25th Eurasian Economic Summit

ges will continue beyond the urgency of the solution will be, but in the end, con- between Europe and Asia. Türkiye is a
the war against Ukraine. It caused a flict will stop and Europe will return to key country covering Europe and Asia si-
“wide trust gap” between Central, Eas- normal. All countries, whether Russia, multaneously.
tern and Western Europe. USA or EU countries, will lose a lot and
will need a European security coopera- Asia-Pacific was one of the key topics
These strategic changes are being tran- tion based on principles and rules. President Obama touched upon and con-
slated into policy, with a “Strategic Com- tinued by President Trump and Biden.
pass” adopted by the EU in March 2022, It is obvious that what happened in Europe is a continent, but Asia-Pacific
a few months ahead of NATO’s “Strate- Ukraine affected many countries, espe- includes four continents - Asia, North
gic Concept” that will be approved in cially in Central Asia, Asia and the Paci- and South America, and Oceania, with
June this year, giving new impetus to the fic. The US, China and Russia will have 71% of the world’s population. The US
long-paused security and defense exten- to do some damage control. is the main actor in the Asia-Pacific, but
sions. The demands of Ukraine, Georgia China, Japan and other states in the re-
and Moldova, as well as the Balkans, are China is one of the states in the Asia- gion are making progress in this regard.
to consider their membership for a stron- Pacific region, which has the capacity to
ger European Union. transform rapidly in economic and social The US Asia-Pacific strategy is based
fields, including diplomacy. Chinese dip- on relations with Taiwan, Hong Kong,
There is also the idea of expanding lomacy and international strategies take South Korea, Australia, the Philippines,
NATO through Finland and Sweden, priority in relations with the United Sta- Thailand and Indonesia. China is the lar-
which would increase NATO’s capacity. tes. China supports the idea of sovere- gest partner out of 11 provinces in
ignty and the development of world ASEAN. At the same time, the United
China’s foreign policy is misunders- order in the Asia-Pacific. China is preoc- States held negotiations for the Trans-Pa-
tood. China does not want to form anti- cupied with relations and stabilizing sta- cific Partnership. China’s territorial dis-
Western alliances with Russia, it wants tes in the region to revive the economy. putes in the South China Sea, tensions
to cooperate with the West on common Financial crises have affected all states between China and India, Vietnam and
interests in a multipolar world. in restarting their economies. Coopera- Japan, and conflicts on the Diaoyu Is-
tion between China, the US and Europe lands should be carefully considered.
China has economic ties with the Eu- has the capacity to restart the economy
ropean Union (828.1 billion), the United in the Asia-Pacific. The Silk Road initia- However, XXI. Century will be Asia,
States (657 billion), and Russia (14 bil- tive is dedicated to the Chinese economy because it has a large population, resour-
lion). It is clear that Chinese business and and the economic development of the co- ces, and workforce, especially China.
companies are interested in developing untries on this path. This includes India, Vietnam, Indonesia
non-aggressive ties with the West. and Türkiye, and these countries will
In Europe of 1989 there was no adop- continue their economic development
For me, there is a danger that the US, tion of general values accepted by all co- over the next decade. It is seen that the
EU, China and Russia cannot work to- untries. Western countries saw first quarter of the XXI century will in-
gether. But their leaders should open themselves as “conquerors” and suppor- crease the development of Asian and Pa-
high-level diplomatic channels and seek ted and popularized neo-liberalism. Rus- cific economies. History may tell us that
solutions. sia was interested in its traditional such a process will be difficult and com-
geo-politics towards Asia. plex, but it will set in motion an impor-
Under the current circumstances, it is tant change. Companies in Silicon Valley
necessary to review the configuration of Democracy is different for Western will lag behind the development of Asia
European and international security. The and Eastern countries because of history, and the Pacific.
solution is a multilateral international religion and other values. We are in a pe-
system. riod in which countries are in conflict Many digital companies from Asia,
thanks to their tendency to promote dif- China, South Korea and Japan will ex-
Moscow is particularly keen to seize ferent values in the chaos of the interna- ternalize production and increase their
control of Eastern and Western Ukraine tional system. digital activities in states such as India,
as a buffer between NATO and the Rus- Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.
sian Federation. At the same time, Uk- In 1910, Norman Angelli, in his book
raine does not accept any of the existing “The Great Illusion”, says that war is not One of the important elements of glo-
borders being changed by Russia. the conquest of lands, because in a mo- balization is represented by regional or-
dern world, in the age of commerce, we- ganizations.
It is clear that negotiations are needed. alth is based on loans and commercial
If Ukraine and Russia continue not to ne- contracts, because neither the people nor It is clear that regional organizations
gotiate, a mediator like President Erdo- the popular bankers accept war. Conque- are extremely important to member sta-
gan, who invites Ukrainian and Russian ring lands, killing people, destroying in- tes as a way to defend their interests aro-
delegations to Istanbul, will be very use- frastructures is not solutions of our time. und the world. For many states, regional
ful. The events in the Russia-Ukraine con- integration is the best way for their de-
flict make it clear that the old system will velopment and security.
Russia’s conflict with Ukraine caused not bring any solution for the future.
the USA and other western countries to The cooperation between the European
take a supporting position in the name of One of the important players is the Eu- Union and Central Asia adopted a new
Ukraine, which will continue to fight at ropean Union, which can form a bridge strategy regarding Central Asia and held
different points such as Kyiv, Mariuopol, a Top Level meeting on this topic in Buc-
Kharkov, Nycolaesc, Kherson, Odessa,
Transnistria. It is difficult to predict what

51

harest and designed a platform for sus- tion in the relations between the EU, (December 2019). I know that the 25th
tainable development in the region. China and Japan. The Middle East was a Anniversary of Eurasian Economic Sum-
priority for Romania to start cooperation mit is dedicated to the Ukrainian-Russian
EU’s trade relations adopted the “Free with SEAE on the region. One of the conflict and learning to prevent similar
Trade Agreement” and the “Agreement most important initiatives, organized a crises. But it will also underline the glo-
for the Protection of Investment” bet- Summit between the European Union bal importance of the Belt and Road ini-
ween the EU and Singapore, the “Trade and the League of Arab States for the first tiative and the collaboration and
Partnership Agreement” with Japan, the time. partnership between the Global Business
“Free Trade Agreement” and the “Agree- Communities. I congratulate you for the
ment for the Protection of Investment” We also organized a negotiation and excellent organization of this summit and
with Vietnam. Romania, in its capacity conclusion process on Iran (February wish success for the future of His Excel-
as EU presidency in 2019, took part to 2019) and contributed to the preparation lency Dr. Akkan Suver and his team.
support the constructive agenda coopera- of the conference on Syria in Bruxelles

H.E. Lİ JİE

V. President of the Chinese Peoples Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA)

Contributing Chinese Wisdom for Comprehensively Handling Global Challenges
on Security and Development

Your Excellency, President Akkan fairs and exchange views on global is- cent years.
Suver, Distinguished Guests, Ladies sues of common concern. Old problems have not been resolved
and Gentlemen,
At present, changes in the world, of the while new issues have been emerging
Please allow me at the outset to extend times, and in the history are unfolding in one after another. The outbreak of the
my congratulations on the successful an unprecedented way. Human society is Russia-Ukraine conflict has been a fac-
convening of the 25th Eurasian Economic facing severe traditional and non-tradi- tor of influence on regional and global
Summit. It is a great honor for me to be tional security challenges. From the pers- security and stability. Meanwhile, outda-
invited to the summit to represent the pective of traditional security, the risk of ted thinking such as Cold War mentality,
Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Af- geopolitical conflict is on the rise in re- hegemony and group confrontation, is

