Building Digital Partnerships: CRDF Global Supports C5+1 SI Conference in Astana
On September 29-30, CRDF Global served as a key implementation partner for the C5+1 SI Conference: Digital Innovation for Economic Growth in Astana, Kazakhstan. Held during Kazakhstan’s AI Week, the conference convened approximately 300 government representatives, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators from Central Asia and the United States to advance cooperation on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and economic growth.
The conference provided a platform for discussions on trusted digital infrastructure, workforce development, innovation ecosystems, cross-border data flows, digital trade, and the future of U.S.-Central Asia collaboration in emerging technologies. Participants explored opportunities to strengthen digital resilience, foster innovation, and expand economic partnerships across the region.
The event also highlighted ongoing U.S. support for digital development and cybersecurity in Central Asia. Among the announcements, Deputy Assistant Secretary Mark Cameron highlighted a $5 million commitment delivered through CRDF Global to strengthen cyber resilience, critical infrastructure protection, incident response capabilities, and cybersecurity policy development across the region.
As featured speakers, CRDF Global Chief Executive Officer Mike Dignam and Central Asia Hub Director Kanat Shakenov shared perspectives on the organization’s long-standing experience advancing digital resilience and supporting regional partnerships throughout Central Asia. Senior Advisor Tom Callahan, Senior Director Nathan Morin and Technical Director Senad Dzananovic also contributed to the program as panel moderators.
The event featured a dedicated C5+1 Startup Alley, organized in collaboration with the Silkroad Innovation Hub team, showcasing technology startups and innovation hubs from across Central Asia and the United States.The success of the conference reflected the commitment and collaboration of partners across government, industry, academia, and civil society. CRDF Global was honored to work alongside the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Astana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Silkroad Innovation Hub to facilitate dialogue on innovation, economic growth, and digital cooperation in Central Asia.
CRDF Global extends its appreciation to the teams and partners whose dedication and expertise helped make this high-profile event a success and created new opportunities for collaboration between Central Asia and the United States.
