Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's Vision for a Unified Turkic Future

In a significant address at the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Shusha, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan underscored the summit's theme, "Building a sustainable future through transport, communications and climate action," as vital to the collective interests of the member countries. Tokayev emphasized that the gathering was aimed at enhancing the well-being of the Turkic peoples, exploring new avenues of development, fortifying fraternal ties, and ensuring regional stability.

As the current chairman of the Organization, Kazakhstan has played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficacy of the group's activities. Tokayev highlighted the country's commitment to bolstering the Organization's international standing and fostering increased cooperation under the motto "TURKTIME!" Notably, around 40 events have been organized, introducing new mechanisms of collaboration across social policy, law enforcement, education, technology, innovation, and industry.

Tokayev took the opportunity to announce the upcoming 5th World Nomad Games, scheduled for September in Kazakhstan's capital. These games are envisioned as a celebration of Turkic culture, and the President extended an invitation to athletes from all fraternal countries to participate in these vibrant competitions.

Touching on global security and stability, Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's dedication to peaceful conflict resolution, citing the importance of solidarity among Turkic peoples. He noted the positive developments in peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia and reiterated Kazakhstan's willingness to facilitate peace talks between the two nations.

Amidst the backdrop of global political and economic upheaval, Tokayev called for a strengthened status for the Organization of Turkic States. He underscored the necessity of expanding trade and cargo transport within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, highlighting that container traffic along this corridor had doubled since 2023. Kazakhstan, in collaboration with Azerbaijan, has integrated their railway administrations, leading to a significant increase in cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor.

On the economic front, Tokayev advocated for enhanced financial sector ties, proposing the creation of a Council of Turkic Central Banks and a Turkic-wide patent organization. He expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated Turkic Investment Fund's potential to positively impact the region's economy and investment landscape.

Communications development was another key focus of Tokayev's speech. He detailed ongoing efforts to lay a fiber-optic cable along the Caspian Sea's bottom, which will enhance regional cooperation and socio-economic growth. The President also emphasized the importance of training personnel in artificial intelligence, planning to establish a network of specialized schools and promoting the Astana Hub Technology Park as a center for IT startups in Central Asia.

Addressing climate change, Tokayev stressed the urgency of managing its impacts, citing a high probability of global temperature increases. He expressed Kazakhstan's readiness to collaborate with Turkic countries on climate issues, noting plans to participate actively in the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan. Furthermore, Kazakhstan will host a Regional Climate Summit in 2026, aiming to tackle environmental challenges, particularly those affecting the Caspian and Aral Seas.

Tokayev concluded by highlighting the summit's role in fostering discussions on critical issues, which he believes significantly contributes to the Turkic world's international prestige and strengthens bonds among its peoples.