Solidarity Forum of OTS Member States’ NGOs Opens in Baku

Baku, The Gulf Observer: The Solidarity Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations from the Member Countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was inaugurated in Baku on November 24 at the initiative of Azerbaijan, bringing together more than 500 civil society representatives from across the Turkic world.

The event opened with participants visiting stands exhibiting cultural artifacts and examples from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Hungary. A video presentation highlighting the historical ties, shared values, and long-standing cooperation among the Turkic nations was also screened, showcasing both the development trajectory and future prospects of these relations.

Hikmet Hajiyev, Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, delivered President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the participants. In her opening remarks, Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director of the Agency for State Support to NGOs, underscored the significance of the forum, emphasizing that it would serve as a vital platform for building new partnerships and ensuring the consistent implementation of joint initiatives.

Following the opening ceremony, the Forum hosted two panel discussions.
The first session, titled “Zangezur Corridor: A Bridge Uniting the Turkic World,” focused on regional cooperation efforts and civil society contributions. Speakers included Özcan Aygün, Deputy Director of the Department of Civil Society Relations at Türkiye’s Ministry of Interior; Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of the Committee of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan; Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan; and István Kiss, Executive Director of the Danube Institute in Hungary.

The speakers highlighted the strategic significance of the Zangezur Corridor for Azerbaijan, the South Caucasus, and the broader Turkic world. They noted that the corridor would enhance transportation links, strengthen economic ties, and contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region. The panel also stressed the importance of fostering closer relations and collaborative initiatives among NGOs in Turkic countries to achieve sustainable development and safeguard shared regional interests.

The day concluded with a cultural program showcasing the rich heritage of Turkic nations.

The Forum will continue its work in Nakhchivan, where the establishment of a Platform of NGOs from OTS Member Countries is planned. Chaired by Azerbaijan, the platform will unite NGOs from eight countries. Participants will also be invited to the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan in 2026.

The event will conclude with the adoption of a joint statement.