov is the Executive Ms. Xeniya Rogan is a Principal Banker of and currently a First Secretary at the Department of Contemporary History Department of Coordination of Assistant to the Head of the NATO Ofce Energy and Natural Resources in the Mr. Jamshed Rahmonberdiev is a Banker Humanitarian and Social Department and International Relations at the Specialized IT Units at the “e-Government” in Central Asia, where his primary Russia and Central Asia team at the at the European Bank for Reconstruction of the Ministry of Foreign Afairs of Institute of History of the Academy of System Development Center under the responsibilities are constant and European Bank for Reconstruction and and Development. He is involved in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Prior to Sciences of Uzbekistan and a Professor Ministry of Development of Information direct communication with Foreign Development Kazakhstan Residence financing deals in the private and public this position, she served as a Second at the University of World Economy and Technologies and Communication. He and Defense Ministries of the five Ofce in Almaty. She previously served sector. Until December 2012, he was the Secretary and a Congressional Liaison Diplomacy in Tashkent. His academic works to create strategy on developing Central Asian countries and their as a Deputy Head of Russian Project Chief Executive Ofcer of Somon Capital, in the Embassy of the Republic of interests include contemporary history the electronic system of government, Permanent Missions to NATO. The Finance and Subsidiary Companies and an investment bank in Dushanbe, which Azerbaijan to the United States, as the in Central Asia and international and improving business processes of the goals of this communication are to a Senior Financial Analyst, Corporate he joined in February 2008 as the Head U.S. and Russian Desk Ofcer at the regional relations in Central Asia. Mr. state bodies in providing services to maximize the countries’ use of NATO’s Finance, in JSC “Kazkommertsbank.” Ms. of the Capital Markets Department. Ministry of Foreign Afairs and as a Rakhimov has conducted research at the population and businesses, as partnership and to facilitate NATO’s Rogan holds a MA with specialization in From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Rahmonberdiev Cultural Afairs Attaché at the Embassy the University of Washington, Seattle; well as monitoring the introduction practical engagement with Central International Finance from the School served as the representative of the U.S. ofFELLOWS the Republic of Azerbaijan to Greece. the University of Georgia, Athens, and development of information- Asian partners in defense planning and of International and Public Afairs (SIPA) Department of Commerce to Tajikistan, Ms. Rahimova holds a BA (1999) and a MA GA; Leiden University, Netherlands; communication technologies in review, defense education and training, at Columbia University as a Muskie promoting U.S. investment and export (2002) in the Science of Languages from University of Cambridge, UK; NATO Uzbekistan. From 2011 to 2012, he civil emergency planning, cooperation Fellow (2005) and a BA in International opportunities. During that period, he the Azerbaijan University of Languages Defense College in Rome, Italy; The worked for the Chamber of Commerce on science and environmental issues Economics from Kazakh State University played a key role in establishing the and is fluent in Azerbaijani, English, School of Oriental and African Studies and Industry of Uzbekistan as a Leading and public diplomacy. Mr. Ramanov’s (2002). American Chamber of Commerce in Russian and Turkish with a working (SOAS), University of London; University Expert in the Department on Attraction responsibilities also include briefing Tajikistan. Mr. Rahmonberdiev holds a BA knowledge of Greek and French. of Giessen, Germany; Slavic-Eurasian of Modern Mini-technologies and NATO Headquarters on relevant (2000) and a MA (2002) in International Research Center at Hokkaido University, Foreign Investments. In addition, he political-military, security and defense Economic Relations from Tajik National [email protected] Japan; the University of Bielefeld, previously served as the Deputy Dean at news from the region and to implement University and a certificate from courses [email protected] Germany and Johns Hopkins University, the School of International Economics various NATO Public Diplomacy activities at the Central European University in Washington, D.C. He is an author and and Graduate Studies at the University in the region. Prior to joining the NATO Budapest, Hungary (2003). an editor of several books, articles, and of World Economy and Diplomacy in Ofce, from 2001 to 2013 Mr. Ramanov chapters. Mr. Rakhimov holds a MA in Tashkent (UWED). Mr. Rakhmanov holds worked at various international agencies [email protected] History from Navoi State Pedagogical a BS (2007) and PhD in International and civil society institutions including Institute (1996) and a PhD in History Economics from UWED, and a MS UNDP, Freedom House, and OSCE. Mr. (2001) from the Institute of History of in Engineering from Seoul National Ramanov holds a MA in Public Policy the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. University, South Korea (2010). Administration from the University of Missouri, St. Louis (2009). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Ms. Gulmira Rzayeva Mr. Almaz Saifutdinov Mr. Narantuguldur Mr. Barry Salaam Mr. Davit Sanasaryan Ms. Gayane Sargsyan Azerbaijan, Spring 2010 Tajikistan, Fall 2015 Saijrakh Afghanistan, Spring 2016 Armenia, Spring 2014 Armenia, Spring 2009 Mongolia, Spring 2016 Ms. Gulmira Rzayeva is a Senior Research Mr. Almaz Saifutdinov is a Economic/ Mr. Barry Salaam is a journalist, activist Mr. Davit Sanasaryan is an Alderman and Ms. Gayane Sargsyan is the Director of Fellow at the Center for Strategic Studies Commercial Advisor at the U.S. Embassy and entrepreneur. He is the Founder a Secretary of the Barev Yerevan faction the Forum for the 21st Century Leaders, Mr. Narantuguldur Saijrakh is a Director (SAM) under the President of the Republic in Tajikistan, where he is responsible for and President of NAW Media, a in the City Council of Yerevan. Since an independent, non-profit, non- of Khan Investment Management Ltd., of Azerbaijan and a Research Associate promoting U.S. commercial interests in production company which produces a 2007, he has been a member of the governmental organization working an investment boutique focused on at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies the region. He is also Founder of the wide variety of radio and TV programs, Heritage Political Party where he to promote new perspectives and Mongolia, and the Khan Mongolia (OIES) at the University of Oxford and a Economic News Tajikistan Facebook as well as the Founder and President of currently serves as a Press Secretary. opportunities for youth participation Equity Fund, the first Mongolian contributing analyst to the Jamestown group. With over 6,000 members, Channel 7 TV Network. In 2012, he was From 2008 to 2010, he was the Chairman and active citizenship in Armenia and investment fund of its type. Mr. Saijrakh Foundation’s Eurasia Daily Monitor. She including economists, business leaders elected President of the Organization of the Youth Wing of the Heritage Party beyond. Ms. Sargsyan has 20 years of is a Board Member of TEDxUlaanbaatar, has previously been a visiting Research and government ofcials, the group of Afghan Alumni. Mr. Salaam is a and from 2010 to 2012, he served as a experience working with national and the organizing NGO of major TEDx Fellow at the Moscow Carnegie Center serves as a primary source of information leading civil society activist and a well- Board Member of the Party. He also international organizations such as the events in the country, and a member and at the Finnish Aleksanteri Institute and a discussion platform. Mr. Saifutdinov known advocate of women’s rights in serves as a representative of the Heritage Government of Armenia, the UN, the of the Global Shapers Ulaanbaatar of the Helsinki University. Ms. Rzayeva’s also serves as a member of the board Afghanistan. He is founding member of Party to the European People’s Party. Mr. Council of Europe, European Forum Hub, a local youth community under areaFELLOWS of expertise is energy security and at the Open Society Institute-Tajikistan. Civil Society & Human Rights Network Sanasaryan is active in civic movements for Democracy and Solidarity, and Club the World Economic Forum, having she is recognized worldwide for her Prior to joining the U.S. Embassy in (CSHRN) of Afghanistan, which unites for human rights, environmental issues, de Madrid. She has also been active in recently served as its Deputy Curator. work. She is an author of the recent 2003, Mr. Saifutdinov worked as the 120 member organizations. He also social issues and other causes. From various networks aimed at supporting In 2015, Forbes Mongolia named Mr. reports “Turkish Domestic Natural Gas Deputy Manager at the Aga Khan Fund sits on the Board of Directors of 2012 to 2013, he was the Editor-in Chief and empowering young professionals Saijrakh on their “30 Under 30” list of the Market: Policies and Challenges” and for Economic Development in Tajikistan. Afghanistan Institute for Civil Society. of the socio-political news web portal, networking in a broader region. Ms. most influential change-makers in the “Outlook of Azerbaijan Gas Export in Mr. Saifutdinov holds a BA in English and Mr. Salaam is a frequent participant in Luter.com, and he is now the Founding Sargsyan earned her postgraduate country. He is a Certified Private Banker the 2020s and 2030s,” both published French languages from Dushanbe State international conferences promoting Director of “Free Citizen” NGO. He also degree in English and German languages by the Luxembourg Banking Training by OIES, numerous articles and is Pedagogical University (1997) and a democracy, women’s rights, free teaches at the International Academy of from the State Linguistic University Institute and a Certified International a frequent speaker at international Master of Development Administration media, development and security in Education in Yerevan. Mr. Sanasaryan in Yerevan, Armenia. She also holds Company Director by the Australian conferences. Ms. Rzayeva holds a BA from Western Michigan University Afghanistan. Mr. Salaam holds a BA in has a law degree from the International diplomas in advanced, interdisciplinary Institute of Company Directors. in International Relations from the (2002). He is an author of numerous Persian Literature from Kabul University Academic Institute in Yerevan (2009). study of Nonviolent Conflict from the Mr. Saijrakh holds a BA in Business Baku Slavic University (2003) and a MA analytical articles on economic and (2008) and has been awarded several Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy Administration and Economics from the in Global Afairs from the University of commercial issues. prestigious fellowships in the U.S., U.K. of Tufts University (2010), Conflict American University in Bulgaria (2009). Buckingham, UK (2008). and Germany focusing on journalism [email protected] Resolution and Negotiations from He has also completed a 3-month and cultural themes. Conflict Management Group (CMG), [email protected] training program in International Capital Harvard University (2001) and in Political [email protected] Markets at the London Stock Exchange Communication and Campaigning from Academy (2011). [email protected] the Amsterdam Maastricht Summer University (2001). [email protected] [email protected]

