The opening ceremony of “Khiva – Youth Capital of the Turkic World 2026” was held on 12 October in Khiva, Uzbekistan.
Nuru Guliyev, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), addressed the ceremony and highlighted the importance of Khiva’s designation in strengthening youth cooperation across the Turkic World. He emphasized that the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage provides a unique setting for bringing young people together and connecting their common past with a shared future.
Guliyev underlined that investing in education, skills, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership remains a key priority of the OTS. He expressed confidence that Khiva would serve as a platform for new ideas, partnerships and youth-led initiatives, contributing to stronger ties among the younger generation of the Turkic States.
Within the framework of the program, the Young Leaders Forum and the Young Entrepreneurs Forum will provide opportunities for young representatives from across the Turkic World to exchange views, present initiatives and explore avenues for cooperation.
The Deputy Secretary General expressed his appreciation to the Government of Uzbekistan, the Youth Affairs Agency and the authorities of Khiva for their hospitality and organization of the event, wishing every success to the activities of “Khiva – Youth Capital of the Turkic World 2026.”
