Shavkat Mirziyoyev calls for "Digital Turkic Corridor" and AI cooperation at OTS summit

Addressing his counterparts, the President of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to the leadership of Kazakhstan for hosting the gathering at a time of mounting global tensions and a noticeable deficit of international trust.

The president emphasized that the integration of the Turkic world is a long-term strategic priority. He argued that the weakening influence of global institutions necessitates a more coordinated dialogue between member states. To facilitate this, Mirziyoyev presented a comprehensive package of initiatives ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to climate monitoring and youth support.

Driving a digital and technological revolution

A central pillar of the president’s address was the establishment of a strategic cooperation network for artificial intelligence (AI) within the OTS. Mirziyoyev suggested that such a mechanism would help identify new growth points, foster cloud and quantum computing, and create a unified digital space. He proposed the "Digital Turkic Corridor" concept to link regional data centers through high-speed communication channels and invited member states to a Technology Forum in Tashkent.

To bolster the region’s logistics, the president urged the full digitalization of customs and transit procedures. He noted that implementing the existing agreement on a simplified customs corridor would allow for real-time cargo tracking and more efficient cross-border data exchange across the entire logistics chain.

Science, education, and environmental coordination

On the cultural and scientific front, the president recommended consolidating historical sources onto a single "Big Data" platform involving the Center of Islamic Civilization, TURKSOY, and the Turkic Academy. He also proposed a thorough study of the teachings of the Yasawi order to promote enlightenment and tolerance. To support the next generation, Mirziyoyev invited OTS members to join a venture fund being established with Kazakhstan to finance startups and AI-based innovations.

Addressing the climate crisis, the president proposed a satellite-based monitoring system to track climate risks. This tool would assist in early drought detection, soil degradation monitoring, and the management of transborder water resources using AI. He further suggested declaring 2027 as the Year of Nature Protection within the organization.

Strengthening security and ethical AI use

Security remained a top priority, with the president calling for a "Turkic Alliance for Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure Protection." He emphasized that law enforcement agencies must enhance information exchange to combat terrorism and extremism in the digital age.

Mirziyoyev also touched upon the importance of ethical standards in AI development. He noted that these issues would be a focal point during the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers and heads of special services in Samarkand later this year. The president concluded by stating that the Turkestan Declaration adopted at the summit would serve as a vital roadmap toward the "Turkic World Vision – 2040."