On 24 November, Azerbaijan launched two mutually complementary and content-rich events that clearly illustrate Baku’s intention to use its chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to deepen, broaden, and institutionalize cooperation across the Turkic world. In the country’s political capital, Baku, the First Solidarity Forum of NGOs from OTS Member States was held. Initiated for the first time in such a broad format, it marked an important stage in expanding the integration architecture through the systematic involvement of the public sector. During the meeting, a proposal was made to designate 24 November as the Day of Solidarity of Turkic World NGOs, reflecting a desire to give the humanitarian dimension of cooperation a stable symbolic and institutional footing.
In his address, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the growing potential of the Turkic states and the strengthening position of the Turkic world on the global stage require setting more ambitious goals, intensifying joint efforts, and establishing flexible mechanisms of cooperation. Holding the NGO forum in a structured institutional format became a significant step toward creating an extensive civic infrastructure for Turkic integration, in which non-governmental institutions evolve into active participants of intergovernmental engagement.
The role of NGOs in shaping the humanitarian dimension of Turkic cooperation is steadily growing. While in earlier stages Turkic integration relied mainly on intergovernmental initiatives and diplomatic processes, its sustainability today increasingly depends on the engagement of the public sector. NGOs build the social and humanitarian foundation of cooperation, providing the depth without which Turkic interaction cannot be long-term or comprehensive. Their activities create horizontal linkages among the societies of Turkic countries: direct contacts between citizens, researchers, volunteers, cultural figures, youth organizations, and expert communities. Such linkages are less vulnerable to political shifts and ensure the long-term development of societal interaction.
NGOs actively shape the humanitarian agenda by raising issues not always reflected in intergovernmental agreements but vital for regional development—environment, education, culture, social policy, public health, and countering disinformation. A symbolic example was the initiative of Azerbaijani and Kazakh NGOs to develop a joint approach to the problem of the declining level of the Caspian Sea, demonstrating the ability of civic structures to formulate substantive directions of Turkic cooperation that later find reflection within the OTS framework. Their contribution is strengthened by their flexibility: NGOs can respond quickly to humanitarian challenges, launch pilot projects, mobilize volunteers, and facilitate the exchange of best practices between countries.
At the same time, humanitarian NGO initiatives form a shared cultural and value space within the Turkic world. Cultural projects, educational programs, academic studies, and intercultural exchanges strengthen the sense of community, promote Turkic heritage, and create channels of soft power that enhance the international standing of Turkic states.
Parallel to this, in Azerbaijan’s cultural capital Shusha, the First Shusha Forum of Azerbaijani–Turkish Think Tanks took place—the first structured event of its kind. It reflects the intention of Baku and Ankara to institutionalize expert dialogue by creating a stable platform for coordinating analytical approaches to key regional issues. Participants highlighted the exemplary nature of Azerbaijani–Turkish political cooperation, which serves as a model for the Central Asian states. Discussions focused on developments in the South Caucasus, normalization with Armenia, the evolution of Turkic integration, and expanding interaction within new regional formats. It was particularly noted that the current stage of Azerbaijan–Armenia relations is shaped by a peace agenda proposed by Baku, opening additional opportunities for deepening Turkic cooperation, including with Central Asia.
An important contextual factor is Azerbaijan’s accession to the consultative meeting format of Central Asian states, which expands the potential for joint expert activity. The forum also drew attention to increasing external pressure on the region and the spread of disinformation, highlighting the need for coordinated information policies. Synchronization of Azerbaijani and Turkish approaches regarding the Middle East was also emphasized, strengthening their political alignment.
Together, the two forums demonstrate the core vision of Azerbaijan’s OTS chairmanship: building a sustainable, multi-level institutional architecture of Turkic cooperation, encompassing governmental, civic, and expert dimensions. Azerbaijan aims to transform Turkic integration from a predominantly political platform into a comprehensive system of interaction capable of effectively addressing environmental, humanitarian, informational, and political challenges. The forums held in Baku and Shusha form part of a systemic effort to strengthen connectivity within the OTS and cement Azerbaijan’s innovative role in shaping the modern Turkic space.
Ilgar Velizade
