Dushanbe will host the 18th Forum of Creative and Scientific Intelligentsia of the CIS on May 14–15, bringing together nearly 200 leading figures from the cultural, academic, educational, and media sectors across the Commonwealth of Independent States.
This year’s theme, “The Commonwealth of Independent States: New Horizons of Cooperation,” will frame discussions on expanding humanitarian collaboration among member states. The forum's main panel will highlight the shared contribution of CIS nations to the victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The event is organized by the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund of the CIS (IHCF-CIS) in partnership with the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.
For the first time, the forum will feature a summit of national academy leaders and senior scientists from across the CIS. “Science and education are key priorities in our cooperation with Tajik colleagues,” said Anatoly Iksanov, Executive Director of the IHCF. “We’ve seen real progress through projects like youth schools in archaeology, biology, and chemistry, scientific symposia, and now a historic meeting of academy leaders.”
Following tradition, the forum will also spotlight the Cultural Capitals of the CIS. In 2025, the title is held by Lachin, Azerbaijan, with plans already in place to pass the honor to Meghri, Armenia, for 2026. “Participants will get a chance to explore one of Armenia’s oldest towns and learn about its plans to welcome guests from across the CIS,” Iksanov noted.
The forum’s grand finale will be the awards ceremony for the Stars of the Commonwealth, the top intergovernmental prize recognizing exceptional contributions to art, science, and education. Additionally, the CIS Youth Commonwealth Debuts Award will honor emerging talents.
As part of the cultural program, the CIS Youth Symphony Orchestra—a flagship IHCF initiative—will perform under the baton of People’s Artist of Russia and Stars of the Commonwealth laureate Sergey Skripka. The ensemble features young musicians from across the region, all winners of prestigious international competitions.
The forum will conclude with the adoption of a joint resolution, outlining the key takeaways from the event and setting future priorities for regional humanitarian cooperation.
Since its launch in 2006, the CIS Intellectuals Forum has become a central platform for dialogue among cultural and academic leaders in the region. It is traditionally accompanied by meetings of the CIS Council for Humanitarian Cooperation and the governing board of the IHCF.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Adam Harangozó/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS