Rethinking Humanity 2025 - Webinar Series

Wednesday, September 24th 2025

This episode features the Former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan sharing key leadership lessons for today’s uncertain times. We discuss Central Asia’s role amid global challenges, from geopolitics to climate and economic change, and explore how small nations can inspire resilience. Looking ahead, we highlight the steps young leaders can take to foster inclusivity, sustainability, and peace through education and dialogue.

The world is at a historic crossroads. Climate change, shifting geopolitical dynamics, technological disruption, and the rise of artificial intelligence are reshaping humanity’s trajectory. To navigate this transformation, we need new ways of thinking, learning from visionary leaders who have shaped societies and inspired generations.

The “Rethinking Humanity” Podcast and webinar will provide a unique platform for candid, forward-looking conversations with influential leaders—former prime ministers, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and other inspirational figures. Their experiences, insights, and hopes will guide audiences, especially the younger generation, in imagining and building a better future.

Download the Podcast with this link: https://infovnc.podbean.com/e/rethinking-humanity-podcast-series-with-djoomart-otorbaev/

Welcoming remarks and questions: Ravindra Ngo, The Asian Network Founder

Discussion with: Mr Djoomart Otorbaev, Former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan

Part 1 : Lessons learned from history and personal leadership experiences    

 ( 0:02:05 - 0:13:45 ) 

Leadership lessons and personal experience

Mr Otorbaev emphasized the importance of balanced, conscious decisions based on experience and knowledge. He Shared his father's advice: "It's not really important where you will be in your life, but what is important is that you will be among clever people. He also highlighted that leadership is about giving to others rather than taking, and improving other people's lives.

Central Asia as a model for larger powers

Mr Otorbaev explained that being small carries advantages and shares a physic principle- "the smaller the mass with the same energy, you can move quicker. He Highlighted Kyrgyzstan's economic growth: 9% in 2023 and 11.7% for the first 6 months of 2025. He credited education as the key factor in Central Asia's development, noting the Soviet Union's legacy of universal education and emphasized that Central Asia has "zero enemies around the world" due to their approach of friendship and cooperation.

Part 2 : Adressing today's pressing challenges 

 ( 0:14:29 - 0:22:00 ) 

Current global challenges and priorities

He identified trust as the foundation for addressing geopolitical challenges - "As Confucius said in the past, if there is a lack of trust, all talks are meaningless" and discussed environmental challenges, particularly the 30% decrease in glaciers over the last 20 years and its impact on water supply, then economic challenges of being landlocked countries competing with larger economies like China, India, and Russia. He continued with Central Asia's unique combination of high economic growth (6.7% average over 20 years) and healthy demographic growth.

Building a sustainable and peaceful world

He pointed to several positive examples in Asia: Central Asia's peace and cooperation, China's focus on innovation, ASEAN's cooperation despite different political-economic models, and India's growth in high-tech industries.He Noted that Asia will soon produce more than 50% of world GDP, making it the leading economic power and emphasized that prosperity comes through cooperation rather than conflict

Part 3 : Envisioning possibilities for a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful world

 ( 0:22:36 - 0:31:49 ) 

The role of talent and innovation

Mr Otorbaev compared Silicon Valley's success to Central Asia's historical role as a meeting point of talents from East, West, North, and South. He gave some examples with contrasted China's new K visa for STEM professionals with the US increasing H1B visa fees to $100,000 and predicted that "competition of the 21st century will be competition between talents". He advised that countries that attract global talent will win, while those erecting barriers will lose.

Artificial Intelligence and future impact

He  compared the introduction of AI to two previous revolutionary events: the discovery of electricity and the introduction of computers and those who emphasized that those who use AI more efficiently and skillfully will prevail.  AI will dramatically change human lives within a very short time, affecting everything from healthcare to education.