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 take part in our discussions 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, international relations and power  - how are emerging technologies reshaping governance, citizenship, public policy, political participation, international relations 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. Please, see our past roundtables in Almaty-2023, Bishkek-2024, and Ulaanbaatar-2025.   

​​What to expect:

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• Socratic-style discussions - After the keynote presentations, the session will transition into a moderated dialogue where all 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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Important Dates (All dates are in Azerbaijan Time, AZT):

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​General attendee registration deadline: September 16, 2026 (closed)​

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Confirmation email & programme sent to all participants: September 17, 2026

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ESTEC2026 date: September 29, 2026 (9:00-13:00) includes networking coffee-breaks

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Registration fee: Free of charge (registration required)

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Update on logistics (travel to Baku, etc) :

Please, note that participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements (accommodation, flights, local transportation, etc). Please, visit our partner (Regional Forum)'s Official Baku Travel Guide. No financial support will be provided by ESTEC organizers, except for free access to the event, its academic and networking activities. Online access to ESTEC2026 is also not planned at this moment.

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Visa & Invitation Policy

Please note that we are an informal, free-to-attend conference. We do not provide visa support, visa sponsorship, or invitation letters for visa purposes. Participants are responsible for arranging their own visa and travel requirements.

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Contact information:

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

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