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Mr. Bahtiyar Shadyyev Mr. Timur Shaimergenov Dr. Artak Shakaryan Mr. Nazir Sharifi Dr. Omar Sharifi Dr. Aigerim Shilibekova Turkmenistan, Spring 2009 Kazakhstan, Spring 2009 Armenia, Fall 2010 Tajikistan, Fall 2013 Afghanistan, Spring 2010 Kazakhstan, Fall 2010

Mr. Bahtiyar Shadyyev is a Logistics Mr. Timur Shaimergenov is Head of the Dr. Artak Shakaryan is a Child Protection Mr. Nazir Sharifi is the Head of the South, Dr. Omar Sharifi is a member of the Dr. Aigerim Shilibekova is the Founding Manager and the Turkmenistan Logistics Research and Analysis Division and Ofcer at UNICEF Armenia. He Central Asia and Russia Strategic Advisory Board of the Civil Society Director of the Center for International and Customs Coordinator for Deputy Director of the Library of the First previously worked at World Vision Business Unit at Skyland Petroleum Development Center, a member of and Regional Studies at Gumilyov construction and industrial projects President of Kazakhstan (Nazarbayev International, the Eurasia Partnership Corporation. He is the founder and the Board of Directors of the Afghan Eurasian National University in Astana at Renaissance Construction. Center), a think tank that provides policy Foundation, the Armenian Assembly Honorary Chairman of the American Alumni Association and Afghanistan and an Associate Professor at the He previously served as Chief of analysis on national strategy and foreign of America Yerevan Ofce and as Chamber of Commerce in Tajikistan, 1400, a member of Afghan 21 Young Regional Studies Department of Customs and Logistics at Renaissance afairs. Previously, Mr. Shaimergenov the Head of the School for Young Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Leaders Forum and an Asia Society ENU. Her research interests include Construction. Previously, Mr. Shadyyev served as a Policy Advisor and Head of the Leaders, an executive education center the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia Fellow. In the past, Dr. Sharifi worked as international organizations, regional was the Chief of Customs and Logistics Analysis Section in the National Security that administers one-year leadership and Chairman of the Board of Guardians a Senior Research Fellow and the Kabul security systems and foreign policy Department and a Procurement and Council of Kazakhstan, an Assistant to courses for mid-level managers. He is of the Dushanbe School for Disabled Director of the American Institute of analysis. Dr. Shilibekova was a Visiting Logistics Specialist at Lotus Enerji. Mr. the Deputy Chairman of Mazhilis in the the author of 3 monographs: “ ‘Blood Children. Mr. Sharifi previously served as Afghanistan Studies. After graduating Scholar at the Davis Center for Russian Shadyyev also worked in Moscow for Parliament of Kazakhstan and a member Tax’ in the Ottoman Empire: the Case of President of Tethys Petroleum Tajikistan from Kabul Medical Institute in 2003, and Eurasian Studies at Harvard oneFELLOWS year for Credit Europe Leasing of the Editorial Board of the magazine, Devshirme” (2006), “Beyond the Ararat: Limited, an international oil and gas Dr. Sharifi worked as Head of Research University in 2013 and 2014. Dr. as a Head Specialist of the Financial Central Asia and Caucasus. From 2009 Decoding Turkey” (2011), and ‘”Talking exploration and production company. and Publications for the Foundation for Shilibekova is an author of numerous Control Department. He began his to 2015, he completed a series of Points on the Armenian Genocide” From 1996 to 2007, Mr. Sharifi worked Culture and Civil Society in Kabul and policy papers and two books: Iran, the professional career as a Broker and executive education programs at École (2014 Armenian edition, 2015 English at the Tajik Foreign Service, including as Director of the Open Media Fund for co-authored monograph on Iranian Foreign Trade Specialist for two years Nationale d’Administration; the John edition), as well as numerous academic as the Deputy Chief of Mission in the Afghanistan. Dr. Sharifi earned a MA in domestic and foreign policy (2013) at Delta Petroleum Trading Company in F. Kennedy School of Government, and analytical articles on domestic and U.S. Mr. Sharifi holds a BA from the Cultural Anthropology from Columbia and Research Design and Methods in Istanbul. He holds a BA in Management Harvard University; Said Business foreign policies of Turkey. Dr. Shakaryan School of Tajik-Persian Literature and University in 2008 and currently is a Political Science (2014). Dr. Shilibekova from Faculty of Economics and Business School, University of Oxford; Columbia holds a BA and a MA in Turkish Studies Journalism, Khujand State University, PhD Student at Boston University’s holds a BA in Economics from Taraz Administration Sciences, from Boğaziçi Business School, Columbia University; from Yerevan State University and PhD Tajikistan (1995), a degree from the Department of Anthropology. He has State University, Kazakhstan (1999), a MA University in Istanbul, Turkey (2006). and the Wharton School, University of in Ottoman Studies from the Armenian Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry written several essays on social and in International Relations from Istanbul Pennsylvania. Mr. Shaimergenov holds National Academy of Sciences. He has of Foreign Afairs of Russia (1998) and political issues in Afghanistan published University, Turkey (2004) and a PhD in a BA in International Relations from the also received certificates for executive an engineering degree from the Tajik in national and international journals. Political Science from Eurasian National [email protected] Institute of International Professions, training programs from the Fletcher Mining and Metallurgy Institute (2013). University, Kazakhstan (2009). She is Almaty (2004), and a PhD in Political School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts Mr. Sharifi is pursuing an Executive MBA an alumna of the Executive Education Science from Kazakhstan Institute for University; John F. Kennedy School of in Oil and Gas Management from Robert sharifi[email protected] Program for Senior Executives in Strategic Studies, Almaty (2009). Government, Harvard University; and Gordon University in Aberdeen, UK. National and International Security at the School for Advanced International Harvard Kennedy School (2013). Studies, Johns Hopkins University. