Day 2
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09.30-11.30 |
Session #4(Ballroom)NUCLEAR PROGRAMME — SOVEREIGN RIGHT OR DANGEROUS AMBITION? The impact of North Korea?s nuclear test on non-proliferation efforts could extend far beyond the Korean peninsula. Experts say the actions by Pyongyang could trigger a nuclear arms race in East Asia, prompting South Korea or Japan to follow suit. It may also have major consequences for Iran, whose nuclear programme is also the focus of current UN Security Council debate. Iran?s nuclear programme itself has wider implications. The December announcement by the Gulf Cooperation Council to launch a joint nuclear energy development programme is the clearest signal yet that Tehran?s nuclear programmes, whether sinister or not, could hasten the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction across the Middle East. In this session we will discuss whether it is desirable or legal to prevent countries from developing peaceful nuclear programmes? Given that every state which has sought to develop a nuclear weapons programme over the past 30 years — Israel, South Africa, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Iraq — has done so by diverting resources from its nuclear power programme — can the international community allow Iran to develop its programme? If the aim is to keep the Middle East free from nuclear weapons, why is Israel?s nuclear capability largely ignored by the international community? Given that major signatories such as the US, Russia and Britain are all extending their nuclear capabilities what is the future of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the consequences of its potential demise? Co-chairs:
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| 11.30-12.10 |
Coffee break(sponsored by Russia Today) |
| 12.10-13.40 |
Session #5(Ballroom)PIPELINE POLITICS — THE SHIFTING STORY OF ENERGY SECURITY With the help of some of the region?s most influential business and political leaders, we will examine the developing and increasingly significant story surrounding energy security. Through analysis of the causes and consequences of some key events and some future potential trigger points, the session will give insight into the intricacies and influences of the region?s pipeline politics. Events to be examined include: Russia?s energy policy with its neighbours, Turkey and the EU; the energy crisis in the relationships between Russia and Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, and the risks of using pipelines as a means of ‘blackmailing?; the price of oil; the impact of the BTC pipeline, the ‘Sakhalin 2? project; the ‘peace pipeline? between Iran, Pakistan and India, and the developing relationship between China and Africa; interests and positions of the key players on the regional pipeline map, and other issues. Producer/Chair: John Defterios, Group VP FBC, Managing Editor, Anchor, World Business CNBC, UK Speakers:
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| 13.40-15.00 |
Lunch(Asian Caf, Astana restaurant) |
| 15.00-16.00 |
Session #6(Ballroom)KAZAKHSTAN AND THE OSCE CHAIR- FOR AND AGAINST Chairmanship of the OSCE is an important potential step for Kazakhstan as it strives for further democratization of its society and greater integration into the international community. The leading role played by Kazakhstan in Central Asia, the socio-economic development success story of the country and developments towards democracy make the case very positively for OSCE chairmanship. At the same time, there are contrary opinions arguing against Kazakhstan?s application. A critical perception of the development of political and civil freedoms as well as the ‘shortcomings? in Kazakhstan?s compliance with OSCE standards may adversely affect the decision for 2009. In this session we will hear arguments for and against Kazakhstan taking the chairing role of the OSCE Is Kazakhstan ready to take on this responsibility? Is it appropriate, important or desirable for the country to assume this role? What is the significance of the first post-Soviet country applying for the chairmanship in such a large and respected international organization? Chair: Stefan Blommaert, News journalist, VRT, Belgium Speakers:
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| 15.00-16.00 |
Roundtable(Ablai Khan room)THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CENTRAL ASIA The relationship between the EU and Central Asian states has grown significantly since the early 90s. Collaboration has developed across many areas of politics, economics and security. Many believe this nascent relationship can only get stronger as the EU seeks greater energy security and Central Asian countries strengthen their democratic processes. This roundtable will discuss:
International Institute for Modern Policy, Kazakhstan Chair: Bektas Mukhamedzhanov, Director, International Institute for Modern Policy, Kazakhstan Speakers:
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| 16.00-16.15 |
Coffee break(sponsored by Russia Today) |
| 16.15-17.15 |
Roundtable(Ablai Khan room)THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS The international financial media play an important and sometimes challenging role in the smooth running of business and the markets and have methods of working, approaches and attitudes that are sometimes at odds with those normally experienced by regional company executives. In this session we will examine the role of financial media in the international money markets with particular reference to IPOs. We will discuss when and how successful international companies effectively work with the media to maintain brand and consistency of message. We will also examine where the financial media can negatively impact on your business aspirations and how companies can develop beneficial relationships with international financial media. Chair: Andrew Thomas, Development Director, Pauffley, United Kingdom Speakers:
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| 19.00-23.00 |
Reception hosted by EAMF and CNN International |
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