On 18 December 2025, H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), delivered a keynote address at the Aziz Sancar Foundation in Chapel Hill, focusing on the structure, mission, and strategic priorities of the OTS in a rapidly evolving global environment. 

The event brought together distinguished academicians, representatives of the scientific community, and members of the Turkic diaspora, underscoring the growing convergence between diplomacy, science, and people-to-people engagement. 

In his address, the Secretary General highlighted the OTS’s evolution into a fully institutionalized, results-oriented intergovernmental organization, serving as a platform for integration, coordination, and strategic partnership. He underlined the OTS’s expanding visibility and relevance in global affairs, including increasing interest from U.S. policymakers and analytical centers. 

The Secretary General paid special tribute to Professor Aziz Sancar, recalling that he was awarded the Alisher Navoi Prize and Medal of the Organization of Turkic States at the OTS Budapest Summit in May 2025. He noted that Professor Sancar’s achievements symbolize not only scientific excellence, but also the collective intellectual capital and potential of the entire Turkic World. 

Taking the floor, Professor Aziz Sancar emphasized that the Turkic World must remain united and act with a shared sense of purpose. He underlined that behind the Turkic World lies immense, still-unrealized potential, spanning science, education, innovation, and global engagement. Professor Sancar stressed that this growing cohesion represents a new reality in international affairs, calling for stronger solidarity and long-term strategic thinking to fully unlock this potential.