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Mr. Zaur Shiriyev Mr. Ravshan Sobirzoda Mr. Aziz Soltobaev Mr. Rajabbek Ms. Hilola Suleymanova Mr. Talant Sultanov Azerbaijan, Fall 2012 Tajikistan, Spring 2013 Kyrgyzstan, Spring 2014 Sulaymonbekov Uzbekistan, Fall 2015 Kyrgyzstan, Fall 2014 Tajikistan, Spring 2012 Mr. Zaur Shiriyev is an Academy Mr. Ravshan Sobirzoda is a Chief Mr. Aziz Soltobaev is Co-founder and Ms. Hilola Suleymanova is Founder and Mr. Talant Sultanov is the Director of the Associate at the Royal Institute of Financial Ofcer and Managing Partner Chairman of Svetofor Group in Bishkek, Managing Partner at DaVinci Solutions, a Silk Road Studies Center in Bishkek, Mr. Rajabbek Sulaymonbekov is a International Afairs (Chatham House) at Inculerate, a global investment holding which unites several online companies human capital consulting company. Kyrgyzstan. He is also a member of the Chairman of the Board and CEO of the in London and a Senior Research group based in Kazakhstan. Previously, operating in the trading, e-commerce, Prior to starting her own business in Board of Directors of the Bank of Asia Open Joint Stock Company Fellow at ADA University in Baku. Prior he served as a Country Ofcer at the IT and system integration areas in 2014, from 2008 to 2013 she worked in Kyrgyzstan and a member of the Sohibkorbank, one of the dynamically to joining ADA in 2014, he worked as a World Bank Tajikistan Country Ofce, an Central Asia and China. He is also Co- as a Country Manager and an Executive Board of Trustees of the microcredit developing commercial banks in leading Research Fellow at the Center Economic Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in founder of KG Labs Public Foundation Search Consultant for Pedersen and organization, “Humo,” in Tajikistan. Mr. Tajikistan, and a CEO of Orien Leasing for Strategic Studies (SAM) in Baku, a Tajikistan, a Senior Lecturer at the School aimed to boost the startup ecosystem Partners Uzbekistan, and then as a Sultanov is Co-founder of the Promotank LLC. He joined Sohibkorbank in researcher at the Turkish Asian Center for of International Economics and Law at in Kyrgyzstan through policy making Consultant for Pedersen & Partners Research Institute in Kyrgyzstan. Prior May 2015 after spending 12 years Strategic Studies in Istanbul and a senior the Tajik State University of Commerce, and event activities, Co-founder of in Germany. Earlier in her career, Ms. to his current positions, he served as as Deputy Chairman of the Board researcher at the International Strategic and a Board Member of the Open the Kyrgyz Chapter of Internet Society Suleymanova worked as a Director the Director of the National Institute of OJSC Orienbank. Prior to joining Research Organization in Ankara. He Society Institute Assistance Foundation- which aims to improve connectivity of at the Central Asia Consulting Group for Strategic Studies and as the CFO OJSC Orienbank, Mr. Sulaymonbekov wasFELLOWS the founder and Editor-in-Chief Tajikistan. Mr. Sobirzoda holds a BA in the country with global networks, and and as a Consultant in the Enterprise of the American University of Central worked for USAID funded projects for of the foreign policy journal, Caucasus International Economic Relations from a Managing Partner in BOT Systems Management Development Section Asia. Previously, Mr. Sultanov worked in Central Asia implemented by the U.S. International. Mr. Shiriyev holds a BA the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Venture Fund, designed to invest in of the International Trade Centre/ Project Finance at Kazkommertsbank based consulting company, Pragma in International Relations from Baku Service, Dushanbe, Tajikistan (2003), disruptive technologies relevant to UNCTAD/WTO. Ms. Suleymanova in Almaty, and at the World Bank in Corporation. Mr. Sulaymonbekov played State University (2004) and a MS in a MS in Development Economics Central Asia. As an expert in information studied at Bemidji State University in Washington, D.C. and the Central Asia a key role in establishing the American Political Science from the University from the University of Manchester, UK technologies, private equity and venture Minnesota and holds a LLB from the regional ofce in Almaty. Mr. Sultanov Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in of Ankara, Turkey (2008). Mr. Shiriyev (2005) and a MA in International Afairs capital, Mr. Soltobaev actively promotes University of World Economy and holds a BA in International Relations Tajikistan and still serves as a member of is the author of numerous articles and from Ohio University (2008). He has entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan and Diplomacy in Tashkent. She also holds from San Francisco State University the Board of Directors of AmCham. Mr. commentaries and co-edited “The also conducted academic research the region by giving guest lectures a certificate of Export Management (1999), where he graduated as the top Sulaymonbekov holds a BA (1996) and Geopolitical Scene of the Caucasus: A in Sustainable Human Development in leadership and entrepreneurship, Development Adviser from ITC/WTO. student in the program, and a MA in a MA (1998) in International Economic Decade of Perspectives” (Istanbul, 2013) (2008) and Work and Inequality in a providing trainings and participating in International Finance from Columbia Relations from Khujand State University, and “Energy Security and Geopolitics Global Economy (2009) at the Central diferent startup events. He also advises University’s School of International and Tajikistan, a Certificate in International in Southeast Europe and Azerbaijan” European University in Budapest, policy makers on economic reforms. [email protected] Public Afairs (2006). He also received Accounting Standards from the Kazakh (Washington, D.C., 2015). Hungary. He received professional Mr. Soltobaev holds a BA in Economics executive education at the Harvard Institute of Professional Accountants training from Harvard University, Johns from the American University of Kennedy School. and Auditors, Almaty, Kazakhstan (2000) Hopkins University and other universities Central Asia in Bishkek (1999). and a BA in Law from the Tajik National [email protected] in the U.S. and Europe. University (2009). [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Mr. Ilgar Taghiyev Ms. Madina Tulesbayeva Mr. Baska Tumurbat Dr. Tornike Turmanidze Mr. Omer Uloomi Ms. Aziza Umarova Azerbaijan, Spring 2015 Kazakhstan, Fall 2014 Mongolia, Fall 2012 Georgia, Fall 2008 Afghanistan, Fall 2014 Uzbekistan, Spring 2009