52

resurging when certain major power has port. reboot the world economy while balan-
played up and pushed forward power 53 countries have become members of cing development and security.
competition and military blocs expansion
in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. It the Group of Friends of the Global De- We should stick to the orientation of
has consequently destroyed the sound at- velopment Initiative. In April this year, at development, proactively improve the
mosphere for peaceful development. the opening ceremony of the 2022 An- people’s well-being, narrow the differen-
nual Conference of Boao Forum for Asia, ces between rich and poor, and eliminate
From the perspective of non-traditional President Xi Jinping, further put forward the huge gaps in the development of co-
security sectors, the COVID-19 pande- the Global Security Initiative and called untries, so as to promote balanced, coor-
mic is still spreading around the world. on the international community to adhere dinated and inclusive development in the
The global economic recovery remains to a vision of common, comprehensive, world. Either decoupling or disruption of
fragile and weak while climate change cooperative and sustainable security. supplies should be firmly opposed. By
and cyber-security issues are still chal- strengthening coordinated policies, we
lenging. He explicitly answered the question of should build up an open global economy
the times i.e. What kind of security thin- and maintain the global supply chains
In addition, non-traditional security king does the world need and how can stable and unimpeded.
threats triggered by traditional security countries achieve common security? His
issues, such as food, refugee, financial, initiative echoed the urgent need of the Secondly, we should resolve the prob-
and development crises, are also beco- international community to maintain lems via negotiation and jointly search
ming increasingly prominent. It seems world peace and unity, to prevent con- for political resolutions to hot-spot issues.
that we are confronted with more and flicts and wars, and thus has been widely
more global problems which are more in- recognized and supported by the interna- It is suggested that we strengthen the
tractable than ever before. How to break tional community. strategic communication and cooperation
through the current predicament has be- among nations, enhance mutual trust in
come a common concern and task for the Ladies and Gentlemen, security, settle problems, manage diffe-
international community. The Eurasian continent is the largest rences and enlarge shared security inte-
geographic unit in the world, playing a rests.
Ladies and Gentlemen, substantial role in the global political and
China is always concerned about the economic system. Varied geographic in- In a scenario of forming the internatio-
problems and challenges faced by global terests of different parties dramatically nal and regional structures of security, the
development and security. collide in this land and the political struc- demands of all parties should be taken
China has made continuous efforts to tures here are more than complicated. into consideration and the interests of all
provide its proposal and contribute its Every single change political structu- parties should be included.
wisdom. In September 2021, President res in the Eurasian continent has altered
Xi Jinping proposed the Global Develop- the historic trend of the world and exerted Thirdly, we should strengthen solida-
ment Initiative at the general debate of major a influence on global peace and rity and cooperation to jointly improve
the 76th United Nations General As- stability. the global system of security governance.
sembly. Currently, we are at the crossroad of It is suggested to comprehensively add-
He called on the international commu- history and face two options. ress traditional and non-traditional thre-
nity to adhere to the idea of prioritising Should we confront others by forming ats to security, enhance international
and having people-centered advance- cliques or alliances, undermine the inter- unity against pandemics, jointly counter-
ment. He advocated for inclusiveness, in- national order under the disguise of so - strike terrorism, and push forward to
novation-driven progress, harmonious called “rules”, and drag the world into the build up a fair, cooperative and win-win
co-existence between mankind and na- shadow of a “Neo Cold War”? Or should international system of nuclear security.
ture, and action oriented initiatives. we defuse crises with wisdom and cou-
He called on all nations to strengthen rage, and march forward with joint hands We should promote to improve the
international cooperation in the areas of along the right track of peace and deve- rules governing new territories such as
poverty alleviation, food security, anti lopment? the deep sea, polar regions, outer space
epidemic and vaccines, financing for de- I am convinced that all peace-loving and the internet.
velopment, climate change and green de- countries and people devoted progress
velopment, industrialization, digital will choose a right decision. We should practise global governance
economy and interconnection, to accele- China does not only advocate the Glo- guided by the principles of extensive con-
rate the implementation of the 2030 bal Development Initiative and the Glo- sultation, joint contribution and shared
Agenda for Sustainable Development bal Security Initiative but also practises benefits, thus preventing and dissolving
and achieve stronger, greener and healt- these two initiatives with concrete the predicaments of security.
hier global development. moves.
The moment the Global Development In order to promote global peace, secu- Fourthly, we should safeguard the Uni-
Initiative was put forward, the internatio- rity and development, China is willing to ted Nation’s authority and practice real
nal community welcomed this idea wi- work together with other nations on the multilateralism.
dely and responded positively. More than following goals:
100 countries have extended their sup- Firstly, we should make joint efforts to We should unswervingly safeguard the
international system with the UN as the
core and the international order based on
international laws, so as to stick to the
common value of mankind such as peace,
development, fairness, justice, democ-
racy and freedom.

53

H.E. ENVER HÜSEYİN

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy of North Macedonia

The Importance of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

Distinguished Guests. Esteemed Repre- will also contribute to the reduction of gre- the import dependency indicator for the In-
sentatives of our business world. enhouse gas emissions from the energy sec- tegration and Security catagory of the energy
Our topic is “Collaboration and Partners- tor by 55% compared to the emissions in markets, and the total system cost of Rese-
hip Between Global Business Communities 1990. arch, Innovation and Competitiveness.
In The New Energy Field”. I would like to
talk to you about the Program for the Deve- This transformation of the energy sector The integrated results of the Energy Stra-
lopment of the Energy Development Stra- will also contribute to the reduction of gre- tegy Green Scenario in 2025 show signifi-
tegy (Implementation) of 2021-2025 in enhouse gas emissions from the energy sec- cant progress towards the energy transition.
North Macedonia. tor by 55% compared to the emissions in According to this scenario, 12.7% savings
1990. are foreseen in final energy consumption in
As the Republic of Northern Macedonia, 2025.
we are preparing a program for the Energy All this can be achieved at a lower cost of
Development Strategy between the years energy system compared to the price, in a It is estimated that import dependency will
2021-2025, taking some measures and steps. scenario with smaller investments in energy reach 72% due to the opening of new facili-
efficiency and renewable energy sources. ties for the generation of electricity from na-
To create a reliable, efficient, environmen- tural gas, which is imported fuel, in the event
tally friendly and competitive energy system This vision of the strategy is appropriately that the Manastır (Bitola) Thermo Electric
that can promote the country’s sustainable reflected in the program to realize the stra- Power Plant is shut down, but on the other
economic growth. Reducing energy con- tegy. hand, this will also contribute to the reduc-
sumption by 27% and increasing the Do- tion of greenhouse gas emissions.
mestic Gross Product at the same time is the The Energy Strategy consists of 6 indica-
vision of the Energy Development Strategy. tors in order to monitor the development of Investments in renewable energy sources
the energy system in all catagories. will increase their share of gross final energy
The current share of renewable energy is consumption to 30%, contributing to a 55%
expected to reach 45% from 18% in 2040. There is an indicator for each catagory , reduction in greenhouse gas emissions com-
This will ensure that import dependency does except for the decarbonization catagory pared to 1990.
not increase from the level in 2019. (GHG emissions and share of renewable
energy sources), where two are defined. In 2025, the total cost of the energy system
This transformation of the energy sector will cost 3.4 Billion Euros. And it includes
The realization of the goals defined in the
Energy Efficiency catagory is monitored by

