Leaders of OTS countries will take an active part in WUF13

The leaders of the Organization of Turkic States countries confirmed their active participation in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku from May 17 to 22.

This is stated in the Turkestan Declaration adopted today following the informal summit of the OTS.

"We emphasize the strategic importance of sustainable urban and spatial development, including through the use of digital technologies, innovative solutions and data-driven approaches, as well as urban planning for the promotion of inclusive, resilient and environmentally safe cities and communities. We confirm our intention to actively participate in WUF13, which will be held in the Republic of Azerbaijan from May 17 to 22, 2026, under the theme 'Housing for Peace: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities'," the declaration states.

According to the document, the signatories also agreed to intensify efforts to harmonize the legal framework in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, including through TURKPA.

The leaders highly appreciated the activities of the Regional Acceleration Center of the International Telecommunication Union, established in Azerbaijan in November 2025, and emphasized its significance for the development of digital innovations, support of startup ecosystems and promotion of digital transformation in Azerbaijan and the broader region.

The document emphasizes that the main goal of the center is to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship capacity, develop cooperation within the ecosystem and accelerate digital transformation in the region and beyond.