Mr. Ilgar Taghiyev is the Senior Banking Ms. Madina Tulesbayeva is a Financial Mr. Baska Tumurbat is a Specialist for the Dr. Tornike Turmanidze is an Associate Mr. Omer Uloomi is a Regional Manager Ms. Aziza Umarova is a Regional Expert at the Frankfurt School of Finance Analyst at ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc. Board of Directors at Oyu Tolgoi LLC, a Professor at the Department of for Operations at Hanjin Intermodal Associate at the UNDP Global Center for and Banking, an EBRD project. Mr. where she is responsible for the joint venture between Rio Tinto Plc. International Relations at Tbilisi America’s Regional Headquarters in Public Service Excellence in Singapore. Taghiyev has extensive experience in preparation of financial reports to North and the Government of Mongolia that State University and at the School of Los Angeles, CA. Previously, he served Previously, she led the Governance the banking industry with a focus on Caspian Operating Company, as well is developing and operating a copper- Governance at Caucasus University. as the Vice President of Hanjin in Team at the UNDP Uzbekistan micro lending. Previously, he was Chief as financial operating reporting to the gold mining complex in southern He is Founder and Chair of the Board at Afghanistan, a prime contractor for efectively designing and implementing Executive Ofcer at EMBAFINANS, company management. Before her Mongolia. Mr. Tumurbat is responsible the Georgian think tank “BTKK - Policy the U.S. Army’s Surface Deployment their governance portfolio. As a one of the largest non-bank credit current position, she worked on other for supporting the company’s Board of Research Group.” Dr. Turmanidze served and Distribution Command, Defense strategist, sizing up situations and pulling organizations based in Baku, Azerbaijan, projects at ExxonMobil Kazakhstan such Directors. Prior to joining Oyu Tolgoi, as Deputy Secretary of the National Logistics Agency, and the U.S. General together the best people, resources and Deputy CEO of Qafqaz Leasing and a as the Caspian Pipeline Consortium and Mr. Tumurbat worked as a community Security Council of Georgia from 2011 Services Administration. Prior to joining solutions, she designed a new portfolio Senior Consultant for EBRD’s project Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli in the Caspian. and public relations expert at Canada’s to 2013 and held various positions at the Hanjin in 2009, Mr. Uloomi served as of projects, catalyzing national reforms on SME lending and co-financing. He Ms. Tulesbayeva has more than 10 years SouthGobi Resources Ltd. where he was Information and Analysis Department the Chief of Logistics with the UN Ofce for the public sector, regulatory quality hasFELLOWS served in various senior positions of working experience in the financial responsible for community and media of the Ministry of Internal Afairs of for Project Services (UNOPS) in Kabul and judiciary. She piloted functional at Demir Bank and Bank of Baku. sector and, prior to joining ExxonMobil relations, community development Georgia from 2004 to 2010. His areas and as the UNOPS Regional Logistics reviews for improved efciency in the Mr. Taghiyev holds a BA in Finance Kazakhstan, worked for the National and corporate social responsibility of expertise include national and global Manager in Southern Afghanistan public sector; “one-stop shops” for and Banking from Azerbaijan State Innovation Fund JSC from 2003 to 2005 projects. Mr. Tumurbat has also served security, IR theory, U.S. foreign policy overseeing the Afghan Parliamentary service provision; a galvanized open Economics University (2001) and is and for the Bank CenterCredit, JSC from as Foreign Relations Manager at Aero in Eurasia, foreign policies of small/ and Presidential elections, where he data ecosystem for greater transparency currently pursuing a joint Executive 1999 to 2003. Ms. Tulesbayeva holds a Mongolia LLC, one of the leading civil weak states, Russia-Georgia relations received a prestigious Joint Electoral in the country; and launched a huge MBA degree at Maastricht School of BA in International Economic Relations aviation companies in Mongolia. Mr. and the security situation in the Russian Management Body Award from the IT-driven court administration. Ms. Management and ADA University. He from the Kazakh State Academy of Tumurbat holds a BA (1998) and a MA occupied Georgian regions of South UN and Afghan Government for his Umarova holds a BA (1999) and MA was also a MasterCard Foundation Management in Almaty (1999) and a MBA (2000) in Pedagogy and Linguistics Ossetia and Abkhazia. Dr. Turmanidze outstanding services. During the Taliban (2005) in International Economics from Scholar in Microfinance at the Summer with a specialization in Finance from the from the Mongolian University of the holds a BA (2000), MA (2002), and PhD ruling, Mr. Uloomi served with Médecins the University of World Economy and Academy of Frankfurt School of Rochester Institute of Technology, New Humanities and a diploma of Business (2010) in International Relations from Sans Frontières. Mr. Uloomi holds a BA Diplomacy and a MA in Security Studies Finance and Management and received York (2007). Administration from the Institute of Tbilisi State University. He is also the from the Economic School of Kabul in Central Asia and the Middle East from certification as an Expert in Microfinance Finance and Economy, Ulaanbaatar editor of International Relations Theory: University (2004) and a MBA in Project the School of International Relations at (2012). (2009). He has also received certificates A Chrestomathy (2004), and the author Management from Preston University in the University of St. Andrews, UK (2006). [email protected] for training programs from Queensland of Bufer States (2011 Georgian edition, Islamabad, Pakistan (2009). Her main interests include public sector University of Australia. 2009 U.S. edition). reform, strategic foresight, synergy of [email protected] Islam and democracy, good governance [email protected] in Central Asia and innovation in the [email protected] [email protected] development sector.

[email protected]

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Dr. Roman Vakulchuk Dr. Anar Valiyev Mr. Emin Valiyev Mr. Wahidullah Waissi Mr. Asset Yerali Mr. Ajmal Khan Zazai Kazakhstan, Fall 2015 Azerbaijan, Fall 2008 Azerbaijan, Spring 2014 Afghanistan, Fall 2014 Kazakhstan, Spring 2010 Afghanistan, Spring 2009