54

investments, energy costs and maintenance riod, final energy consumption will decrease (1) In the Western Balkans, where the
costs. It is envisaged that the Republic of by 2.2% in the same period. The process of change is 70%, the situation in the field of
North Macedonia will be fully aligned with separating energy needs and the final energy decarbonisation is based on the use of coal
the legal regulations of the Energy Commu- consumption is the main indicator for the for electricity generation and in some coun-
nity and the EU, that is, all legal requirements successful implementation of energy effici- tries this ratio exceeds 97 per cent, but with
of the Energy Community and the EU will ency measures. In 2020, energy savings will the exception of Albania, the country with
be implemented. reach 27.8%. Fuels used for electricity and the largest share of electricity.
diesel consumption will continue to domi-
North Macedonia could benefit from in- nate. (2) To complete the regional energy mar-
creased access to green energy support. Ac- ket,
cording to the 2021-2025 Energy But there is a change in the use of other
Development Strategy Implementation fuels. In other words, the biggest difference (3) It is necessary to make use of the po-
Program, the total value of the investments will be in natural gas consumption, which tential of wind and solar, as well as focusing
in the energy sector is approximately 4.7 bil- will increase more than 6.5 times in the on decarbonization, renewable energy field,
lion Euros, which shows the annual average 2017-2025 period, while coal consumption hydroelectric and bioenergy, at the lowest
value of the planned investments as approxi- will decrease by more than 40%. This is due possible cost, to increase energy efficiency.
mately 940 million. The currency in line with to the replacement of coal technologies in the It also supports the natural gas decarbonisa-
the Energy Development Strategy of the Re- sector with natural gas technologies. In ad- tion process. It takes work to improve. The
public of North Macedonia until 2040 is the dition, renewable energy sources and district Green Agenda also envisions innovative fi-
EURO. heating heat are expected to increase their nancial instruments for support and imple-
ideals in final energy consumption. mentation. Green Agenda for the Western
Given the current gap between the invest- Balkans:
ments required to implement the National As a result of the reduction in coal con-
Energy Development Strategy and the local sumption, there is a significant reduction in • Green Bonds –
economy’s opportunity and capacity to make energy consumption. (Bonds)- It is the term used for projects on
major investments in the energy sector, it is the prevention of climate change and the en-
not possible to achieve the objectives of the According to the Energy Strategy, with the vironment.
Strategy without mobilizing the private sec- introduction of the expected CO2 (Carbon Green bonds Agenda to mobilize public
tor. Among the various forms of attracting Dioxide) tax in 2023 and at the same time and private investment - According to our
private capital to finance the development of fulfilling the strictest environmental stan- legislation, infrastructure projects for the
the energy sector, the Public-Private Part- dards, coal-fired power plants will be predo- realization, in addition to the central go-
nership has a special place.The Government, minantly replaced by renewable power vernment, but also local self-government
therefore, needs to quickly initiate the im- plants, but will lead to a 9% reduction in (municipalities). Municipalities can issue
plementation of the World Bank recommen- energy consumption in 2025 compared to bonds under certain conditions.
dations for Public Private Partnership in the 2017. (1) Obtaining approval from the Ministry
Republic of North Macedonia: (1) Adoption affects the amount of public debt for finance,
of a high level of Public Private Partnership POLICIES AND PRECAUTIONS which will evaluate the financial results first.
policy and strategy. (2) Separation of exca- (2) It will set emission limits and
vation concessions from the existing Public To achieve the objectives of the indicators, (3) The financial capacity of the munici-
Private Partnership law. (3) The Ministry of 66 detailed measures have been defined. On pality for normal debt repayment has been
Economy needs to strengthen its capacity to the other hand, decomposing some measu- established by issuance. In any case, except
objectively evaluate PPP projects from eco- res in the action plan may include more than for the city of Skopje, which has been fi-
nomic and legal aspects, as well as provide 80 policies and measures in the program for nances, the realization capacity of bonds and
strong and effective monitoring and repor- the realization of the strategy. Measures are the possibilities of other municipalities are
ting on project progress. The Ministry of Fi- divided into columns Within the columns quite limited. In the past, credit notes were
nance needs to strengthen its capacity to there is a division by sectors or fuels. also prepared to identify municipalities.
evaluate the financial results of PPPs. • European Union Instrument for Pre-Ac-
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GREEN cession Assistance (3) - funds from IPA 3
(4) Capacity building and overall transpa- • Natural Equity Mutual Funds - funds
rency for the development and management AGENDA FOR THE WESTERN BALKANS from this fund are related to the second co-
of projects implemented through Public Pri- lumn. Green Agenda on the circular eco-
vate Partnerships in local self-government It is very important to make the best use of nomy recycling, sustainable production and
units. financial support for Western countries. For efficient use of resources;
the implementation of the so-called Green Funds from international financial institu-
With the implementation of Energy Effi- agenda in the Balkans, on 6 October 2020, tions will also be important. Europe is the
ciency policies and measures, final energy the European Commission published “Di- European Investment Bank (EIB), which
consumption will approach the useful energy rectives”. Implementation of the Green will establish the Structural Reform Support
demand and thus households in the sector Agenda for the Western Balkans”. One of the Facility instrument which is particularly im-
will be almost at the same level in 2025. pillars of green, namely the Western Balkans portant in this context. The Investment Fra-
agenda, addresses climate action, which in- mework in the Western Balkans is an
As a matter of fact, while the energy need cludes, inter alia, decarbonisation, energy important tool that is also active in Europe.
(for heating, cooling, hot water heating, etc.) and mobility of particular importance accor-
will increase by 9.3% in the 2017-2025 pe- ding to the EU:

55

Regional Energy Efficiency Program - ments have been in existence for a long time med businessmen and our representatives in
implementing efficiency projects in line with in the EU. Government, authorized minis- the business world, to our friends who want
European standards to support energy pro- tries, professional experts and public admi- to invest in the field of renewable energy and
jects and financial efficiency projects to fi- nistration, in general, should scrutinize those expand your existing capacity in this field.
nance businesses, households and public working in this field. Because access to them As you can see in our presentation, the NM
sector organisations. will be predetermined according to the ca- Government is open to cooperation in the
pacity of the enterprise in the first place. It is planned strategy. I invite you, esteemed bu-
• Western Balkans Guarantee Facility - the green agenda area that the EU must meet sinessmen and companies who are interested
private equity to work for guarantee prog- strict criteria and standards for competent in this field to our country, Macedonia, and
rams and green investments, authorities, public administration, initiating we have clearly stated that you will be faci-
and developing quality projects. Finally, litated in this regard. Thank you for listening
It is clear that it offers an extremely wide today, I would like to invite you, our estee- to us with patience.
spectrum and possibilities for the realization
of Green. Some of these financial instru-

H.E. IBROKHIM ABDURAKHMONOV

Minister of Innovative Development, Uzbekistan

Today scientists are on the frontlines trying to save lives, and challenging the environmental
issues with torrents of scientific knowledge in collaboration with
their colleagues from the other parts of the world

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, La- In Uzbekistan, and perhaps worldwide, pulation living there, the ecosystem and bio-
dies and Gentlemen, today no challenge poses a greater threat to diversity.
On behalf of the Ministry of Innovative our planet, and future generations than cli-
Development, I would like to extend a very mate change, there is no other environmen- From the imminent risk of global environ-
warm welcome to all representatives of this tal disaster than the desiccation of the Aral mental catastrophe, we have indeed learned
Summit, and thank President of the Marmara Sea, that can better illustrate the importance a lesson, which once again confirmed that
Group Strategic and Social Research Foun- of ecological crisis. The sea, which was once achieving the goals of sustainable develop-
dation, His Excellency Dr Akkan Suver and a unique, beautiful and one of the largest clo- ment and becoming carbon neutral will re-
the professional team of organizers for their sed water reservoirs in the world, is practi- quire us to move forward towards a greener
initiative and endeavour to make this event cally on the verge of complete disappearance world with clean, renewable energy, to de-
possible. and turned into an unprecedented disaster velop the necessary infrastructure and
and irreparable damage to the life of the po- change our way of life.
Honourable Hosts and Guests,
Acknowledging the importance of the

