The grand opening ceremony of the IV International Youth Festival of the Organization of Turkic States was held in Almaty.

The event was attended by delegates from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, members of the Organization of Turkic States. Within the framework of the festival, seminars were organized on youth policy, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and the development of social initiatives, where young leaders and entrepreneurs shared their views. During the official opening of the event, Almaty was awarded the status of "Youth Capital of the Turkic World 2025".

Opening the ceremony, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva read a congratulatory letter from Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

"Almaty is the golden cradle of our freedom, a blessed home for creative youth. Many of our great personalities who made an immeasurable contribution to expanding the scope of our civilization grew up in this city. In fact, the city of legends, which has become the iron core of our native culture, is considered the spiritual center not only of the Kazakh people, but also of the Turkic states. Today, educated, talented and active youth of the Turkic people are gathering on the slopes of the majestic Alatau. I believe that you will make new friends and implement new ideas and projects within the framework of this fundamental event. If the unity of our peoples is strong, the foundation of the Turkic world will be strong and the future will undoubtedly be bright. Kazakhstan has always supported the noble initiatives of fraternal peoples. We attach great importance to strengthening comprehensive cooperation between our countries. The holding of the World Nomad Games in Astana, the designation of Aktau as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World and Almaty as the Capital of Turkic Youth are clear evidence of this," the congratulatory letter of the Head of State states.

During the event, Almaty was officially awarded the status of "Youth Capital of the Turkic World in 2025." This underscored the city's active role in the development of youth policy and opened the way for a new era in strengthening cooperation between the countries of the Turkic world. Previously, this status was granted to the city of Lankaran in Azerbaijan.

In her speech, Minister Aida Balayeva noted that Almaty is a center where culture and science, education and innovation meet. According to her, the city is becoming a haven for new ideas and partnerships for young leaders and creative representatives of the Turkic world.

The Secretary General of the Turkic World Organization, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, who specially participated in the solemn event, noted: "Today we are witnessing the transfer of the title of Youth Capital of the Turkic World from the city of Lankaran to the rapidly developing city of Almaty. This step clearly demonstrates the continuity of our common values, as well as the growing role of young people in shaping the future Turkic World. As you know, this status was granted to the city of Almaty based on the decision of the 8th meeting of the Ministers of Youth and Sports of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States. The city's modern cultural life, active educational institutions and enthusiastic youth are a clear reflection of the spirit and potential of the new generation of the Turkic World."

Almaty Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy shared the sentiments of the city's youth: "Almaty is becoming a great environment where the youth of the Turkic countries come together, where common ideals intersect, and our culture and traditions are revived. This status is not just a title, but a promise for the future. May the voices of Turkic youth be heard from Almaty, their ideas take root, and friendship be strengthened in this city! Almaty is our common home, the beacon of Turkic youth, the center of the future!" he said.

It is worth noting that the international festival was held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information and the Almaty City Administration.

At the event organized on Abai Square, residents and guests of Almaty were presented with a large-scale concert with the participation of pop artists and creative groups. Delegates from the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States - Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan - shared their experiences in youth policy, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and the development of social initiatives. A meeting of young leaders and entrepreneurs was also held.

Throughout the year, Almaty will host an international youth camp, the Digital Turkic Youth forum, the Zhaidarman Fest festival, and other projects dedicated to ecology, culture, and youth initiatives. These events will be a vivid demonstration of the unity, creativity, and innovation of the youth of the Turkic world.

More details: Egemen Qazaqstan