The 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit kicked off with a grand gala dinner held on the evening of May 11. The proceedings of the 29th Eurasian Economic Summit, which took place on May 12–13, 2026, at the WOW Hotel in Istanbul, began with a message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, delivered by Sezgin Bilgiç, Secretary General of the Marmara Group Foundation, a message from Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, read by Eldor Aripov, First Deputy Chairman of the Uzbekistan Security Council, and a message from Turkey’s Nobel laureate scientist Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar, read by Kemal Erkan, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Marmara Group Foundation.

The 29th Eurasian Economic Summit has begun

The 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit, which commenced its proceedings with messages from the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Türkiye’s Nobel Prize-winning scientist Aziz Sancar, was attended by forty-eight countries.

At the opening of the Summit, following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, protocol messages were read. The messages of the President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar received great appreciation.

Illuminating the World with the Understanding that “Eurasian Economic Summits Are a Free Platform”

Organized by the Marmara Group Foundation, the 29th Eurasian Economic Summit began with a magnificent opening ceremony on 11–12 May 2026 at WOW Istanbul Hotel & Convention Center. Held under the main theme of “Global Responsibility,” the 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit brought together heads of state and government, ministers, ambassadors, religious leaders, academics, businesspeople, and civil society leaders from forty-eight countries.

“Eurasian Summit Is a Platform of Global Wisdom and Conscience”

Delivering the opening speech of the 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit, Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Group Foundation, emphasized that the Eurasian Economic Summits are not merely a diplomatic gathering, but also “a common platform of global wisdom and conscience.”

In his opening speech, Dr. Akkan Suver drew attention to the uncertainties facing the world and pointed to the importance of common wisdom and diplomacy in every field, from the conflicts in the Middle East to the war in Ukraine, from the turmoil in Africa to global economic crises. Suver stated: “The United Nations is unable to reach agreement collectively. The international community needs a clear and explicit conclusion. Even if our interests differ, we must reconcile around a common conscience.”

In his speech, Marmara Group Foundation President Akkan Suver emphasized that the summit was not merely a diplomatic meeting and delivered the following message:

In his speech, Dr. Suver drew attention to the wars in the Middle East, the destruction in Ukraine, the crises in Africa, and the atmosphere of deepening uncertainty throughout the world. He expressed that the common future of humanity can only be protected through dialogue, diplomacy, and a shared conscience.

Stating that the Eurasian Economic Summits, which have been held uninterruptedly for 29 years, have now become one of the most important civil platforms of global diplomacy, Suver said that a wide geography extending from the Balkans to Central Asia, and from Europe to Africa, comes together around the same table.

Among the opening speakers were Çetin Tecdelioğlu, Vice Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly; Merve Safa Kavakcı, First Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation; and Sohail Mahmood, Secretary General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of the foreign guests, Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, also emphasized the importance of the summit.

Following the Opening Ceremony, the Marmara Group Foundation presented Honor Medals to six distinguished personalities who have participated in the Summit for ten years.

The recipients of the medals were: Nizami Jafarov, President of the Atatürk Center of Azerbaijan; Werner Fasslabend, Former Minister of Defence of Austria; Ivo Josipović, Former President of Croatia; Grzegorz W. Kołodko, Former Minister of Finance of Poland; Bamir Topi, Former President of Albania; and Filip Vujanović, Former President of Montenegro.

 Türkiye’s Reassuring Role Was Emphasized

Çetin Tecdelioğlu, Vice President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly, stated in his speech that Türkiye is a country that inspires confidence during times of crisis.

Pointing out that global trade is facing uncertainties, protectionism, and crises of confidence, the speaker said that Türkiye stands out with its identity as a “reliable partner.”

In the speech, it was stated that artificial intelligence, digitalization, and new economic models are transforming the world; and attention was drawn to the importance of resilience, cooperation, and diplomatic dialogue. 

A Call for “Peace” from Istanbul to the World

Hasan Gözen, Deputy Governor of Istanbul, stated in his speech delivered on behalf of Davut Gül, Governor of Istanbul, that Istanbul has been a meeting point of civilizations throughout history.