Dr. Roman Vakulchuk is Co-founder and Dr. Anar Valiyev is an Associate Provost Mr. Emin Valiyev is a marketing Mr. Wahidullah Waissi is the Director- Mr. Asset Yerali is the CEO of Odyssey Mr. Ajmal Khan Zazai is Chairman of Country Director for Kazakhstan at the at ADA University in Baku, Azerbaijan. professional with 12 years of experience General for Economic Cooperation at Investments Group, a diversified United Afghan Tribes and CEO of Central Central Asian Development Institute and Previously, he served as the Dean of in the Central Asia and Caucasus the Ministry of Foreign Afairs of investment group in Kazakhstan with Asian International Trading LLC-UAE a Senior Researcher at the Norwegian the School of International Afairs at regions. In 2010 he founded Uptime Afghanistan. In this position, he businesses in logistics, finance, energy and The Richmond Group. He is a Institute of International Afairs, Oslo. ADA, and from 2007 to 2008, Dr. Valiyev Marketing Agency with operations in oversees multilateral development and and infrastructure. Prior to this, he was tribal leader of over 2 million people His research interests include economic worked as an Assistant Professor on Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Prior to regional economic cooperation, and the President of Remlokomotiv JSC, living in the South Eastern regions of transition and regional integration, trade, the faculty of Social Studies of Masaryk Uptime, Mr. Valiyev worked in marketing coordinate regional projects like TAPI an investment arm of the Kazakhstan Afghanistan. He has been involved in infrastructure and transport, energy University in Brno, Czech Republic. Dr. management units at Colgate- and CASA1000. Since 2015, he has been National Railways Company, where he humanitarian and aid projects and has policy, investment climate and business Valiyev is the author of numerous peer- Palmolive Kazakhstan and Danone engaged in the process of the New Silk managed investment projects in the also appeared on public stages and in culture, climate change and emerging reviewed articles and encyclopedia Kazakhstan where he helped establish Road and regional connectivity. Mr. railways infrastructure and machinery. western media on numerous occasions. markets. He is an author of numerous entries. His areas of expertise are local production. Mr. Valiyev began his Waissi is the initiator and chief negotiator Previously, Mr. Yerali worked as General Mr. Zazai has jointly worked with the articles and a book, Kazakhstan’s public policy of post-Soviet republics, career in 2004 at Colgate-Palmolive for the Chabahar transit and transport Director of Lancaster Industrials and Central Asian Development Group to EmergingFELLOWS Economy: Between State and democracy and governance, and Azerbaijan as the Assistant Brand corridor agreement among Afghanistan, Vice President of KUN Renewables JSC implement Community Development Market (2014). In 2013, Dr. Vakulchuk planning. Dr. Valiyev received his BA in Manager. Soon after, he was promoted Iran and India, and for the Lapis Lazuli where he managed a strategic project Projects throughout Afghanistan. In won the prestigious Gabriel-Al Salem History (1999) and a MA in History (2001) to the regional role in the CIS Countries transit and transport corridor connecting on the construction of an integrated addition, he created job opportunities International Award for Excellence in from Baku State University. From 2001 Head Ofce in Istanbul, later moving to Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, poly-silicon plant (solar industry) in for over 47,000 of his tribesmen in his Consulting in the category “Consulting to 2003, he studied public policy at the Kazakhstan in 2007. Mr. Valiyev holds a Georgia and Turkey. Previously, he Kazakhstan. He has also worked as a stronghold of Paktia province from without Borders,” for his contribution to School of Public and Environmental BA in International Economic Relations served as a Senior Adviser to the management consultant for government 2009 to 2012. Mr. Zazai holds a degree the establishment of the Consortium of Afairs at Indiana University in from Azerbaijan State Economic Ministers of Foreign Afairs and Finance, and private sector projects. Mr. Yerali in the Doctorate of Law for Services Consulting and Research Organizations Bloomington where he received his University in Baku (2004). He has also as well as the Director and Formulation holds a MPA from John F. Kennedy to Democracies and a MA from the of Kazakhstan. Dr. Vakulchuk holds a BA second Master’s degree. In 2007, he attended numerous seminars, trainings Manager of the Afghanistan’s National School of Government, Harvard Dublin Metropolitan University in in International Relations from Kyrgyz- successfully defended his dissertation at and summer schools on management, Development Strategy and Millennium University and a BA in International London, where he was also appointed Russian Slavonic University in Bishkek the School of Urban and Public Afairs marketing and negotiations in diferent Development Goals. Mr. Waissi is a Relations and Economy from the Middle an Honorary Professor of Diplomatic (2005), a MA in International Relations at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. countries throughout Europe and Asia. member of Afghanistan Policy Group East Technical University. Studies. Mr. Zazai was also educated at from Bremen University/Jacobs focusing on conflict resolution through the Herzing Institute, Canada in micro- University Bremen in Germany (2008), a regional cooperation and a Co-founder computer management. MA in Peace and Security Studies from [email protected] [email protected] and Chair of the Green Club. Mr. Waissi [email protected] the University Hamburg in Germany holds a MA in Development Economics (2009) and a PhD in Economics from from Williams College in Williamstown, [email protected] Jacobs University Bremen (2013). Massachusetts (2005). [email protected] [email protected]

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Z

Ms. Aizhan Zhantayeva Mr. Duman Zhumadilov Mr. Bakai Zhunushov Ms. Parvina Zokirova Kazakhstan, Fall 2009 Kazakhstan, Fall 2012 Kyrgyzstan, Fall 2008 Tajikistan, Spring 2009

Ms. Aizhan Zhantayeva is a Director for Mr. Duman Zhumadilov is Head of the Mr. Bakai Zhunushov is an experienced Ms. Parvina Zokirova is an Assistant Human Resources at the commercial PR and Marketing Department at Sokol professional in investments and Manager in the International Relations bank ATF Bank. Prior to her current motor-racing track in Almaty. Prior to his consulting. He has vast experience Department in the Ministry of Energy position, she served as a Director for current position, Mr. Zhumadilov worked in providing professional services to and Industry of the Republic of Human Resources at the National as Deputy Director at Natural Foods LLP, international banks and corporations. Tajikistan. She is currently working Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a Special Project Manager at ADD Group In 2011 he joined the European Bank with other government agencies, the Deputy General Director for Corporate LLP and CEO’s Assistant and Corporate for Reconstruction and Development private sector and foreign investors to and Legal Afairs for the Central Asia Secretary at the Intellectual Schools of (EBRD) where he leads the Advice for develop the energy sector of Tajikistan. region at Imperial Tobacco Kazakhstan, the First President JSC. Previously, Mr. Small Businesses team in the Kyrgyz Ms. Zokirova holds a BA in Electronics a Regional Director for investment Zhumadilov served in the Department Republic. Before joining the EBRD, System Design from the School of attraction from the United States for of Analysis and Strategic Planning and in he led two consulting firms and also Design, Engineering and Computing the National Agency for Export and the Barlau Department (Kazakh Foreign taught at the MBA Department of the at Bournemouth University, UK (2006). FELLOWS Investment, Kaznexinvest, a Managing Intelligence Service) of the National American University in Central Asia. While at Bournemouth University, she Director in the Corporation for Export Security Committee of Kazakhstan. Mr. Zhunushov has a BA in Economics also completed a course at the School Development and Promotion, as Mr. Zhumadilov holds a BA Equivalent of Enterprises from UCTA University of Biomedical Sciences at Southampton well as a consultant in the Center for in Law from the Academy of National in Bishkek (2002) and a post-graduate University, UK, earning a certificate in Strategic Research and Analysis for Security in Almaty (2002) and a MA in diploma in International Management Biomedical Science and Biotechnology the Administration of the President of International Finance and Policy from from the International Management (2005). Her medical background also Kazakhstan. Ms. Zhantayeva also actively Columbia University, New York (2008). Institute in New Delhi (2004). includes a diploma in Medical Nursing participated in the implementation He is a three-time silver medalist for from Medical College, Tajikistan (1999). of the government project, “The Kazakhstan in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Diversification of Kazakhstan’s Economy Grappling Championship and is actively [email protected] through Cluster Development in Non- involved in coaching for the Brazilian Current contact information not Extraction Sectors of the Economy.” Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling Club, “Bars.” available She holds a MBA from the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics, and Strategic Research (2002) and a [email protected] MS in Finance and Accounting from the University of Birmingham, UK (2003).

[email protected]

80 81 Batumi, Georgia - June 23-26, 2012 - The inaugural Fellowship Conference explored a wide range of issues afecting the region such as transportation, trade barriers, energy security and diversification, Russia’s and China’s foreign policies, security RUMSFELD FELLOWSHIP in Afghanistan and business and investment opportunities in Greater Central Asia. Ambassador Batu Kutelia, Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council of Georgia and former Ambassador to the U.S., provided keynote remarks CONFERENCES

After five years of successful fellowship sessions, in the summer of 2012 the Rumsfeld Foundation hosted the first regional meeting of its alumni. Since that initial meeting, the Foundation has hosted annual alumni gatherings, which since 2014 have taken place alongside the CAMCA Regional Forums.