56

issue, Uzbekistan is paying a particular im- larger amounts of this material, the demand issues with torrents of scientific knowledge
portance to the development of “green” in- will be rapidly growing and we are planning in collaboration with their colleagues from
dustry and to the transition to renewables to expand our production volumes to 400 other parts of the world.
from the fossil fuel-based energy production. thousand metric tonnes amounting to 8 bil-
lion US Dollars in the coming years. But as nature knows no boundaries, our
Notably, we have allocated more than 0.5 success depends not on our individual acti-
million US dollars for research projects with The reforms in these spheres allowed our ons but far more on our collective decisions
a view to advance our capacity for produc- country to enter the rating of the Global In- and commitments.
tion, storage and transport of hydrogen, in novation Index for the first time after a long
addition to the National hydrogen strategy, break. We ranked 93rd out of 131, which is a Countries and governments have much to
that is currently being drafted through exa- significant increase from 122nd in 2015. contribute to green and sustainable develop-
mining European, American, Japanese, Ko- ment. But they cannot do it alone. Counte-
rean and other developed nations’ We could not have achieved the same end ring the impact of climate change will
experience. without the international community and we demand a combination of innovative scienti-
value our cooperation with our partners ac- fic projects and rapid advances in technology
At the same time, the first practical results ross the globe. To date, over 6 million dol- — coordinated through farsighted, humane,
were achieved in the form of finished pro- lars was allocated to support 70 international science-centred international unity. And I
ducts and solutions, including an electrolysis research projects with foreign partners. In hope that this forum will help open new pers-
device that allows to obtaining 1 cubic metre order to consolidate the gains, the Ministry pectives for such cooperation.
of hydrogen with only 6 kW energy and fuels is doing its utmost to ensure that internatio-
with heavy oxides for hydrogen-powered car nal scientific collaboration is being advanced We believe that by joint efforts we will be
manufacturing. further. able to give new dynamics and impulse to
further mutually beneficial cooperation.
We are also creating a copper cluster by in- Honourable Hosts and Guests,
tegrating the science and industry in the pro- Today scientists are on the frontlines trying Let me once again welcome you and wish
cess. As electric vehicle production requires to save lives and challenging environmental you fruitful work in the framework of this
forum.

H.E. SAMİR VALİYEV

Deputy Minister of Energy, Azerbaijan

The energy building is a building that can unite our entire planet

and make our common future healthier

Esteemed Panel Participants! I greet you The direct dependence of the common fu- of global warming that our planet is facing.
all and wish the Summit to be useful for ture of humanity on energy becomes clearer Considering that the main share of green-
all of us. against the background of the consequences house gases emitted into the environment

57

comes from energy, and in parallel, new pro- H.E. Samir Valiyev Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan with H.E. Sadi
duction facilities must be put into operation Qodirzoda Chairman of the State Committee of Investment and State
to meet the growing energy demand, new so- Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan
urces must be found. at the Summit

At the same time, as you know, like food red, human resources must be developed, re- steps for the transition to clean energy. The
and medicine, energy is one of the basic search and development activities must be application of the most advanced energy ef-
needs, but a significant part of our planet is supported, regional and international coope- ficiency tools, the formation of intelligent
facing energy poverty, hundreds of millions ration must be strengthened, and countries institutions connecting the production,
of people today do not have accesso electri- must support each other. The seriousness of supply and consumption chains, the creation
city, and a significant portion of the world’s the problem before us must be understood by of flexible and resilient networks, and inno-
population does not have a “clean kitchen” all countries and people, and a change in pe- vative development create conditions for
and cooks and meets heating needs using tra- ople’s attitude towards energy must be for- more efficient use of energy.
ditional biofuels. med. The energy we do not save and waste
may cost the years that we steal from the However, it seems that we do not have the
As you can see, two important issues – the lives of future generations. desired result yet. Our steps must be accele-
energy and environmental security of our rated; our cooperation must be strengthened.
planet - are intertwined, and the future of our The researches contribute to the develop- Sharing experience and technology, sharing
planet depends on how we can maintain this ment of clean energy technologies and the re- information means that everyone gains from
connection. I call it the security of our pla- duction of energy production and supply innovation and benefits, and we must make
net, because both issues are no longer inter- costs, implemented measures, long-term an effort to do so. The energy building is a
nal problems of the countries, but should be goals and defined policies lead to practical building that can unite our entire planet and
resolved through joint decisions and policies. results. It is gratifying that the efficiency of make our common future healthier. Each of
clean energy technologies is increasing and, us should try to contribute to the construc-
We must constantly seek to meet the gro- in parallel, technologies are becoming chea- tion of this building based on sound founda-
wing demand and energy needs of people, per. The establishment of regional energy tions.
which are one of the most basic needs. Ho- markets and energy exchange are important
wever traditional energy sources, which are Thank you for your attention.
depleting and causing serious consequences
for our future, are not the way out. Today, the
transition to clean energy means that the fo-
undations of our energy building are more
solid. To this end, the use of renewable
energy sources, hydrogen, and other clean
energy sources should be our top priority.
The longevity of the energy building, which
will be based on clean energy sources, de-
pends on our efficient use of energy in the fu-
ture.

While energy poverty creates an intole-
rable situation, the fact that we have to deal
with energy waste and the ones who are most
exposed to the environmental problems cau-
sed by the energy waste are the people facing
energy poverty, should mobilize and urge
everyone to take sharper and more drastic
measures.

We have only one way out, we are not able
to use our planet separately, we cannot sepa-
rate the atmosphere and the oceans as we se-
parate the borders. Other countries feel the
damage done to nature by each country.
Today, we must act together. Energy and eco-
logy must be united, and all countries must
work to preserve this unity, and act together.

We are convinced that the transition to
clean energy and energy efficiency is the fu-
ture of the world, and only with international
cooperation can we achieve beneficial re-
sults.

Technology and experience must be sha-

58

H.E. SENIDA MESI

M.P., Deputy Prime Minister of Albania (2017-2021)

It is essential for governments to learn the lessons from the pandemic

and build more resilient and inclusive societies

Dear Excellences, Presidents, Prime Mi- 1-the health crisis caused by the pandemic, All the countries must recognize the global
nisters, Ministers and Mayors, 2-the unprecedented (during peacetime) sustainability challenges and “put people and

Dear Distinguished and Honorable Parti- economic recession caused by social distan- the planet at the center of economic deve-

cipants and Guests! cing measures, lopment”

Dear Dr. Suver, President of the Marmara 3-the most far-reaching crisis of all, is the On the road to sustainable societies, go-

Group Foundation, climate crisis. vernments need to make consistent decisions

It is my privilege to address this Summit 4-Not to mention the disruptive war hap- about investment flows and to enable a green

and to talk about the challenges we are fa- pening nearby us in Ukraine, shaking the fo- financial sector for investing in technologies

cing the most, and what is more important to undation of peace and future development. that can help them achieve the objectives for

talk about than how we can address them and The pandemic has proven that it is para- a greener world. Greening the financial sec-

try to give solutions and work together in a mount to understand and integrate the con- tor will not come alone; it requires proactive

more Regional and Global context, as when nection between environmental and public action by governments towards transforma-

we talk about the environment, climate, an health agendas in policymaking. Cleaning tional spending and investments.

energy such issues have no borders. unsustainable supply chains and production Sustainable innovation requires long-term,

The World Health Organization (WHO) processes that lead to deforestation and bio- strategic finance, which the private sector

show that the full death toll associated di- diversity threats can help reduce the risk of will not provide unless there is a stable and

rectly or indirectly with the COVID-19 pan- future zoonotic diseases and pandemics. consistent direction for investment so that re-

demic (described as “excess mortality”) It becomes increasingly evident that the gulation and innovation converge along a

between 1 January 2020 and 31 December world lives beyond the boundaries of our pla- green trajectory. To provide this, states need

2021 was approximately 14.9 million, led to net, and that the climate and biodiversity to demonstrate a more entrepreneurial role as

the greatest peacetime economic disruption emergencies need to be integrated in the pan- demonstrated during the 2020 pandemic.

in living memory, and temporarily a serious demic recovery plans. For this purpose, an ecosystem of public

setback for sustainable development. The It is essential for governments to learn the finance is needed to direct the economy to-

world is currently facing four simultaneous lessons from the pandemic and build more wards a sustainable direction; this requires

crises: resilient and inclusive societies. alignment of priorities of multiple financial

