The twenty-first century is witnessing an unprecedented acceleration of both technological and societal change. Artificial intelligence, digital platforms, social media, algorithms,  automation, biotechnology and other emerging technologies are transforming how societies produce knowledge, organize work, govern communities and imagine the future.

 

At the same time, these developments are unfolding alongside other profound challenges, including climate change, demographic shifts, rapid urbanization, geopolitical fragmentation and growing social inequalities.

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While technological innovation promises new opportunities for economic growth, connectivity, and human development, it also raises fundamental questions about power, agency, trust, community and social resilience.

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• Who benefits from technological change, and who bears its costs?

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• How are new technologies reshaping institutions, identities and everyday life?

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• What forms of knowledge and expertise will remain essential in an increasingly automated and interconnected world?

 

These questions acquire particular significance in Central Eurasia, a region undergoing multiple and simultaneous transitions. Across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and neighboring regions, societies are navigating processes of technological adoption, economic restructuring, environmental stress, demographic change and geopolitical stress-checks.

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Central Eurasia should not be viewed merely as a recipient of global trends. Its diverse historical experiences, intellectual traditions and social institutions might offer valuable perspectives on the relationship between technological innovation and societal transformation.

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This cross-regional roundtable invites educators, scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and engaged citizens to submit a 300-word abstract addressing one or more of the following themes and questions:

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1. Technology and everyday life - how are digital technologies reshaping the way we live, work, communicate and relate to one another?

2. Youth, social media and connection - How are social media, the Internet, and digital platforms affecting youth, identity, community, social capital, trust, and well-being?

3. Human agency and AI - what happens to human agency, judgment, skills, creativity, and expertise in societies increasingly shaped by intelligent technologies?

4. Trust, truth and knowledge - how are new technologies transforming trust, authority, information, and the production of new knowledge?

5. Education and human development - how should education, research and universities respond to rapid technological and societal change?

6. Communities and social cohesion -  how are families, communities and social institutions adapting to technological transformations?

7. Work, labor and economic futures - how are automation, AI and digital economies changing work, employment and human aspirations?

8. Technology, governance and power  - how are emerging technologies reshaping governance, citizenship, public policy, political participation and regional development?

9. Technology, culture and human values - how are technological changes affecting culture, traditions,  ethics, religion, identity and our understanding of what it means to be human?

10. Central Eurasia and beyond - what insights can the experiences, histories, and intellectual traditions of Central Eurasia contribute to global debates about technology, society and human futures?

 

Format of the Roundtable

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​​Unlike traditional academic conferences, ESTEC roundtables emphasize active, critical and cross-disciplinary discussions centered around the most pressing questions. 

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See Presentation Format & Template

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Key Features of the Format:

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​Short, impactful presentations - Registered speakers will have 5 minutes to present their key arguments, supported by slides, visuals or other materials. Presentations should focus strictly on essential insights rather than exhaustive technical data.

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• Socratic-style discussion - After the initial presentations, the session will transition into a moderated dialogue where participants critically engage with each other's arguments, offering diverse perspectives and challenging assumptions.

• In-person format - This event will be conducted exclusively in person. Online presentations will not be possible.

• English as our working language - No interpretation services will be provided.

• Networking and refreshments - Informal networking opportunities and refreshments will be available throughout the event, encouraging further discussions and collaborations.​

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Submission Guidelines:

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Abstracts should be a maximum of 300 words, written in English.

​Review Process: Each abstract will undergo a peer review by the conference committee. Selection will be based on relevance to the theme, originality and potential contribution to the field.

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Post-Conference Publication Opportunities: 

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The 15–20 most interesting proposals (single- or multi-author) will be invited to submit an extended paper based on their presentation (3,500~4,000 words in English, with references and proper formatting). These papers will be considered for inclusion in one of two edited volumes (as book chapters):

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1. Politics and History in Central Asia (Springer Nature / Palgrave Macmillan)

2. Central Eurasian Law, Governance, and Society Beyond the West (Routledge) (newly launched - website coming soon)

 

Both books are planned for publication in 2027-early 2028 (subject to the quality of submissions and editorial procedures). The Springer Nature / Palgrave Macmillan volume is expected to be considered for inclusion in the Web of Science Book Citation Index, while the Routledge volume will also be submitted for indexing where applicable. More information, including submission guidelines and timelines, will be shared after the conference.

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More benefits for speakers and panelists: 

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All speakers and panelists whose abstracts are accepted and are able to present in person at ESTEC will receive full free access ($400 value) to the CAMCA Regional Forum, including all networking events, EXPO, lunches and receptions, to be held on 1–2 October 2026 at the Flame Towers, Baku. 

 

Important Dates (All deadlines are in Azerbaijan Time, AZT):

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Abstract submission deadline: September 10, 2026 

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Notification of Acceptance by: September 12, 2026

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General attendee registration deadline: September 18, 2026 - 23:59PM ​

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Final program sent to participants: September 20, 2026

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ESTEC2026 date: September 29, 2026 (9:00-13:00) includes refreshments 

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Registration fee: Free of charge (for both speakers and attendees) *registration required

 

Contact information:

For any inquiries, please contact the Organizing Committee (Murod Ismailov, murod.m.ismailov@gmail.com).

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