Lake Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan - June 22-25, 2013 - The 2013 Fellowship Conference hosted discussions on several regional topics including investment climates and economic outlooks, foreign direct investment, entrepreneurship and SMEs, transpor- tation and the political transition in Afghanistan. Dr. S. Frederick Starr provided keynote remarks.

82 83 CAMCA REGIONAL FORUMS 2015 CAMCA Regional Forum, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – June 20-21, 2015 The Forum agenda included opening remarks from Secretary Rumsfeld and Dr. S. Frederick Starr, and a keynote address from Speaker of the Mongolian Parliament, Enkhbold Zandaakhuu. Several plenary panels, interviews and Following the success of previous alumni conferences, in 2014 the Rumsfeld Foundation and dialogue sessions followed, focused around three themes: “CAMCA’s Evolving Place in the World Economy,” “For- program alumni organized a broader regional forum to allow interested professionals an oppor- eign and Security Outlook of CAMCA in 2025,” and “Unlocking the Potential of CAMCA’s Human Capital.” Speakers tunity to participate. The CAMCA (Central Asia-Mongolia-Caucasus-Afghanistan) Regional Forum and participants included notable professionals from Mongolia, the broader CAMCA region, Europe, India, the was established to create a platform for the young leaders of the alumni network to engage with Republic of Korea, the United States and more. a larger international audience invested in the future of the region. The inaugural Forum was held in June 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Keynote speaker, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, presented his insights on developments in Afghanistan and dis- cussed prospects for future cooperation among the countries of the CAMCA region. The following day, former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbaev made a keynote address on the importance of the evolution of de- 2014 CAMCA Regional Forum, Astana, Kazakhstan – June 20-22, 2014 mocracy in the CAMCA region and the role Mongolia plays as a model for successful democratic transitions for its neighbors. The Forum opened with remarks from Dr. Steve Cambone, Rumsfeld Foundation Board Member and Dr. S. Fred- erick Starr, followed by a welcoming address by Deputy Minister of Foreign Afairs of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikba- yev. The ensuing panels and discussions explored topics including “Macro-economic Stability and Foreign Direct Investments Along the New Transportation Corridors,” “Models of Economic Cooperation: From European Union to Eurasian Union and Beyond,” “Bridging Asia and Europe: Transportation and Transit Potential of CAMCA,” and “Exploring Linkages Between Economic Development and National Security in the CAMCA Region.” Ms. Madina Abylkassymova, Vice-Minister of Economy and Budget Planning of Kazakhstan, provided keynote remarks on the “Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy.”

Key conclusions drawn from the Forum indicated that there is a need for closer cooperation, transparency and shared expertise across all sectors throughout the region. Additional takeaways from dialogue sessions included: the removal of barriers for investment across the region is essential; the diversification of economies and markets in the CAMCA countries is of key importance; CAMCA citizens need to further develop and build ties among their countries through business networks and joint investment projects; and, the main driver of change in the region Participants included business leaders, government ofcials, regional experts and other professionals from across will be human capital and further development in this area will require the growth of civil society and cultures of the region and beyond. Additional speakers and panelists included representatives from institutions such as the Eu- volunteerism. ropean Bank of Reconstruction and Development, the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Kazakhstan, the Public Policy Institute of the Nur Otan Party in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Concept Ltd. and McKinsey & Company. Attendees enjoyed several cultural activities including exceptional performances by the Mongolian Military Band Support throughout the Forum was provided by partners: the Ministry of Foreign Afairs of Kazakhstan and the and Dance Troupe organized by Forum partner, the Mongolian Ministry of Defense. In addition, there was a trip to Nazarbayev Center. the Chinggis Khaan Monument followed by a dinner at Terelj National Park, where Secretary Rumsfeld and Deputy Defense Minister Battur Avirmed made closing remarks.

84 85 “I can hardly think of any other “This Fellowship Program “Trying to describe my experi- program that brings together so many helped build a strong network, facil- ence of the program with words high-level decision-makers and prom- itate academic research, and taught won't do justice. Meeting some of the inent thinkers for an open conversa- unforgettable lessons by some of most powerful, influential minds of tion with young people like ourselves. the brightest minds from the United our time and having intensive, mean- Some meetings were eye opening in States and elsewhere. The meetings ingful discussions with them are ex- terms of how U.S. politics and policies we attended conveyed an overarch- periences that only you will be able are shaped, while other speakers were ing theme that leaders are not born to cherish in your mind for the rest of truly inspirational by sharing their per- – they are created through hard work, your life. They will shape your views sonal stories, pathways in life and reci- perseverance, and commitment to a on recent history, world afairs, global pes for success. This program has been purpose. By the end of the course, business and, most importantly, your one condensed learning experience I definitely felt ready to overcome own perception of yourself against and certainly a life-changing journey!” new challenges in my home country.” the backdrop of these great minds.“

Varya Meruzhanyan, Fall 2012 Ravshan Sobirzoda, Spring 2013 Saintulga Munkhgerel, Fall 2014

REFLECTIONS “THESE UNDOUBTEDLY WERE THE BEST SIX WEEKS IN MY LIFE.” Aizhan Zhantayeva, Fall 2009

“A breath-taking panorama hard to imagine crammed into just six weeks. I am already building upon what I have learned during the Rumsfeld Fellow- ship.” Khatuna Mshvidobadze, Fall 2011 “This was a time of discovery, rediscovery, learning, sharing of knowledge, networking and bonding that lasts for 6 weeks, but stays with you forever.” Tamta Kupradze, Spring 2012

"I feel as if I have just concluded “This is an amazing program “This is a brilliant initiative an executive Master's degree in In- that helps one discover American so- which lays the foundation for a strong ternational Relations - this program ciety, politics, economy and culture and constructive partnership between is similarly rigorous, challenging, from known and unknown angles. In the countries of our region and the and enlightening. However, what addition, spending six weeks in the United States. The program gives its I treasure the most are the friend- U.S. with representatives of 10 nations participants exceptional opportunities ships that we made within our co- makes the program even more vi- for professional growth and invalu- hort of fellows and becoming a part brant. By the end of the program you able working contacts for the future.” of a broader network for the future.” feel as though you stayed not only in the U.S., but also in 9 other countries.” Timur Shaimergenov, Spring 2009 Abdullo Kurbanov, Spring 2015 Ilgar Taghiyev, Spring 2015

86 87 “Intimate and vibrant. This is the only program I have ever seen that reveals the full spectrum of contemporary United States politics, society and culture.”

Murod Ismailov, Fall 2009

“Each p e r s o n h a s important milestones in life that predetermine his or her future and destiny, and without any doubts, the Rumsfeld Fellowship became such a crucial milestone in my life.”