59

institutions at various levels from monetary disproportionately burdened by costs (reg- adapt to the consequences of climate change
and macro prudential policies, down to com- ressive effect). and the need for a greener economy.
pany level economic policies.
Undesirable impacts on income distribu- Some of the targets that the Albania Go-
It is my strong belief that the SDGs (Sus- tion can be avoided if policies are designed vernment has already approved are:
tainable Development Goals) should be carefully, revenues generated by measures
drawn on to provide the framework for crea- like energy and carbon pricing are recycled •Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by
ting conditions on the finances available so to vulnerable parts of the population, energy 2030, by with 20.9%;
that only SDG-compatible investments are efficiency measures are targeted to low-in-
supported. Today, such green conditionalities come households, and green innovation is •The reducing gas emission covers other
are a unique opportunity to direct economic funded by general taxation rather than by gases than CO2
growth towards a systemic transition to sus- green surcharges.
tainability. •Measures related to environmental issues
Since the post-pandemic economic stimu- will be focused on 5 sectors, which are:
To make this transition inclusive and just, lus is larger than anything similar in living energy and transport, forest and land use, ag-
especially since the pandemic has eliminated memory, and incremental improvements are riculture, industry and waste management.
or endangered millions of jobs around the not sufficient to meet the planetary emer-
world, the impacts on employment prospects gency, each of the countries, has a once-in-a- •Also, it is intended that by 2030 Albania
and the need for new skills in the population generation opportunity to accelerate the achieves an increase in energy efficiency by
are essential elements of any economic reco- transformation to sustainable societies, whe- 8.4%, as well as an increase in the use of re-
very plan. reby governments intervene proactively and newable energy by 54.4%.
co-design a systemic green transition with
There is sufficient evidence that a ’return- stakeholders. Such an approach can ensure Also, given the great potential of solar
to-normal’economic stimulus is not only en- democratic oversight, increase the owners- energy that Albania has, the Albanian Go-
vironmentally unsustainable but also hip of investments and reforms in society, vernment through various initiatives under-
economically inferior to a green recovery and direct public funds towards the most so- taken, is giving great support to investments
strategy in which immediate interventions cially desirable uses. in the construction of photovoltaic parks in
can focus on energy efficiency retrofits and the country,which are also optimal an com-
sustainable urban mobility. Later in this de- The priorities are climate change adapta- plement of energy from HPPs (Hydro Power
cade, investments for capital-intensive pro- tion, mitigation, circular economy, nature- Plants).
jects in manufacturing and infrastructure can based solutions, and all the solutions relevant
serve as accelerators of the green transition. to climate change and biodiversity loss. This is another important step that can
make Albania the largest exporter of clean
Growth and employment enhancing mea- The most important thing is to bring the energy in a region dominated by fossil fuels,
sures are not only those related to green partnership to achieve these objectives; go- lignite or coal.
energy but also those promoting circular eco- vernments (Central and Local) must work to-
nomy, organic agriculture, and nature-based gether with Academia, Businesses, banks, To support the objectives of the European
solutions. Still, policymakers need to be FinTech and Developers, and Scientists to Union Green Deal, together with the other
aware of trade-offs – for example, recovery define to define the best and most efficient Western Balkan countries, at the Sofia Sum-
programs with short-term employment be- approaches. mit in November 2020, Albania signed two
nefits may have weaker effects on long-run Declarations:
growth, as the green transition requires com- Like other countries in the Western Bal-
mitments to public spending and pricing re- kans, Albania is increasingly endangered by 1.The Western Balkan countries on the
forms over a longer period. extreme weather events, such as floods, dro- Green Agreement Agenda, as well as
ughts, wind storms, etc.
Moreover, as green recovery measures 2.The creation of a Common Regional
seem to be most effective in places where Although a country with insignificant glo- Market, which aim to make the economies
workers already possess the necessary green bal emissions, unfortunately, Albania ranks of our countries sustainable and climate ne-
skills, appropriate training should be provi- among the countries most exposed and en- utral by 2050, through a series of political
ded for other vulnerable parts of the work- dangered by natural hazards and extreme we- and financial initiatives and reforms with all-
force. ather events. inclusive goals. Proper implementation of
these commitments is also the right path to
Apart from jobs and skills, another essen- On the one hand, Albania shows the hig- move towards a green economy, which
tial element of a just transition is the enhan- hest level of drought severity in a decade in would create new employment opportunities
cing income inequalities. As some Europe, while on the other hand, repeated in the renewable energy sector, environmen-
de-carbonization policies may have adverse floods have caused great damage, affecting tal services, tourism and circular economy.
impacts on social equity, this aspect must re- people directly, as well as negatively affec-
ceive special attention. ting some of the most important sectors of Pursuant to the obligations arising from the
the country economy, such as tourism, agri- Green Deal Agenda, Albania should develop
Some de-carbonization policies in Europe culture and energy. specific guidelines to assist its citizens in im-
may result in lower-income households be- plementing the climate policy package and
nefiting more than other income groups From 2013 until now, the Albanian Go- to ensure a smooth transition to climate ne-
(progressive effect), while other measures vernment has taken a number of important utrality, comprehensively addressing the re-
can result in lower-income households being steps related to the field of climate change levant aspects of employment and social
and energy, in order to anticipate and begin to issues related to the transition, like the last
decision, effective June 1st: the ban on plas-
tic bags, or the “National Cleaning Plan”
where the biggest role remains with civic

60

awareness and communities. How to finance a greener economy and •Establishment of a regional financial
As a conclusion I must say that with the how to achieve the SDGs? mechanism, funds, dedicated to the coun-
tries of certain regions like the Western Bal-
right policies in place, the green transition •Green, Sustainable and Social Bonds can kans, as an example, can give support and
can create additional jobs. New job oppor- be a great help toward financing sustainable accelerate the transition to climate neutrality
tunities are expected in sectors such as cons- growth and a new alternative to sovereign by 2050!
truction, sustainable transport, renewable debts/financing.
energy production, manufacturing and cir- Last but not least, we need to give the right
cular economy. The Green transition will •Engagement of Private Capital is a must. importance and the necessary financing
help to address socio-economic inequalities ESG (Economic, Social and Good Gover- tools to research and innovation to imple-
and social exclusion, improve health and nance) Policies need to be implemented as ment the right policies, and taxonomy and
well-being and promote equality so that no part of the Internal policies of the Compa- increase efficiency, in order to improve li-
one is left behind. nies and can serve as a new way to attract ving conditions, with healthier people and a
more Investors and larger financing with healthy environment.
Still another issue remains! lower IR (interest rate).

Hon. NİYAZİ YILMAZ

CEO of Bitay, Türkiye

Here we have the following expectation, we are looking to expand at markets, especially in
Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East, India and other markets,

and we saw certain opportunities from Bangladesh as well

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Excellency. crypto that. I also discuss these with my own portant for the economy. This is where we
It is a real pleasure for me to be here to 16-year-old son. I am also a pretty stereoty- are right now.
speak in front of such esteemed speakers. It pical person with my finance background.
is very important to be the guest of the Mar- Maybe this can be a nice reminder to each of My reference is related to these changes. I
mara Group Foundation us that the world is changing. am sure you remember the global economic
crisis of 2018 here. We encountered a seri-
The purpose of this event is that we will Because very different things are going on, ous crisis, especially in the real estate sector,
make certain points here as this place is a be- in real economy, in energy, there are policy- and saw very serious changes in regulations
ginning. There are so many respectable pe- related situations here. But we have to see and financial infrastructure.
ople here, we are exactly where we need to that there are intertwined situations very im-
be. So we can go further. This presentation is pactful to the economy in the landscape in Why do we have these smartphones
about Crypto, it is about digital assets. Maybe front of us right now. There are intertwined today? In in there could be a banking app, we
some people have prejudices, crypto this situations here, and this is actually very im- call them super apps. We can do anything we
want. So this is generally about the change

