The Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan participated in the First Solidarity Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The State Agency for Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan invited the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan and requested assistance in facilitating the participation of representatives of Turkmenistan’s national NGOs. With the support of the Project Office, Turkmenistan was represented at the Forum by the following participants:
· Serdar Allekov, Chair of the Public Organization “Nature Protection Society of Turkmenistan.”
· Mubarak Gurbanova, Chair of the Public Organization “Taze Zaman.”
· Guncha Yusupova, Head of the Public Organization “Ecological Movement of Turkmenistan.”
· Berkeli Atayev, Head of the enterprise “Tebigi Kuvvat.”
· Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan
· Orazgul Isgenderova, Assistant at the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan
Warm Welcome and Introduction to the Country’s History
Upon arrival, the Forum organizers warmly welcomed the delegation and arranged visits to the Alley of Honor and the Alley of Martyrs, as well as a sightseeing tour of the city, including Victory Park and the Heydar Aliyev Center.
The participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Azerbaijan, its cultural heritage, and national traditions, while also honoring the memory of the fallen by laying flowers.
Opening Ceremony of the Forum at the “Gulustan” Palace
The main program began the next day at the “Gulustan” Palace. The event opened with welcoming remarks from the organizers and a video presentation highlighting the importance of cooperation among Turkic states.
Following this, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, read out the address of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to the Forum participants.
A welcoming speech was also delivered by Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director of the State Agency for Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Panel Discussion: “Zangezur Corridor: A Bridge Connecting the Turkic Geography”
One of the key events of the day was the panel discussion titled “Zangezur Corridor: A Bridge Connecting the Turkic Geography.” From Turkmenistan, Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, delivered a speech.
Other speakers included:
• Ozcan Aygun, Deputy Director of the Main Department for Civil Society Relations, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Türkiye
• Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairperson of the Committee of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan
• Zhanargul Alzhanova, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Civil Society Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan
• Istvan Kiss, Executive Director of the “Danube” Institute (Hungary)
• Mehmet Ercilasun, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
“Development of NGOs in Turkmenistan is carried out within the framework of the strategic course of the state and with the comprehensive support of the esteemed President Serdar Gurbangulyyevich Berdimuhamedov. The Honorable President of Turkmenistan pays special attention to strengthening peace, good neighborliness, and harmonious international cooperation,” noted Mergen Kepbanov in his speech.
He also emphasized the importance of the “Zangezur Corridor” initiative:
“This project is more than just a transportation route. It represents a new level of connectivity, a new format of cooperation, and a new stage of integration within the Turkic world. It creates opportunities to expand humanitarian and cultural interaction, developing joint NGO initiatives, and strengthening public diplomacy. The Zangezur Corridor is a symbol of unity, openness, and the shared future of the Turkic space.”
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Exhibition of Participating Countries and Cultural Program
An exhibition of participating countries was organized as part of the Forum. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan provided significant support in preparing and presenting Turkmenistan’s national stand.
Guests and delegates were able to discover each other’s cultures and traditions more closely, fostering mutual understanding and dialogue.
The day's program ended with an artistic and cultural event. The organizers prepared a presentation of dances from all participating countries, which created a warm atmosphere and became a highlight of the Forum.
On 25 November, the Forum participants continued their work in Nakhchivan, where the next stage of the program was held. Here, the Founding Conference of the Platform of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States took place, becoming the key event of the day.
During the conference, representatives of the member countries discussed the role of civil society in strengthening cooperation within the Turkic world. From Turkmenistan, Berkeli Atayev, Director of “Tebigi Kuvvat,” delivered a speech.
“The establishment of the new Platform is an important tool for promoting mutual understanding, strengthening partnerships, and advancing humanitarian diplomacy among the organizations of the Turkic states,” noted Berkeli Atayev in his speech.
Panel Discussion: “Towards WUF13 — For the First Time in the Turkic World”
The program continued with a panel discussion titled “Towards WUF13 — For the First Time in the Turkic World,” dedicated to the preparation for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, which will be held in Baku on 17–22 May 2026. Participants discussed approaches to sustainable urban development, the role of NGOs, and the importance of inclusive engagement of civil society.
From Turkmenistan, Guncha Yusupova, Director of the Public Organization “Ecological Movement of Turkmenistan,” spoke at the session, highlighting the significance of environmental initiatives and cross-country exchange of experience.
Establishment of the NGO Platform of OTS Member States
One of the major outcomes of the day was the formal establishment of the NGO Platform of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States. The new structure aims to serve as an open space for regular dialogue, knowledge exchange, and joint projects, uniting civil society organizations of eight countries.
Azerbaijan will coordinate the activities of the Platform, assuming the role of the central organizing body.
Symbolic action and acquaintance with Nakhchivan
The concluding day of the program fostered an atmosphere of friendship and unity. Forum participants joined a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, underscoring shared values of sustainability and cooperation.
The organizers also arranged a cultural tour, allowing delegates to visit key historical sites of Nakhchivan. Participants were able to discover the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage, further enhancing mutual understanding and respect.
Conclusion
The continuation of the Forum in Nakhchivan marked an important milestone in developing cooperation among the NGOs of the Turkic states. Discussions on common challenges, exchange of experience, and the establishment of the new Platform have strengthened the foundation for long-term partnerships and joint initiatives.
The CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan extends its gratitude to the organizers for their hospitality, high level of event preparation, and atmosphere of trust and open dialogue.
Additional Information:
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org