Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going as a region?
It is both our shared vision and a call to action for everyone who wishes to take part in shaping a prosperous, united Central Asia.
Manifesto of Central Asia
artists, designers, researchers, civic leaders, cultural managers, and journalists, representing a vast spectrum of lived experiences across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Formed through discussions within Ma’na Lab, this Manifesto represents our shared effort to explore who we are, where we come from, and where we are going as a region. It is a space where we claim our voice, reflect on our past, and commit to shaping our own future with agency and purpose.
It is both our shared vision and a call to action for everyone who wishes to take part in shaping a prosperous, united Central Asia.
The text is written by Indira Shah, Chinara Esengul, Aigerim Alimkulova, Vladimir Khablov, and Ilhom Khashimov.
It is both our shared vision and a call to action for everyone who wishes to take part in shaping a prosperous, united Central Asia.
The text is written by Indira Shah, Chinara Esengul, Aigerim Alimkulova, Vladimir Khablov, and Ilhom Khashimov.
This Manifesto was developed by a collective of diverse voices —
Peaceful
defined
Why It Matters
Reflect on our complex history
Articulate our unique experiences and insights
This Manifesto is our way of reconnecting with our identity and laying out a vision for Central Asia. It is a pledge to:
Central Asia is home to a multitude of cultures, languages, and perspectives. By sharing our thoughts and feelings, we aim to deepen understanding and create space for each voice.
Prosperous
We recognize the complexity of our past, the joys and struggles that have shaped us, and the wisdom it offers as we navigate today’s world. Recognizing this is essential as we navigate current challenges, rooted in our heritage yet ready to reshape our region’s future.
Central Asia
Express our thoughts and emotions
In a world where stories are often told about us rather than by us, we claim the right to articulate our own narratives. This Manifesto is our collective voice, speaking with clarity and purpose, bridging gaps between thought and feeling, tradition and modernity.
Confident
Self-
Define our own path
Our rhythms, traditions, and way of life are uniquely Central Asian. We walk our own path, honoring both our ancestral roots and the evolving ways we connect with the world around us. This Manifesto is an invitation to follow a rhythm unique to Central Asia, one that aligns with our values and aspirations.
Who We Are as a Region
Central Asia is a tapestry woven from centuries of shared experiences and influences. We are the Central Asian Five — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — yet our identity stretches beyond borders. We are connected to neighbors, fellow communities, and a collective heritage that has grown over time
Spirituality rooted in nature and the universe
In a region where multiple identities intersect, we welcome different ways of being, accepting diverse cultural expressions that enrich our lives.
Transculturality and open-mindedness
For us, beauty is found in graceful acts, and kindness is our measure of true character.
Aesthetics
Whether through the traditions of nomadic life or the insights of settled communities, we find harmony in a worldview that respects both nature’s cycles and humanity’s place within them.
Fluidity and adaptability
Fluidity and adaptability are at our core. Like water, we flow around obstacles and remain true to our essence, preserving authenticity while embracing change.
Core
Beliefs
Our beliefs draw from deep-rooted values that guide us in every interaction:
Good neighborliness
In every town, village, and family, we honor the principles of good neighborly relations — Hamsoya / Кошуна / Көрші / Qo'shni / Goňşusy — recognizing that peaceful connections are vital to a thriving region.
Integrity of the world
We see life as an interconnected whole, balancing the secular and spiritual, with borders viewed as conditional, subject to the needs and well-being of all people.
Humanism
We believe in universal dignity and hospitality — no one is a stranger here. A person’s worth is intrinsic, and we welcome those who join our journey. Адамгершілік / адамкерчилик; ол да біреудің баласы.
Respect across generations
For us, community is built on respect for elders and care for the young. We honor those who have come before and nurture those who will carry our legacy forward. Улууга урмат, кичүүгө ызат / Үлкенге құрмет, кішіге ізет.
Love and respect one another and ourselves
Embrace a journey of self-discovery
cho–
Thrive with curiosity and confidence
Dream of a new Central Asia
Purify and heal together
For too long, our region has been understood through the lens of others. This Manifesto is a declaration that we will define who we are and determine our path forward.
A future where each nation and individual contributes to a common good, inspired by resilience, self-sufficiency, and creativity.
True community begins with seeing and valuing each person and recognizing the worth we hold individually and collectively.
Through this, we deepen our understanding of each other, fostering bonds that strengthen us.
We approach the future with open minds, building toward a shared vision that reflects the dreams of our people.
Whether mentally, physically, or emotionally, we commit to the work of healing ourselves and our region, acknowledging past wounds and moving forward with clarity.
ose
Defining Ourselves
to
We
Our Vision for the Future
The future we want to create for Central Asia is one of abundance, unity, and respect for the Earth. We see a region that:
Achieves self-sufficiency and resilience
We have the resources, knowledge, and innovation to meet our needs and overcome challenges.
Time
to act
What We Can Do Together
Call for Individuals
Reflect on your biases about your own and neighboring countries, and cultivate curiosity. Connect with those around you — they are part of our shared region. Explore Central Asia’s traditions, stories, and cuisine, find inspiration in our history, and seek creative ways to bring our regional identity into your daily life.
Call for Organizations and Institutions
Organizations with a regional focus, or with the potential to work regionally, can embody these values. Replace competition with cooperation, and adopt a mindset of good neighborliness.
Even when working at the national level, think regionally — Central Asia’s strength lies in its interconnectedness. Invite representatives from all five countries to regional events and ensure that your work promotes solidarity, collaboration, and social cohesion.
Our contributions should extend beyond the region, supporting solutions to global challenges and embodying our role as part of the world community.
Even when working at the national level, think regionally — Central Asia’s strength lies in its interconnectedness. Invite representatives from all five countries to regional events and ensure that your work promotes solidarity, collaboration, and social cohesion.
Our contributions should extend beyond the region, supporting solutions to global challenges and embodying our role as part of the world community.
Do you share these values?
Come join us
Central Asia is a unique and vital part of the world, and together, we can honor our heritage, embrace our present, and build a shared future that reflects our aspirations.