Islam Nazaraliev and Ilya Gurov. Photo: Anna Yurgenson / RGS press service
Ilya Gurov, First Deputy Executive Director of the Russian Geographical Society, and Islam Nazaraliev, Director General of the International Center for Regional Integration, signed an agreement on cooperation in the implementation of the «Journey to the Heart of Eurasia» project at the Headquarters of the RGS in Moscow on May 13. As part of the large-scale international initiative, a humanitarian and business expedition will be organized, the participants of which will visit seven regions of Russia as well as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The main goal of the project is to create a common trust space and develop sustainable horizontal ties in the region.
Since its foundation, the Russian Geographical Society has been studying Central Asia, a region with unique ethnocultural and natural potential that has always been of interest to geographers, ethnographers, and historians. Under the auspices of the RGS, the first detailed maps of the territories of Turkestan, the Tian Shan, and the Pamir were compiled. Today, this interest not only persists, but also takes on new forms at the intersection of natural sciences, ecology, geopolitics, and public diplomacy.
«We consider 'Journey to the Heart of Eurasia’ a continuation of our historical mission to explore and strengthen ties with the countries of the region. The initiative will become an impetus for increasing the interaction of youth, scientists, and entrepreneurs,» Ilya Gurov said.
Islam Nazaraliev and Ilya Gurov. Photo: Anna Yurgenson / RGS press service
The start of the «Journey to the Heart of Eurasia» expedition is scheduled for early June 2025. Participants of the international humanitarian and business initiative will travel about 8,000 km and visit more than 30 cities in 51 days. The project will host dozens of events in the fields of science, business, and culture, culminating in the First Central Asia International Economic Forum in Dushanbe on July 22, which will bring together over 500 participants.
The project is being implemented by the ANO «International Center for Regional Integration» with the support of a number of government and public organizations as well as large commercial companies.