On 1 September 2025, a high-level panel session titled “Driving Green Innovation Through Regional Cooperation: The Role of the Organization of Turkic States” was convened within the framework of Cleantech Days 2025 in Istanbul. The event organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) in partnersip with the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) brought together senior policymakers, innovators and experts from across the world to deliberate on advancing cleantech innovation, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting green economies.
Moderated by Mr. Süleyman Yılmaz, Permanent Representative of UNIDO in Türkiye, the session featured H.E. Amb. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the OTS; H.E. Mr. Ciyong Zou, Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director, Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (UNIDO); H.E. Mr. Mehmet Aslan, President of TÜBİTAKTEYDEB and H.E Amb. Aylin Sekizkök, Director General of International Economic Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.
Panel speakers included H.E. Mr. Nurlan Kurmalaev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan; H.E. Ms. Kezban Akkurt, Head of Department, Ministry of Industry and Technology, Republic of Türkiye; Dr. Alp Eren Yurtseven, Deputy President of TÜBİTAK-TEYDEB; H.E. Mr. Timur Azamov, Advisor to the Director of the Agency for Innovative Development of Uzbekistan; and H.E. Rashad Khaligov, Deputy Chairman of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency of Azerbaijan.
In his opening remarks, Secretary General Omuraliev reaffirmed the OTS’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and green technologies. He recalled the OTS–UNIDO Joint Declaration of November 2024 as a landmark in fostering cooperation on renewable energy, energy efficiency and SME development, underscoring the Organization’s ambition to position the Turkic region as both a contributor to global climate action and a hub for clean innovation.
Discussions centered on strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems, empowering MSMEs, and advancing an inclusive energy transition. Panelists highlighted opportunities for regional collaboration in renewable energy projects, innovative technology development and environmental sustainability.
