BISHKEK, December 24. /Dunyo IA/. A feature article in the popular Kyrgyz publication “Vecherniy Bishkek” explores the essence and significance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiative to establish the Council of Elders of Central Asia as well as the practical role this body could play for the region’s future, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article notes that during the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State held in Tashkent, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.

Particular attention was drawn to the proposal to establish the Council of Elders of Central Asia. For some, this represents a return to traditional practices, while for others, it signifies a new format of regional diplomacy. The initiative is described as worthy of special attention, as it goes beyond conventional institutional solutions and is rooted in the deep social and cultural logic of the region.

The article emphasizes that the advisory role of the Council of Elders facilitates the adoption of more balanced and long-term decisions. Drawing not on immediate political calculations but on historical experience, cultural memory and an understanding of public sentiment, the elders are able to provide recommendations oriented toward the sustainable development of the region as a whole. This is particularly important in areas such as water and energy resources, environmental challenges, migration, transport connectivity and humanitarian cooperation.

In conclusion, Council of Elders is presented as an instrument for strengthening the resilience and agency of Central Asia - a region united by shared history, common challenges, and collective responsibility for the future. This, according to the article, is the strategic value of the initiative.