61

that we experience afterwards. We are a technology holding, of course we There are different visions here because we
Another point I can say here is that we can perform the crypto conversion here. We are have this technology and everything we
not only in Türkiye, but also in Estonia and need.
see new technologies and new business gro- India. We also have these licenses in the USA
ups. A payments brand in America is only 10 and we have certain companies in the UK. Crypto is improving things. We are talking
years old and is currently valued at around Therefore, we are a financial holding com- about stable digital currencies. Here we need
$10 billion. Owner of Garanti. I can give you pany. This is not a typical buy and sell ope- to pay attention to three more points. We are
many examples. Crypto is in the middle of it ration, we are buying the business here. We different from the government, digital cur-
all, this is how we see things today. Now the- are talking about clean energy here today, we rencies are available to us. We will adapt cer-
re’s a lot of speculation about this from clas- are talking about sustainable development tain things today and tomorrow. Now we are
sical traditionalist economics standpoint, but and urbanization here. going to help manage them here. We need to
there is something behind crypto. be able to easily implement these stable
Crypto itself is also very valuable in such coins. Likewise, it will help not only the go-
We call this digital transformation. Both in projects. What we have seen so far is certain vernments but also other participants in pro-
financial services and other services. Yes, it is projects and they have their own initiatives. jects, such as energy projects, real estate
still at the very beginning, but this is a pro- These projects are slowly but surely beco- projects. Do you remember what I said in the
cess that started forty years ago in Istanbul. ming realized. Projects funded specifically in first place? This is where we should be fi-
There are many companies, why did these this industry. We can see it in banking, fi- nally. I see many participants from many dif-
companies fail over the years while others nancial services, but also in securities, real ferent countries.
continued? When you look at their evalua- estate. There are very serious problems when
tion today, they are 700 times more valuable, we compare crypto to general transactions. We have the following expectation, we are
especially in terms of dollars. There are cer- Crypto brings all these processes together, looking to expand at markets especially in
tain problems with the industry. we are not tied to a single country. Energy, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans, Af-
real estate or other certain projects can add a rica, the Middle East, India and other mar-
Yes of course there are good apples and lot of value. We are a very young company, kets, and we saw certain opportunities from
bad apples and there are failures but crypto but we have formed very quickly. Currently, Bangladesh as well. If the regulation allows
and blockchain technology are fundamental we have 1 million users only in Türkiye and us, we can expand. Our team is here, we are
and very important technologies. Similarly, we are a very profitable business. We hope here, I would really love to meet you in per-
we see this in Google and Microsoft. We are we will do it in 7-10 different countries. son. If you have any personal questions,
right at the heart of this right now; we are in please do not hesitate.
Türkiye.

Hon. Mme. Nilay Özmen, Deputy Director of Marketing of BİTAY, Hon. Hong Tao-Tze President of the FOWPAL , Hon
Niyazi Yılmaz, CEO of Bitay -Türkiye, H. E. Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of T.R.N.C. and Dr. Akkan

Suver at the Summit
62

H.E. ELDOR TULYAKOV

Head of Uzbekistan Strategic Development Center

The Strategy foresees the implementation of various measures that should create the
basis for joining a number of “states with the above-average income”

Dear Friends, your Excellencies, Partici- sident Mirziyoyev took over in 2016. goals that Uzbekistan is willing to achieve
pants of the 25th Eurasian Economic FDI reached $25 billion in 2021, with within five years. This important document
Summit! will serve Uzbekistan as a baseline for furt-
about 59 thousand investment projects im- her reforms in all spheres.
I would first like to express my gratitude to plemented during the previous six years and
the organizers of the Summit. Special thanks more than 2.5 million new jobs created as a The Strategy foresees the implementation
to His Excellency Dr Akkan SUVER, Presi- result of this opening up, according to go- of various measures that should create the
dent of the Marmara Group Foundation, for vernment numbers. basis for joining a number of “states with the
inviting us and the Uzbek delegation to this above-average income.”
important event. Global corporations and dealmakers see
the country as a promising opportunity zone The country has identified target goals in
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, in Eurasia. concrete numbers and introduced the mec-
Let me briefly inform you about the recent hanisms for reaching those goals.
economic changes in Uzbekistan to make the The country recently got on Europe’s ge-
country more investment-friendly and about neralized system of preferences (GSP+) for Further economic liberalization, privatiza-
future initiatives that should increase its in- certain products that can be shipped with tion in most spheres, ensuring competition,
vestment potential even further. lower duty costs. Additionally, on April 13, elimination of monopolization, the attraction
To begin with, there has been a reduction the International Monetary Fund published a of more foreign investment, price stabiliza-
in the total number of taxes from 13 to 9. report from their country visit. They said that tion, support of the development of “driver
And the property tax rates have been redu- Uzbekistan had weathered the pandemic “re- spheres of the economy” and decentraliza-
ced by over three times, from 5% to 1.5%. latively well”. tion that gives more authority to the regions
Personal income taxes went from 40% down are among many other priorities identified in
to 20%. The President of Uzbekistan emphasizes, the Strategy.
The economy’s average annual growth “These results inspire us to go after new fron-
under the current government has been aro- tiers”. He wants Uzbekistan to be a transpor- For instance, a target goal for the country
und 5%, with industrial growth averaging tation corridor to export goods east, via a is a 1.6-time increase in the gross domestic
about 8%. The central bank’s foreign cur- railroad to Kyrgyzstan and China, south via product (GDP) per capita in the next five
rency reserves rose from $27 billion to $35 Afghanistan, and west via a multi-modal years and the per capita income to reach
billion. transportation corridor through the South $4,000 by 2030 by ensuring stable high
Initiatives taken allowed the business to Caucasus. growth rates in all sectors of the economy,
pick up. As a result, the volume of annual fo- including energy, industry, machinery, mi-
reign direct investments has tripled since Pre- As such, in January, Uzbekistan adopted ning, agriculture and others.
its new Strategy for 2022 – 2026. The Deve-
lopment Strategy of New Uzbekistan con- The country will continue ensuring the sta-
sists of seven priority directions and 100 bility of the national economy and increasing

63

the share of industry in the GDP by increa- Hon. Mr. Mahmut Saklı extended the gratitude of the Marmara Group Founda-
sing the volume of industrial production by tion to H.E. Eldor Tulyakov Head of Uzbekistan Strategic Development Center
40%. For that, priority areas have been iden-
tified, each with its target numbers. the banking sector and increase the afforda- out decentralization reforms to support the
bility of decent banking services. development of the districts further.
These goals include implementing large
investment projects in metallurgy, increasing Export targets Keeping in mind that agriculture provides
the production volumes of gold by 26%, sil- Uzbekistan plans to increase the Repub- a high percentage of the state’s GDP, the an-
ver by 42%, and a two-fold increase in cop- lic’s exports to $30 billion by 2026 to main- nual growth rate of agriculture is expected to
per and ferrous metal products. tain sustainable economic development. be at least 5%, which should lead to an in-
Hence, bringing the share of the private sec- crease in farmers’ incomes by at least two-
Production in the chemical industry will tor in exports to 60% is a priority. fold. Acceleration of the processes of
be worth $2 billion by developing the che- Accordingly, by improving the system of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade
mical and gas industries and bringing the providing organizational and financial assis- Organization (WTO) is also among the prio-
level of natural gas processing from 8% to tance to exporting enterprises, the country is rities of the Development Strategy of Uzbe-
20%. willing to increase the number of exporting kistan. In the meantime, the expansion of
enterprises from 6,500 to 15,000. Expanding exports of finished products to European co-
All of these plans require an uninterrupted the geography of exports of goods from 115 untries within the framework of the GSP +
supply of electricity to the economy. There- to 150 countries is also expected. system will remain a priority.
fore, in addition to other planned measures, To further support entrepreneurship, the
the active introduction of green technologies government plans to reduce the tax burden As you can see, dear participants of the
in all areas, an increase in energy efficiency on business entities by 2026 from 27.5% to Summit, Uzbekistan has identified several
by 20%, and a reduction in emissions of 25% of GDP and decrease the value-added priorities for economic transformation in its
harmful gases into the atmosphere by 10% tax (VAT) from 15% to 12%, as well as re- Development Strategy.
are proposed. duce the profit tax for telecommunications,
banking and finance sectors from 20% to The realization of all these measures re-
For example, by 2026, there is a planned 15%. quires high potential and substantial resour-
increase in electricity production by an addi- The government is planning to increase the ces. As such, cooperation with its allies and
tional 40 billion kW/h, bringing the total to economic potential of the regions by carrying integration into the world community has
110 billion kW/h. been prioritized in many of the goals set in
the Strategy.
Furthermore, the government intends to
save about 3 billion cubic meters of natural
gas by bringing the share of renewable
energy sources up to 25% of energy produc-
tion by 2026. In conjunction with this, redu-
cing the emission of harmful gases into the
atmosphere by 8 million tons is also a prio-
rity. Another important goal is transforming
the digital economy into the core “driver”
sphere of the economy. Implementing work
aimed at increasing the digital economy’s vo-
lume by at least 2.5 times is also a goal to
strengthen the country’s potential in this new
sphere.

