The C5+O.N.E. (Opening Networks Through English) program has officially launched its sixth cohort, bringing together more than 500 government, private sector, civil society, and media professionals from across Central Asia. Funded by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and implemented by American Councils for International Education, the program strengthens English proficiency and workforce development across the region to support deeper integration, enhance professional collaboration, and expand economic ties with the U.S. private sector.
In her welcoming remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Stufft emphasized the role of English in workforce development and international cooperation: “English is the language of global commerce, technology, science, and research. Your skills will strengthen economic ties between Central Asia and the United States and help create shared prosperity.”
Members of Cohort 6 represent all five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—and come from key economic sectors, including agriculture, banking and finance, information technology, entrepreneurship, and energy.
Through nine months of coursework, tailored professional development opportunities, and regional events, participants will enhance their English-speaking skills, connect with American entrepreneurs, and build professional connections spanning Central Asia and the United States.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will join a growing alumni network of more than 1,200 professionals. At the launch, Ambassador Stufft highlighted the achievements of the program’s alumni, noting “Graduates of this program have earned promotions, joined local branches of American companies, and delivered speeches in English at international conferences. They have built lasting partnerships across Central Asia and with colleagues in the United States.”
The launch of Cohort 6 reaffirms C5+O.N.E.’s commitment to building skills, promoting regional cooperation, and expanding opportunities for shared U.S.-Central Asia growth and prosperity.
About C5+O.N.E.
C5+O.N.E. is funded by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. C5+O.N.E. is a regional English-language training initiative that targets early- to mid-career leaders from the public, private, and civil society sectors in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
More information is available on the American Councils website and the program’s social media pages: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram. 
Media Contact:
Zhanna Dossova
zdossova@americancouncils.org