Building a National Network: C5+O.N.E. Cohort 5 Connects Emerging Leaders in Kazakhstan
On February 14, 2026, C5+O.N.E. (Opening Networks Through English) convened the Cohort 5 National Networking Event in Astana, bringing together more than 100 participants from Almaty, Astana, and Pavlodar, along with alumni and key stakeholders, for a full day of professional exchange, applied learning, and network-building.
The event opened with remarks by the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie M. Stufft, who congratulated participants on their selection and underscored the importance of English as a tool for economic development, international engagement, and collaboration with U.S. stakeholders. She encouraged participants to use the program as a platform to build cross-sector connections and invest in long-term professional growth.
A central element of the program was the business case brainstorming and presentation session. Having completed two trimesters of instruction, participants are now actively developing business concepts and preparing to design full presentations and pitches in the upcoming trimester. The session provided structured preparation for this next phase, allowing participants to practice analytical thinking, teamwork, and professional communication in English.
Throughout the day, participants actively exchanged contacts, strengthened professional profiles, and established new cross-regional connections. Following the event, participants continued engaging informally, including cross-city meetups and the sharing of professional opportunities, such as grant announcements and sector-specific resources.
Participant feedback reflected the value of the experience: “I would like to sincerely thank the C5+O.N.E. team for the excellent organization of the event and for creating such valuable opportunities. I truly enjoyed being part of it and appreciate the effort behind it.” – Assel Adamova, Kazakhstan Tourist Association.
“Thank you for this opportunity – it brought new skills, new experience, and a strong network. Truly unforgettable.” – Maiya Suyunchaliyeva, Cohort 5 Participant.
The National Networking Event strengthened professional connections, reinforced participants’ ability to communicate in English in applied settings and encouraged continued engagement with future C5+O.N.E. opportunities.
C5+O.N.E., funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by the American Councils for International Education, strengthens English proficiency and professional skills across Central Asia, supporting regional integration and stronger economic ties with the United States for shared prosperity.