Planned reforms need a constant flow of
investments that require an appropriate in-
vestment environment and the rule of law.
Accordingly, taking measures to attract the
necessary $120 billion over the next five
years, including foreign investment of $70
billion, is another crucial goal for the go-
vernment to realize.

Moreover, the country is planning to re-
form its capital markets. Thus, it plans to in-
crease financial resources in the economy by
bringing the capital market volume from
$200 million to $7 billion over the next five
years.

The completion of the transformation of
the banking system, bringing the share of
banking assets of private banks from 20% to
60% in 2026, in general, is a goal to reform

64

H.R.H. Prince RADU

Prince of Romania

The Royal House of Romania had a serious part in supporting
the Ukrainian refugees who came to our country, as well as in supporting

our communities who host the refugees

The Eurasian Economic Summit has reac- refugees. Together with the Romanian Red Hon. Prof. Dr. Ali Kemal Özdemir
hed its 25th Anniversary, and this proves Cross, the National Gendarmerie, the Fire extended the gratitude of the
the perseverance and vision that the Marmara Brigades, the Border Police, local authori- Marmara Group Foundation to H.R.H
Group Foundation had in bringing together ties, and many NGOs, and in partnership Prince Radu, Prince of Romania
tens of countries in Europe and Asia, in with United Nation Agency for Refugees,
trying to build lasting bridges between our we have tried to address the serious huma-
economies, and our cultures, our mindsets nitarian crisis caused by the tragedy in Uk-
and our traditions. For all this, I convey my raine in a profound, lasting, and long term.
warmest congratulations to the Chairman
and the admirable team of the Marmara It will be years before the unfortunate ef-
Group Foundation. fects of the still ongoing conflict subside,
and Ukrainian people in exile need schools
Nevertheless, our civic dialogue has for their children, homes, adequate medical
never been more important than it is this treatment and, above all, the right jobs.
year, so tragically marked by the armed con- Their integration into society, both now and
flict in Ukraine, a devastating moment for in the future, is fundamental for Ukraine, for
millions of people, who have found refuge Romania and the Republic of Moldova, for
in my country and in the neighbouring co- Poland, for all the countries in our region.
untries. I am very proud of the way Roma-
nia has contributed to the security efforts in Last, but not least, most beautiful and up-
the region within NATO, both before and lifting experience generated by this deva-
since the beginning of the conflict. stating conflict is human solidarity,
kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion
The unity of will, principles and values of for others, regardless of nationality, ethni-
our transatlantic family of countries is cru- city, religion, or language. A tragedy has
cial, as the past, the recent past and the pre- brought us, Europeans, closer than my ge-
sent teach us. neration could have ever hoped. Thank you
for the wisdom of bringing together, in such
The Royal House of Romania had a seri- a difficult time, more than 40 nations in the
ous part in supporting the Ukrainian refu- Eurasian space, to talk about values, dignity,
gees who came to our country, as well as in and a stable future for the planet!
supporting our communities who host the

65

Hon. GOHAR BARSEGHYAN

Eurasian Economic Commission Director

During the 10 years of its activity, the Eurasian Economic Commission has managed to form
an extensive network of international contacts in the Eurasian region

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentle- the Eurasian region. At the same time, it is It is worth mentioning that the formation
men, on behalf of the Eurasian Econo- encouraging for us that holding events on the of regional structures in the Eurasian space
mic Commission – the supranational Eurasian theme has become kind of a trend has also become a trend. There is a wide va-
regulatory body of the Eurasian Economic today. In this sense, I would like to mention riety of regional associations, some of which
Union, which unites five countries: the Re- that the representatives of the Commission deal with security issues, some of which at-
public of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, repeatedly took part in the Verona Forum. tach more importance to the cultural and hu-
the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Re- manitarian sphere, but economic cooperation
public, and the Federation, I would like to Moreover, just two weeks ago the first Eu- is the key sphere that unites them all.
thank the organizers for the invitation to take rasian Economic Forum was held in the ca-
part in today’s event. pital of Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek, where not At the EEC, we also do not merely focus
only representatives of the five EAEU Mem- on the development of integration within the
The first thing I would like to note is the in- ber States but also official and business circ- Union, but also strive to build cooperation
creased interest in the Eurasian topic. The les from various countries of our large region with foreign partners.
Eurasian Economic Commission is partici- were present. In my opinion, such public dis-
pating in this event for the first time, cussions aimed at strengthening economic During the 10 years of its activity, the Eu-
cooperationin the Eurasian region become rasian Economic Commission has managed
but I know that the Summit has a long and especially important when there are challen- to form an extensive network of international
successful history and is being held for the ges at the political level. contacts in the Eurasian region.
25th time this year.
The second point that I would like to draw Thus, cooperation with the countries of
It is safe to say that the Summit has already your attention to is the role of partnerships in Southeast Asia is actively developing. Viet-
become one of the first platforms where it is the global economy, which is the main topic nam became the first country with which the
possible to discuss socio-economic problems of today’s session. EAEU concluded a Free Trade Agreement,
and the development of cooperative ties in shortly after a similar document was signed

66

with Singapore. Moreover, there is a forma- of today's session. I would like to emphasize Sustainable Development Goals.
lized dialogue with Cambodia, Indonesia and
Thailand through signing Memorandums. that the chosen issues such as digitalization, The EAEU became the first regional eco-

Of course, our largest trade and economic energy and the “green economy” are the nomic integration organization
partner is China, the EAEU has several ag-
reements with China, including on trade and touch points that could become an impetus to analyze the levels of implementation of
economic cooperation.
for intensifying practical economic coopera- the Sustainable Development Goals
The Interim Agreement was also signed
leading to the formation of a free trade zone tion, as well as the basis for the formation of within the Union. Based on the results of
between the EAEU and Iran, and the Me-
morandum of Cooperation was concluded the GEP. the work carried out, it became obvious that
with Bangladesh. At the moment, we conti-
nue on working on the formation of an FTA All these areas are included in the agenda the integration processes have a positive
with India, Indonesia, Mongolia, etc.
of the EAEU, and active work is being im- effect on the growth of SDG indicators. Mo-
Traditionally, great importance is attached
to strengthening the dialogue plemented on each of them: reover, the achievement of the Sustainable

of the EAEU with the States of Central Thus, the digital agenda for the Union is a Development Goals by the EAEU countries
Asia and the entire post-Soviet region.
vital necessity designed to ensure the com- is more effective in those areas of the eco-
I am glad to see at today’s Summit the
representatives of Uzbekistan, petitiveness of our economies. nomy that are subject to supranational regu-

which is an observer country in the Eura- Digitalization spreads in all areas of the latory measures.
sian Economic Union.
Union’s activities: from customs administra- Summing up, dear colleagues, I would like
Now I would like to make a special emp-
hasis on the development of interaction bet- tion and taxation, traceability systems for to say that in today’s geopolitical and geo-
ween the EAEU and regional associations
operating in Eurasia. It has become obvious goods, transit, technical regulation and vete- economic conditions, we will be able to solve
that in today’s realities of turbulence and
transformation of the world economy, the rinary and phytosanitary control measures, the challenges we face only if we act toget-
role of integration structures is only increa-
sing. and public procurement to cross-industry di- her, unitedly.

