Digital Integration & AI Rules: Central Asian states are drafting a framework for mutual recognition of electronic documents, aiming to align rules on digital ID, data protection, cybersecurity and AI governance while keeping national digital sovereignty; the proposal was presented at an Astana roundtable tied to the B5+1 business platform. U.S. Cybersecurity Push: At the C5+1 “superintelligence” conference in Astana, the U.S. pledged $5 million via CRDF Global to strengthen Central Asia’s digital sector and cybersecurity, including incident response, critical infrastructure protection and national policy support. Tajikistan UNESCO Bid: Tajikistan added Paleolithic sites in southern Khatlon and Pamir petroglyph complexes in GBAO to UNESCO’s tentative list, highlighting early human settlement and thousands of years of rock art. Tech Entrepreneurship in SCO Orbit: Kyrgyzstan showcased its 2026 venture capital law and plans for digital investor support systems at TAJ-TECH 2026 in Dushanbe, focusing on smart metering, load forecasting and digital logistics. Agritech Research Link: India and Tajikistan discussed potato research cooperation, including aeroponics for high-quality seed production and proposed training and facility visits. Regional Security Lens: A new analysis warns ISKP’s threat to Central Asia is increasingly transnational, not just border-based. Education & Skills in GBAO: President Rahmon commissioned new schools and an agro-logistics center in Khorugh, including an electronic library and modern processing lines to reduce food losses.