Marat Djanbaev, Fall 2013 “THIS PROGRAM WAS AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE FULL OF INSPIRING, CHAL- LENGING, AND POWERFUL MOMENTS.” Omar Sharifi, Spring 2010 “I am very proud to have completed a program that has exposed so many dif- ferent angles of the United States. It has exceeded all my “This program has expectations. I was extreme- exceeded all my ex- ly impressed by the quality of pectations. Perfectly or- high-level meetings that we ganized and managed, it had, and I am grateful to have “This experience within six “This fellowship is a n widened my network of con- opens doors to the world weeks has filled the gaps of many di- incredible opportunity to experience tacts in the United States, as of success, inspiration plomacy and policy books, and has the U.S. policy-making process enriched our career-driven endeavors.” directly from the people who well as throughout the region.” and great friendships.” have been shaping it for decades.” Elyor Rakhmanov, Spring 2011 Dadebay Kazakov, Fall 2011 Bahar Charyyeva, Fall 2012 Farrukh Irnazarov, Spring 2012

88 89 “It was surprising we had to “The entire six week experience “If one is interested in learning about the U.S. foreign policy, come all the way to Washington, D.C. to has been enjoyable, insightful and en- in being immersed into the exciting world that is Washington D.C. with all its learn about our neighbors. The Rums- lightening. It was refreshing to attend politics, lobbyists, think tanks, businesses and NGOs, the Rumsfeld Fellow- feld Fellowship is more than a group of such a stimulating and comprehen- ship delivers it all and more. Indeed, the scope, the level, the substance and elite Fellows learning about the United sive program that was focused around the candor of the meetings were just mind-blowing. I am truly blessed to States and the world, it is mostly about participation and active learning.” have been a part of the program. It will not be an overstatement to say that we discovering how rich the Caucasus, all go back wiser and stronger in our resolve to make the best out of our lives.” Central Asia, Afghanistan and Mongolia Bahtiyor Mirzabaev, Fall 2015 are and how much we are missing com- Nemuun Gal, Spring 2016 munications between one another.”

Manu Kurbonali, Spring 2014 “As impressive as the speakers and topics are, the most impressive “THE WAY THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN and valuable aspect of the program is THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED, POLISHED “While short-term in duration, the level of openness and frankness the program is long-lasting in terms these discussions are held, thanks to the AND ADJUSTED OVER THE YEARS IS AN of influence and impact on its partic- Rumsfeld Foundation and CACI/SAIS’s ipants. It not only provides unbeliev- unparalleled ability to arrange such in- ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE.” able opportunities to meet and learn timate meetings. I am honored to have from outstanding people in the U.S., been part of the Rumsfeld Fellowship Ruslan Ramanov, Spring 2016 but more importantly, it fosters a re- and made friends and contacts in the gional network of leadership that will U.S. and CAMCA that will last my lifetime.” ultimately develop much needed co- operation in our part of the world.” Narantuguldur Saijrakh, Spring 2016

Roman Vakulchuk, Fall 2015

90 91 Sarah Conant ABOUT THE RUMSFELD FOUNDATION Executive Director

In 2007 Joyce and Donald Rumsfeld established the Rumsfeld Foundation to focus their philanthropic eforts on encour- Sarah Conant is the Executive Director of the Rums- aging public service in the United States and promoting freer political and freer economic systems abroad. To this end, the feld Foundation. In this capacity she manages the Foundation supports programs in the following focus areas: Fellowships for young leaders from the Greater Central Asia Foundation’s programs including fellowships for region, Graduate Fellowships for students interested in public service, and charities that benefit the men and women of the U.S. graduate students interested in public service, U.S. military and their families. fellowships for young leaders from Central Asia and the Caucasus, and grants to organizations support- ing active duty troops, wounded military veterans, their families and the families of the fallen. Prior to her work with the Rumsfeld Foundation, Ms. Conant held internship positions at various organizations including the Seeing Eye Foundation, McKinsey & Company, Feeding America, Coyne Public Relations and the Ofce of former Secretary of Defense Don- Dr. Steve Cambone ald Rumsfeld. Following her graduation from Northwestern University in 2009 with Director a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies, Ms. Conant returned to Donald Rumsfeld’s staf full-time. After assisting with the Foundation’s various programs and Dr. Cambone is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rumsfeld Foundation. grant giving, in March 2011 she was appointed the Executive Director and now over- He is an independent consultant advising sees all of the Rumsfeld Foundation’s activities. leaders and managers in strategic plans and planning, operations, resource al- location and the use of technology to transform operations and business prac- Bridget Sedlacek tices. He is the founder of Adirondack Director of Programs Advisors, LLC, and an advisor to tech start-ups, companies serving the national Bridget Sedlacek is the Director of Programs of the security market and non-profits. Dr. Cam- DONALD RUMSFELD JOYCE RUMSFELD Rumsfeld Foundation. She assists in directing the Co-founder and President Co-founder and Vice President bone sits on the Proxy Board of MDA IS LLC and chairs its Government Security many activities of the Foundation, including the

Committee and on the Special Securi- Central Asia-Caucasus Fellowship Program and Donald Rumsfeld currently chairs the nonprofit Rumsfeld Foundation Joyce Rumsfeld was born in Billings, Montana and ty Board of Elbit Systems of America. He Graduate Fellowship Program, as well as the Foun- with, Joyce, his wife of more than 60 years. The Foundation was estab- after moving to Fargo, ND, Minneapolis, MN, and served as a Thomas W. Smith Senior Fel- dation’s grants for military charities. Before working lished in 2007 to support leadership and public service at home and the Milwaukee, WI, she ended up in the Chicago area. She low at Villanova and is an adjunct faculty with the Foundation, Ms. Sedlacek was a Staf and growth of freer political and economic systems abroad. graduated from New Trier High School where she and member at Johns Hopkins. From 2007-12 Research Assistant in the Ofce of former Secretary her husband, Don Rumsfeld, were classmates, and he served in senior positions for QinetiQ of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, where she previously interned before graduating from North America, including the Senior and Rumsfeld published his number one New York Times bestselling mem- later received a B.A. in Art History from the University the University of Virginia in 2011 with a B.A. in Foreign Afairs. During her under- oir, Known and Unknown in 2011. The book spans his career and is of Colorado in 1954. Mrs. Rumsfeld was the founder Executive VP for Strategic Development. Prior, he served from 2001-06 in the De- graduate studies, she participated in a semester long study abroad program in Paris, complemented by extensive primary source documentation that can of the Chicago Foundation for Education (CFE) in partment of Defense during which he France. She was brought on board to work for the Foundation in August of 2012. be found on his website, Rumsfeld.com. His second book, Rumsfeld’s 1985 and served as Chairman of its Board of Directors was twice nominated by President Bush Rules, was published in May 2013, and was also featured on the New for thirteen years. The Foundation is dedicated to and confirmed for senior positions, in- York Times Best Seller list. Recently, Rumsfeld ventured into the tech improving the education of children in Chicago public cluding as the first Undersecretary of De- world, with the launch of his Churchill Solitaire “app.” All of Rumsfeld’s elementary schools. In the last 30 years, CFE has fense for Intelligence. Dr. Cambone was Melanie Passons profits from his memoir, Known and Unknown, and from his Chur- invested more than $6.5 million in the Chicago Public awarded the DoD Distinguished Public Program Coordinator chill Solitaire app are donated to the military charities supported by the Schools, impacting nearly 30,000 teachers and more Service Medal and the National Intelli- gence Distinguished Service Medal by the Rumsfeld Foundation. than 1 million students. Mrs. Rumsfeld has served Melanie Passons is the Program Coordinator of the DNI. He was a Senior Fellow at the Cen- Rumsfeld Foundation. In this role she assists in coor- on the Big Shoulders Program at the Archdiocese of ter for Strategic and International Studies dinating public service related programs, to include Mr. Rumsfeld completed his second tour as Secretary of Defense in De- Chicago, the National Advisory Council of Character and Director of Research at the Institute cember 2006. During his tenure, he led the U.S. Department of Defense Education Partnership, Inc., and the U.S. Department for National Security Studies at the Na- the Foundation’s work with military charities and its after the attack on 9/11 and in overseeing the reform and transformation of Education's Fund for Improvement of Post- tional Defense University. He is a member Graduate Fellowship Program. Before joining the of America’s military to meet the new challenges of the 21st Century. Secondary Education. She also served on the Board of the Advisory Board of the Intelligence Foundation in September 2015, Ms. Passons served of Visitors and Governors at St. John's College for and National Security Alliance and the as a Research Assistant in the Ofce of former Sec- Advisory Board of the Volgenau School A graduate of Princeton University and former naval aviator, Rumsfeld 12 years. In honor of her work with members of the retary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Previously, she of IT and Engineering at George Mason previously served as a Congressman, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, White U.S. military and their families, on December 15, held internship positions with the U.S. Department of State in Belfast, Northern Ire- University. Dr. Cambone holds Ph.D. and land, the Heritage Foundation, and the Ofce of Congressman Marsha Blackburn. House Chief of Staf under President Ford, Presidential Envoy to the Mid- 2006, Mrs. Rumsfeld was awarded the Department Master’s degrees in Political Science from dle East for President Reagan, and CEO of two Fortune 500 compa- of Defense's Distinguished Public Service Award. Mrs. Claremont Graduate School and Bache- Ms. Passons holds a M.A. in International Afairs from the George H.W. Bush School nies and Chairman of a third. Rumsfeld and his wife have three children, Rumsfeld currently chairs the Rumsfeld Foundation lor’s degree in Political Science from The of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and a B.A. in Political seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. They reside in New with her husband. They have three children, seven Catholic University of America. Science from the University of Tennessee. Mexico, and spend time in Montana, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren and reside in New Mexico.

