Objectives

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) aims to foster regional collaboration in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to achieve digital transformation, innovation, and technological development. Through its initiatives, the OTS seeks to enhance cooperation in e-government, cybersecurity, and ICT infrastructure, enabling Member States to address regional and global challenges. A key focus is on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and promoting the integration of digital technologies into public and private sectors. Additionally, the OTS emphasizes building a startup-friendly ecosystem and supporting innovation hubs to advance technological competitiveness within the Turkic region.

Mechanisms

OTS implements its objectives through a variety of mechanisms designed to promote interaction and knowledge exchange among Member States. 

Ministerial Meetings

• Ad-hoc Meeting of Ministers in charge of ICT held on 9 September 2019 in Budapest (in the margins of ITU World Telecom 2019);
• Online Ad-Hoc Meeting of the Sub-Working Group on Cyber Security on 21 September 2020 online;
• Ad-Hoc Meeting of Ministers in charge of ICT held on 26 May 2022 in the margins of the Aerospace and Technology Festival “TEKNOFEST” in Baku; 
• 4^th Meeting of Ministers in charge of ICT held on 26 October 2022 in Samarkand;
• Extraordinary Online Meeting of Ministers in charge of ICT held on 20 June 2023 online and hosted by Kazakhstan;
• 5^th Meeting of Ministers in charge of ICT and the 6^th Working Group meeting on ICT cooperation held on 6-7 December 2023 in Bishkek.

Forums, Conferences and Workshops 

• "WCO IT 2017" held on 7 June 2017 in Tbilisi, Georgia;
• Field visit to Azerbaijan (“ASAN Service) and Kazakhstan (“Zerde Holding”) in 2021;
• The special Forum on the theme "Role of Innovation and Technology Development in the Turkic Region" within the framework of the "InnoWeek.Uz-2021" on 23 November 2021 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan;
• 4th Digital Bridge 2022 International Technological Forum held on 28-29 September 2022 in Astana, Kazakhstan;
• A field visit program for OTS Member States to “Technoparks and Innovation Centers of Türkiye” on 9-11 May 2023 in Ankara and Istanbul;
• An online meeting of respective national mobile/internet operator companies of the OTS Member States on “Digital Silk Way”- Trans Caspian Fiber Optic held on 11 April 2023.

Framework

The OTS framework for ICT cooperation operates through an interconnected network of Member and Observer States, facilitating coordination on shared goals. Key pillars of this framework include the establishment of sub-working groups and the use of joint platforms to address pressing ICT issues like cybersecurity and digital infrastructure development. Collaborative initiatives such as the "Digital Silk Road" and "Global Public Services Gateway" aim to build a robust digital ecosystem, while efforts to exchange satellite data, develop space technologies, and adopt a common mobile device registration system highlight the strategic depth of the OTS approach. By leveraging agreements like the "Concept on Smart Cities," the OTS builds a cohesive framework for technological innovation and infrastructure development.

To strengthen partnerships, the Organization establishes cooperative agreements, such as Memoranda of Understanding, and develops sub-working groups focused on specialized topics. These mechanisms ensure consistent dialogue and practical outcomes across OTS Member States.

Projects

The OTS has initiated several transformative projects to realize its vision for regional ICT advancement.

• Digital Silk Road: A flagship Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic Project designed to boost connectivity and expand broadband infrastructure, addressing the region’s growing internet traffic needs.
• E-Government and Digitalization: Initiatives like mutual recognition of electronic signatures and cross-border e-government services aim to enhance the delivery of public services.
• Joint Cube Satellite Development: Member States collaborate on designing and launching satellites for applications in water management, disaster monitoring, and agriculture.
• Turkic Metaverse and Venture Fund: These initiatives focus on harnessing cutting-edge technologies and attracting investment to fuel digital innovation.
• Startup Valley in Turkic Space: This project creates an enabling environment for startups through joint venture funds, capacity-building programs, and access to markets.
• Field Visits and Training Programs: Visits to innovation centers like “Bilkent Cyberpark” and Silicon Valley training programs aim to transfer best practices and foster collaboration among technoparks and startups in Member States.
• Space Cooperation: The organization has prioritized the development of space research programs, satellite data sharing, and joint infrastructure projects to boost regional capabilities in aerospace.