As new economic powers emerge, the importance of grand strategy will only grow. Relations between states at strategic and economic levels intertwine to create a complicated web that requires sophisticated and practical diplomacy to navigate. Join H.E Konstantin Zhigalov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Canada, as he speaks on the geo-strategic importance of Kazakhstan to one of China’s key projects: the One Belt One Road initiative. In order to carry out the initiative, China will first have to normalize its relations with regional and international players. Peace in the region is necessary for China to deliver on its promise of building a network of trade and economic corridors, in which Kazakhstan plays a key role. This is an exciting opportunity for students, faculty, research and the community to learn more about academic issues related to Central Asia.
AGENDA
11:30 AM to 12:00 PM – Refreshments served
12:00 PM to 12: 15 PM – Courtesy remarks by Professor Moura Quayle, Director pro tem UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
12:15 PM to 12:30 PM – Welcoming remarks by Professor Paul Evans, Interim Director, Institute of Asian Research (IAR), UBC
12:30 PM to 12:45 PM – Opening remarks by Zahir Faqiri, Senior Fellow,Greater Central Asia Initiative Lead, IAR UBC
12:45 PM to 1:20 PM – Keynote Remarks by H.E Konstantin Zhigalov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Canada
1:20 PM to 2:00 PM – Q&A
