Knowledge-Based Economy Forum

In May 2005 CELA was showcased at a forum and roundtable in Astana, Kazakhstan within the framework of a conference of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) – specifically, focusing on how to reform and strengthen the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

In May 2005 CELA was showcased at a forum and roundtable in Astana, Kazakhstan within the framework of a conference of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) – specifically, focusing on how to reform and strengthen the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). Eight CELA members from the relevant countries participated. The UN organizers approached CELA specifically for a contribution towards developing Knowledge-Based Economy as a dimension of SPECA, in recognition of the value and uniqueness of CELA’s cross-border and cross-sectoral profile. The CELA team in Astana led the roundtable and working group on Knowledge-Based Economy and wrote SPECA declaration/position paper on the topic. The experience was an encouraging example of how to leverage the “reverse-bridges” aspect of CELA.