Gözen expressed that the world is being driven into an environment of increasing conflict and insecurity, and stated that international organizations must now become more just and effective.

Stating that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s phrase, “The world is bigger than five,” has become far more meaningful today, Gözen emphasized that civil society should undertake a more active role in promoting international peace.

Session 2
Emphasis on Global Responsibility

The World’s Agenda Was Discussed in Istanbul at the 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit

Organized by the Marmara Group Foundation, the 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit brought together statesmen, diplomats, academics, religious leaders, businesspeople, and opinion leaders from different parts of the world in Istanbul.

Held at WOW Istanbul Hotel & Convention Center, the summit turned into an international platform of diplomacy and ideas, where many critical issues ranging from wars to the energy crisis, from global peace to women’s rights, and from environmental problems to economic transformation were discussed.

The message of the summit’s main theme, “Eurasian Economic Summits Are a Free Platform,” once again demonstrated an understanding of global dialogue in which different views are discussed freely.

Energy and Economy in the Post-War World Were Discussed

One of the most remarkable sessions of the summit, titled “Energy and Economy in the Post-War World Together with War, Terrorism, Conflict and Forced Migration,” addressed energy security, global migration movements, economic vulnerabilities, and the effects of wars on world markets.

Many prominent figures came together on the same platform, ranging from Sanja Božinovska, Minister of Energy of North Macedonia, to Dimitris Avramopoulos, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece; from Jadranka Kosor, former Prime Minister of Croatia, to Radu of Romania.

The session particularly focused on energy supply security, post-war economic reconstruction, Europe’s energy policies, regional cooperation, and sustainable development strategies.

International participants emphasized that increasing geopolitical tensions in the world create not only political consequences, but also economic, humanitarian, and social outcomes.

Session 3
A Common Message for Global Peace

The “Global Peace” session, moderated by Lale Aytaç Nalbant, Board Member of the Marmara Group Foundation, became one of the most remarkable parts of the summit.

The session, attended by former Prime Minister of Lebanon Hassan Diab, former Prime Ministers of Moldova Chiril Gaburici and Dumitru Braghiș, former Prime Minister of Poland Marek Belka, and Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom Jack McConnell, discussed the effects of wars on humanity, diplomatic solutions, and the new world order.

The participants emphasized the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation against the rising polarization in the world, and stated that lasting peace can only be achieved through common wisdom and mutual understanding.
 

Session 4
“Living on a Planet Where Water and Green Are Depleted”

One of the most significant and strategic sessions of the summit, titled “Living on a Planet Where Water and Green Are Depleted,” addressed in depth the environmental threats facing humanity. The discussions on climate change, the depletion of water resources, agricultural crises, environmental migration, and sustainable living models carried the character of a global alarm that will determine not only today’s world but also the fate of future generations.

The coming together of spiritual leaders from different religions, statesmen, academics, and representatives of the economy around the same table demonstrated that environmental problems are no longer only ecological issues, but also economic, social, moral, and humanitarian ones.

In the session attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahşükür Paşazade, Prof. Dr. Ali Bardakoğlu, Danilo Türk, and many other international figures, it was emphasized that the understanding of shared responsibility for the future of the world must be strengthened.

Session 5:
“Democracy, Women and the Future of Peace”

Session 6
“Global Leaders Dialogue – Session of Wise Persons”

One of the most remarkable sessions of the 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit, held on 13 May 2026 at the WOW Istanbul Hotel & Convention Center, was the “Global Leaders Dialogue – Session of Wise Persons,” which brought together former presidents, statesmen, and international opinion leaders around the same table.

Held under the theme “Global Responsibility,” the session addressed wars, terrorism, involuntary migration, the future of the European Union, fractures in the global system, and the new balances of the post-war world.

In his opening speech as the moderator of the session, Akkan Suver emphasized that the Eurasian Economic Summits are one of the most important international platforms of free thought and multivoiced diplomacy.

Drawing attention to the importance of bringing together statesmen from different continents, academics, and young diplomacy students in Istanbul, Suver delivered the message: “The world today needs dialogue more than ever.”

Former Presidents evaluated the world agenda at the same table.
 

