CLDP, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Turkmenistan, convened the C5+1 Trusted AI and Digitization Workshop in Ashgabat on September 15–16. The two‑day program gathered government officials, U.S. technology companies, and U.S. government experts to support secure, trusted, and innovative digital development across Central Asia. 

CLDP facilitated discussions alongside experts from the U.S. Department of State, Federal Communications Commission, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and trusted private sector partners. Sessions examined trusted ICT infrastructure, SI policy, cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure, satellite licensing and spectrum management, and data center readiness to guide secure and modern digital ecosystems. 

Speakers highlighted the link between secure, transparent ICT systems and economic competitiveness, as well as actionable approaches for building regulatory frameworks that attract investment and support innovative SI deployment. Participants also discussed market‑relevant risks, opportunities for regional coordination, and strategies for advancing trusted supplier adoption across the tech stack. 

The workshop strengthened regional cooperation on digital policy and modernization while identifying opportunities for sustained engagement under the C5+1 platform. CLDP will continue supporting partner governments as they advance trusted, innovative, and resilient digital infrastructure across Central Asia.