The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host this annual event bringing together leading figures in both business and government to discuss exciting developments across the realms of finance, regional connectivity, energy, and policy occurring within the Caspian region as the global community convenes in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly.

 

With the signing of the framework peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan (Trump International Route for Peace and Prosperity – TRIPP), there are significant new opportunities for expansion of the Middle Corridor. The countries of the Trans-Caspian region, and beyond are now engaging in deepening their business ties along this expanding crossroad that connects Asia with Europe.

 

International business has proved vital in promoting and facilitating cooperation as new international supply lines, as exemplified by the Middle Corridor, are developed through the region. To discuss the current investment environment and future of business ties between global stakeholders and the Trans-Caspian region, the Caspian Policy Center has invited senior business and government leaders with experience in the region’s unique energy, financial, and connectivity infrastructure sectors to discuss what opportunities exist for the year ahead.

 

EVENT PROGRAM

 

5:00 – 6:00 PM      

Registration and Welcome Reception

 

6:00 – 6:05 PM

Welcome Remarks

• Efgan Nifti, CEO, Caspian Policy Center

 

6:05 – 6:25 PM

Keynote Remarks

Moderator: Ambassador (ret.) Richard E. Hoagland, Chairman of the Board, Caspian Policy Center

• Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary, U.S. State Department (Invited)
• Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General, Organization of Turkic States (OTS)

 

6:25 – 7:05 PM

Regional Ministerial Keynote Addresses:

Moderator: Ambassador (ret.) Richard E. Hoagland, Chairman of the Board, Caspian Policy Center

• Senior Ministerial Representative(s) from the Trans-Caspian Region, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan

 

7:05 – 7:20 PM

Networking Break

 

7:20 – 8:05 PM

Panel Discussion: “Critical Minerals--Solving Supply Chain Challenges”

Amid growing concerns over supply-chain resilience, the United States is facing mounting pressure to secure stable access to critical minerals and rare earth elements—resources vital to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national defense. In response to this challenge, the United States is increasingly turning its focus to regions like the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Ukraine—areas that not only possess abundant reserves of energy resources and critical minerals but also offer favorable transport and logistical routes.

 

Moderator: Dr. Marsha McGraw-Olive, Advisory Board Member, Caspian Policy Center

• Michael Cofield, Senior Attorney-Advisor, Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP)
• Helaina Matza, Chief Strategic Devleopment Officer, TechMet Ltd
• Laura Brank, Partner, Dechert LLP
• Teymur Huseynov, Group Strategy Director, PASHA Holding
• Lars Hickey, Managing Director of Project Finance and International Government Affairs, Wabtec Corporation

 

8:05 – 8:50 PM

Panel Discussion: “Powering Future Energy Security Via the Middle Corridor”

The Trans-Caspian region has long served as a critical hub of global energy production, with its abundant oil and gas reserves driving both economic development and geopolitical relevance. As the global energy landscape evolves, the region remains strategically important—not only for its traditional energy exports but also for its potential role in shaping future energy security and diversification efforts worldwide.

 

Moderator: Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow, Caspian Policy Center

• Senior Representative, bp
• Senior Representative, Chevron,
• Senior Representative, ExxonMobil
• Senior Representative, Kazmunaygas
• Senior Representative, SOCAR
• Senior Representative, Uzbekneftegaz
• Senor Representative, BOTAŞ/TPAO

 

8:50 – 8:55 PM

Closing Remarks

• Ambassador (ret.) Richard E. Hoagland, Chairman of the Board, Caspian Policy Center

 

Register