92 93 ABOUT THE CENTRAL ASIA-CAUCASUS INSTITUTE

The Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and Silk Road Studies Program is a Joint Transatlantic Research and Policy Center afliat- ed with Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C. and the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm (ISDP). The Joint Center was established to respond to the increasing need for information, research and analysis on the Caucasus and Central Asia, and to help bring these regions out of the shadows of the American and European consciousness to which fate had consigned them. By encouraging Americans and Europeans to enter into an active and multi-faceted engagement with the region, and by promoting serious and well-informed policies towards it, the founders aimed for the Joint Center to help a neglected region reclaim its legitimate and appropriate place in the world order.

Dr. Svante Cornell Dr. Mamuka Tsereteli David Soumbadze Director Research Director Director, Rumsfeld Fellowship Program

Svante E. Cornell is the Director of the Mamuka Tsereteli is the Research David Soumbadze is the Director of Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and Silk Director at the Central Asia-Caucasus the Rumsfeld Fellowship Program at Road Studies Program, a co-founder Institute and Silk Road Studies Program. the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute. of the Institute for Security and Devel- He previously served as the Director of From 2009-2013 he also served as the opment Policy in Stockholm and an the Center for Black Sea-Caspian Studies Director of the Silk Road Media Program. Associate Research Professor at Johns at the School of International Service at Hopkins University-SAIS. His main ar- American University. He also served as From 1994-2006, Mr. Soumbadze eas of expertise include security issues, an Assistant Professor at the School of worked for the Embassy of Georgia in the state-building, and transnational crime International Service from 2007-2011. USA, Canada and Mexico as a Minister in Southwest and Central Asia, with a Dr. Tsereteli teaches classes on energy and Deputy Chief of Mission in charge specific focus on the Caucasus and markets and energy security at Johns of political and security afairs. In both Turkey. He is the Editor of the Central Hopkins University-SAIS and at American 2002 and 2006, he served as a Charge Asia-Caucasus Analyst, the Joint Cen- University. He speaks frequently at d’Afaires of Georgia in the United ter's bi-weekly publication, and of the events related to international relations, States. Prior to coming to Washington, Joint Center's “Silk Road Papers” series. economic development, energy Mr. Soumbadze worked as an adviser security and country risk analysis in in the ofce of the National Security Dr. Cornell is the author of several the Caucasus and Central Asia. His Adviser to the President of Georgia books, including “Small Nations and areas of expertise include international (1992-1994) and as a Deputy Head of Great Powers: the Ethnopolitical Con- relations and international economic NATO and Disarmament Department in flict in the Caucasus” (2001), the first policy, economic and energy security, the Ministry of Foreign Afairs of Georgia comprehensive study of the post-Soviet political and economic risk analysis (1992). He also served as an Executive Caucasus, and “Azerbaijan since Inde- and mitigation strategies, and business Secretary of the State Commission on DR. S. FREDERICK STARR pendence” (2011). His dozens of articles development. Georgia’s Participation in the NATO Chairman have appeared in numerous academic Partnership for Peace Program (1993- and policy journals. Dr. Tsereteli previously served as the 1994). From 1982-1991, Mr. Soumbadze S. Frederick Starr is the founding Chairman of the Central During the past decade, Dr. Starr has returned repeatedly to founding Executive Director at the was a Deputy Head of the System Asia-Caucasus Institute and Silk Road Studies Program, and addressing the challenges of reopening continental-wide Dr. Cornell received his undergradu- America-Georgia Business Council, and Analysis Department at the Institute a Research Professor at Johns Hopkins University-SAIS. His transport passing through Central Asia and Afghanistan, ate education at the Middle East Tech- as Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Information and Management in research on the countries of Greater Central Asia, their histo- which he sees as a key to success in Afghanistan. This issue nical University in Ankara, Turkey, and of Georgia in Washington, D.C., Tbilisi, Georgia. Mr. Soumbadze holds ry, development, internal dynamics, as well as on U.S. policy was the subject of a series of articles he published between he holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict covering relationships with International a B.A. and a M.A. in Economic, Political towards the region, has resulted in 23 books and more than 2000-2008, and of his book, “The New Silk Roads” (2008). Studies from Uppsala University. He Financial Institutions, U.S. assistance and Social Geography from Ivane 200 published articles. He has also written extensively on ar- For Starr’s articles that have had direct policy implications, also holds an honorary doctoral degree programs and business initiatives. He Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, chitecture, music, and Russian politics and culture. One of refer to “Beyond the Fog of Nation Building: An Economic from the National Academy of Scienc- has actively facilitated the expansion Georgia (1982) and a M.A. in International his recent books, “The Ferghana Valley: The Heart of Central Strategy for Afghanistan” and “Finish the Job: An Economic es of Azerbaijan. He is a member of the and implementation of the multiple Policy and Practice from The George Asia,” involved the collaboration of some dozen scholars in Strategy for Afghanistan.” In October 2013, his major publica- Swedish Royal Academy of Military Sci- pipeline policies in the Caucasus. Washington University’s Elliott School four countries. tion, “Lost Enlightenment: Central Asia’s Golden Age from the ence and a Research Fellow with the of International Afairs (2008). He has a Arab Invasion to Tamerlane,” was published and is currently Wilfried Martens Center for European diplomatic rank of Envoy Extraordinary being translated into several languages worldwide. Studies in Brussels. and Plenipotentiary.

94 95 OUR PARTNERS

Our appreciation to Sergo Edisherashvili for providing numerous photos of Georgia throughout this publication. See more of his work at www.eyesofgeorgia.com

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