Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the goals of CELA and how are they achieved?
CELA aims to encourage regional cooperation in Central Eurasia across borders and professional sectors; to support confidence and security-building through people-to-people diplomacy; and to facilitate the circulation of ideas and exchanges of best practices throughout the region. It works through regular Reunions, workshops and initiatives created by its members.

Where does CELA receive its funding from?
CELA is funded by a consortium of international, institutional donors including the Mott Foundation, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, the Hurford Foundation, the Betty Lawes Foundation, and others.

Is CELA a part of the U.S. government, the United Nations or any other multilateral or state organization?
CELA is a wholly privately funded program, with no affiliations to any national government, state organization or multilateral institution.

How does CELA define Central Eurasia and why?
CELA defines Central Eurasia as the three countries of the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia), the five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) and Afghanistan. As former Communist states sharing many post-Soviet transition problems, straddling the Caucasus, linked by transport routes and energy networks, and with much social and cultural heritage in common, it is important and meaningful to continue to generate synergies between Central Asia and the Caucasus. Although never part of the USSR, Afghanistan was added to CELA's remit in 2004 in view of its crucial importance to the long-term development of the region.

How are the themes and topics of the CELA Academy and other events selected?
Since 2002 the CELA summer academy, organized by the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) in association with Koc University, Istanbul, has inducted new fellows into the CELA network with a comprehensive training in the theory and practice of modern leadership. However, reunions, workshops and study tours are all conducted within CELA countries, themed to important local and regional issues identified by CELA members.

Where is CELA headquarters and local/regional centers?
CELA formally exists under the aegis of the Global Network Foundation (GNF), a private and tax-exempt philanthropic organization based in Atlanta, GA, USA. However, CELA as an organization is represented by its fellows, organized into country teams under the local leadership of the CELA Country Consuls.