In the session of Presidents, attended by the 11^th President of Türkiye Abdullah Gül, and represented by Bamir Topi for Albania, Boris Tadić for Serbia, Danilo Türk for Slovenia, Emil Constantinescu for Romania, Filip Vujanović for Montenegro, Gjorge Ivanov for North Macedonia, Ivo Josipović and Stjepan Mesić for Croatia, Moncef Marzouki for Tunisia, and Václav Klaus for the Czech Republic, it was emphasized that the era of a unipolar world has come to an end.

In the leaders’ joint assessments, it was stated that the world is moving away from a single-centered structure and entering a new multipolar era.

In the speeches, it was expressed that the European Union is facing an important test against political and economic pressures, and that the concepts of democracy, human rights, and international law are weakening on a global scale.

It was also stated that wars, migration crises, and energy security problems are not only regional issues but common concerns of humanity.

In the session, the leaders made comprehensive evaluations on the future of the European Union, global security, the post-war world order, energy security, climate change, protection of water resources, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, migration movements, and cultural transformation processes.

Emphasis on Europe and International Law by Abdullah Gül

The 11^th President of Türkiye, Abdullah Gül, stated in his speech that international law and democratic values have been significantly eroding in recent years.

Gül noted that the interest-based policies of major powers have shaken the world order, and said that Europe should adhere more strongly to its own values.

Referring also to the global risks created by artificial intelligence and new technologies, Gül emphasized the importance for states to establish common legal and supervisory mechanisms in these areas.

Akkan Suver: “We Will Meet Again at Our 30th Year”

Delivering the closing speech, Dr. Akkan Suver announced that the assessments and speeches made at the 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit would be published in book form in Turkish and English in the coming days.

Suver also thanked the interpreters, security forces, and all staff involved in the organization, and said: “We will meet again next year at the 30^th Eurasian Economic Summit.”

Music Became an Integral Part of the Summit

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality demonstrated great generosity by contributing enthusiastically to the 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit with concerts of Turkish Folk Music on the opening night, Western music on the second evening, and Turkish Folk Music again on the final evening.

At the closing dinner of the summit, the Turkish Folk Music Choir of the Cultural Department of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Anadolu Folk Group enriched the closing night with their artistic performance.

The Horon dance performance, in which the entire hall participated, created unforgettable moments. The night, where diplomacy and culture came together in the same atmosphere, once again highlighted the international friendship and cultural unity dimension of the Eurasian Economic Summit.
 

Peace and Diplomacy Training in Its 2^nd Year

It was once again demonstrated at the 29^th Eurasian Economic Summit that the Marmara Group Foundation is a movement of young ideas. In his speech, Dr. Akkan Suver said: “Although some of my older colleagues appear on the stage with me, we are persistent and determined to bring together young ideas.”

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Özgür Çengel, and as in the previous year, taking the Summit as an opportunity, the Peace and Diplomacy training program continued. While the activities of the Marmara Group Foundation continued in the main hall, 40 higher education students, selected and recommended from various universities in Türkiye and attending the Summit, received three days of lectures on Diplomacy and Peace from our valuable academics.

After these activities, all costs of which were fully covered by the Marmara Group Foundation, the participating young students were presented with Diplomacy and Peace certificates in a ceremony.

Eurasian Economic Summits Cup Race Was Held

The Eurasian Economic Summits Race, held on Wednesday, 13 May at Istanbul Veliefendi Racecourse, featured a competition among 3+ year-old Thoroughbred horses.

Following the race, at the award ceremony, the owner of the winning horse, Ferit Salih Bayır, was presented with the trophy by Member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh and Board Member of the Marmara Group Foundation Osman Arıkan.

The ceremony was attended by former President of North Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov, former President of Romania Emil Constantinescu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Sameh Shoukry, Secretary General of the Turkish Jockey Club Gülnur Gülerce, Board Member M. Kerem Alkan, Vice Chair of the Stirling Foundation Nicole Marie Stirling, members of the Stirling Foundation Matthew Cavin Meadows and Cavin Edwin Meadows, as well as members and invited guests of the Marmara Group Foundation.