Turkic states pursue climate resilience and digital integration at Kyrgyzstan summit

Heads of state from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will gather in Bishkek on Wednesday, seeking to chart a collective course for climate resilience, digital integration, and economic stability.

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev outlined the priorities of the 11th Heads of State Summit on Monday, underscoring a unique, environmentally focused agenda that he described as “a forward-looking framework for a sustainable and connected Turkic world.”

Omuraliev, speaking to Anadolu Agency, emphasized that the summit’s agenda has been built around tackling some of the most pressing global issues, with sustainability, technological advancement, and cross-border economic alignment at the forefront.

Green vision of the Turkic World

A centerpiece of the summit will be the Turkic Green Vision, an initiative aimed at fostering green finance and sustainable development across member states. Omuraliev stressed the importance of the plan, noting that the formation of a Turkic Green Finance Council could provide critical financial support for eco-friendly projects in renewable energy and sustainable urban planning.

“Our Green Vision is designed to drive investment in environmentally conscious projects,” Omuraliev said, adding that the initiative also seeks to establish shared environmental standards. The focus on green finance marks a pivotal shift for the OTS, signaling a new era of climate-focused economic planning among Turkic nations.

Strengthening digital connectivity

The summit is also set to address digital connectivity across the Turkic region through the introduction of advanced technological projects. Key among these is the Turkic Large Language Model, a tool aimed at boosting digital literacy and linguistic integration, and the Earth Observation Technology Satellite, which will enhance environmental monitoring capabilities and aid in tracking climate impacts across member states.

Omuraliev said that these projects reflect the OTS’s commitment to a “digital-first” approach, enabling countries to share information, boost innovation, and align policies. A digital economy partnership agreement is expected to be signed, which would streamline digital trade across borders and build a common framework to facilitate smoother business operations region-wide.

Omuraliev underscored the need for coordinated responses to natural disasters and emergencies, revealing that the Civil Protection Mechanism Agreement would be introduced to align disaster preparedness strategies across member states. “This agreement will ensure we are prepared to address natural disasters collectively, improving our response times and support structures,” he said.

Infrastructure investments in the Middle Corridor

The summit is anticipated to discuss infrastructure initiatives under the Middle Corridor project, which seeks to establish a trade corridor linking Asia and Europe through the Turkic region. Omuraliev highlighted that aligning infrastructure along this corridor not only improves transport but also strengthens climate resilience by incorporating sustainable planning and technology into new transit routes.

The OTS is also looking to unify financial resources to support these projects. Following the recent establishment of the Turkic Investment Fund, the proposed Council of Central National Banks aims to harmonize monetary policies and stabilize the regional economy. According to Omuraliev, these initiatives will serve as a foundation for a competitive, resilient economic environment within the Turkic states.

Paving the way for trade liberalization

Another prominent goal of the summit is trade liberalization. Ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement on services and investments are seen as essential to removing trade barriers and enhancing economic connectivity. The digital economy partnership agreement is also expected to reduce administrative burdens, facilitating smoother digital trade channels.

Omuraliev said the summit’s final declaration will lay out a roadmap for cooperation in these areas, signaling an era of resource-sharing and regional solidarity. “These commitments show our dedication to building a future-ready, climate-resilient economy through shared goals and strategic collaboration,” he said.

As leaders prepare to meet in Bishkek, the OTS is poised to leverage its collective strengths, combining environmental initiatives with advanced digital projects and economic frameworks to create a sustainable and interconnected future for the Turkic world.