This year's forum, themed Strengthening Connections and Cooperation in Eurasia, provided an in-depth platform for discussing changes across the Turkic States and the broader Turkic region. It drew 135 participants from 16 countries, including 53 from Turkey, 21 from Kyrgyzstan, 16 from Kazakhstan, 11 from Uzbekistan, and 10 from Azerbaijan, alongside representatives from Hungary, Russia, the USA, Pakistan, China, Iran, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), India, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The forum's primary focus was to enhance political and economic cooperation across the Eurasian region, fostering enduring ties within the Turkic world. In his opening remarks, Ibn Haldun University Rector Prof. Dr. Atilla Arkan highlighted the uncertainties of the global system. It emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for both the stability of the Turkic states and the world at large. "The vision of building the next century as the 'Century of Turkey' will be realized through strengthened partnerships between universities and societies," Arkan noted.
Kubanchbek Ömüraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), underscored the significance of the Manas Forum as a key platform for building strong ties among the Turkic countries. He stressed that bolstering regional cooperation would yield substantial economic and political benefits.
Throughout the event, panels looked into topics such as the development of artificial intelligence-based ecosystems, energy diplomacy, public diplomacy initiatives, and the pivotal role of the OTS in the region. Discussions also focused on advancing academic collaboration, launching regional education initiatives, and promoting scientific exchange among Eurasian countries. Participants agreed that economic growth and cultural integration projects should be prioritized for the future of the Turkic world, with particular emphasis on energy policies, security strategies, and transregional cooperation efforts.