Thus, today among the EAEU partners in gital ecosystems as part of digital transfor- As a representative of an international eco-
the Eurasian region are such regional asso-
ciations as the Commonwealth of the Inde- mation in the Union. nomic organization, I always advocate for
pendent States, the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization, the Association of Southeast The EAEU is also developing special di- the position that geopolitics should not pre-
Asian Nations as well as the Conference
gital projects that have a social focus vail over
on Interaction and Confidence Building
Measures in Asia. The development and are designed to help improve the li- the economy, as well as the social and hu-

of a systematic dialogue with these asso- ving standards of the Union’s citizens. manitarian spheres. I am convinced that we
ciations is currently one of our priorities,
As for energy, it is certainly a system-for- can only build a strong Eurasia through joint
which is enshrined in the Strategic Direc-
tions for the Development of Eurasian Eco- ming area for the economies of our states and efforts, basing cooperation on mutual inte-
nomic Integration until 2025.
hence plays a significant role in our integra- rests. Thank you for your attention!
Having established close relations with
many of the largest players in the Eurasian tion. Currently, the Eura-
space, the EAEU stands for the promotion
and implementation of the Greater Eurasian sian Economic Union is
Partnership initiative (GEP). The EEC and
the EAEU Member States developed a wide implementing a large-
infrastructure of the Union’s international ac-
tivities in Greater Eurasia. scale project with an im-

While talking on GEP we should also not plementation period of up
forget our partners in Europe. In the current
geo-economic realities, we should try to pre- to 2025 on the phased
serve the already established communication
channels at least at the level of business circ- formation of common
les.
markets for energy reso-
My third point concerns the subject matter
urces (electricity, gas, oil

and petroleum products).

I would like to empha-

size that the Union sets a

clear task of developing a

“green economy”. Thus,

the Eurasian Technology

Platforms (ETPs) were

formed in the EAEU,

among which the plat-

form “Technologies for

Ecological Develop-

ment”is of particular im-

portance.

As for my final point, I

would like to say that all

the mentioned areas are,

of course, relevant to the

entire world community Hon. Prof. Dr. Alovsat Amirli extended the gratitude
and strongly correlate of the Marmara Group Foundation to Hon. Mme.
with the achievement of Gohar Barseghyan, Director of Eurasian
the UN 2030 Agenda on Economic Commission

67

H.E. GRZEGORZ KOLODKO

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (1994-1997), (2002-2003), Poland

Recently, some politicians, media commentators, and economists have announced
the end of globalization. Too hastily. It is true that political globalization
is clearly receding due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Second Cold War,

notably unhealthy US-Chinese relations, and the hot war in Ukraine followed
by sanctions imposed on Russia for its adventurism, but economic globalization is irreversible

Globalization is a complex issue with Wall, in the autumn of that year – political economic integration, on the a worldwide
many faces. Its contemporary phase globalization keep up the pace with econo- scale it has not happened. The existing arc-
began three decades ago. The end of the Cold mic one, and sometimes was even ahead of hitecture of international organizations – star-
War, coupled with the market transformation it. Economic reason and political wisdom ting from the IMF, World Bank, WTO, ILO,
of the former socialist countries, enabled vast seemed to be going hand in hand. However, and WHO – provides insufficient instru-
territories from central Europe to the west it appeared quite soon that whereas ever ments for global coordination of economic
rim of the Pacific to join the global econo- more integrated world economy was emer- policies. We do have a world economy, but
mic exchange. The split into three “worlds” ging, political globalization was lagging be- we lack institutions of global governance.
– countries of advanced capitalism, centrally hind. It turned out that the political logic
planned socialist economies, and the “Third differed from the economic one, and they Recently, some politicians, media com-
World” – was becoming outdated. Certainly, began to diverge. mentators, and economists have announced
it was not the famous “end of history”, but the end of globalization. Too hastily. It is true
undoubtedly, it was a double breakthrough – In a process of consolidation on a much that political globalization is clearly receding
economic and political – in the history of the smaller scale – in the European Union – we due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Second
world. Yet, only in the early years of this do have both, an integrated economy and an Cold War, notably unhealthy US-Chinese re-
enormous spectacle – after the Polish Round advanced mechanism of policies coordina- lations, and the hot war in Ukraine followed
Table, exactly a third of a century ago in the tion. In contrast to the European project that by sanctions imposed on Russia for its ad-
spring of 1989, and the fall of the Berlin has created an entity within which political venturism, but economic globalization is ir-
integration helps to solve the problems of reversible. Yes, the convergence of these

68

shocks cause numerous difficulties in logis- Instead of a confrontation along such a line, for Prosperity, IPEF, which involves 13 co-
tics, procurement, production, and distribu-
tion of goods and services. On the one hand, two differently seen arrangements – the untries, including India, ought to serve eco-
supra-national cooperation ties, technology
transfer, and financial settlements have been Euro-Atlantic and Euro-Asian – can compete nomic globalization, too.
tarnished. On the other hand, the amassing
difficulties, starting with accelerating infla- and cooperate peacefully, without reaching The situation is getting more difficult, if
tion and deepening income inequalities, fuel
the anti-globalization sentiments of the po- “military levers”; moreover, the strengthe- not downright dangerous, when shortsighted
pulation. While globalization is not inhe-
rently the cause of the troubles, regrettably, ning of transnational economic levers may politics signifies more than economic prag-
policy instead of being increasingly pragma-
tic is resorting to populism and protectionism render military ones useless. In both blocs, a matism. And we need a lot of it; the new
– these two greatest enemies of the open
world market. This further widens the gap critical role should be played by the Euro- pragmatism aiming at triple balance – eco-
between economic globalization, which has
only temporarily lost its impetus, and politi- pean Union, which does not have to take nomic, social, and ecological – is a must. Bu-
cal globalization, which, instead of running
forward, is retreating. sides in the American-Chinese quarrels (Ko- siness, since it is a natural ally of economic

With all its drawbacks, globalization is ad- lodko, 2022). globalization, and thus, the enemy of politi-
vantageous for economic growth since it im-
plies trade across national borders, which After Russia’s historical blunder its inter- cal de-globalization, should engage more in
brings economies of scale that are reducing
unit costs of production. The combination of national role is doomed to diminish conside- this matter. The cascading challenges huma-
shocks strains but does not eliminate the
supply chains. Both, the pandemic and the rably meanwhile China has a chance to nity is facing are still manageable. However,
war in Ukraine are making an impact on ca-
pital flows, but the world is big enough to ab- strengthen further its global position. The it will not happen without the strategic vision
sorb liquid savings. If there is a capital
surplus somewhere, it is a temporary pheno- consequences of Russia’s despicable aggres- of the new world order and without an en-
menon; it will soon be absorbed elsewhere.
Transnational movement of capital, inclu- sion against Ukraine are far from clear, yet lightened political leadership.
ding portfolio and direct investment, will not
stop since it supports efficiency by reaching for a number of reasons the entity that will It is a long shot to reverse the current trend
places where it can be used more profitably.
Furthermore, cultural exchange, tourism, and evolve in the post-Putin years should not be and change international politics in a way
sport are also the persistent sides of globali-
zation, making it an internally coupled mec- forced out of the global economic exchange. making it compatible and again supportive
hanism. These spheres of activities are also
exposed to stress, but because of the unbro- Russia is too big a country to be erased from of economic globalization. It will happen in
ken people’s will to travel and stay in touch,
they will facilitate demand and growth. the world map. India and Africa will have due time, but nobody knows when such a

While after a certain period of turbulence growing significance in the geopolitical time will come.
and tough adjustments to changing social,
cultural, demographic, and technological cir- game, since they wisely
cumstances, globalization in its economic di-
mension will take off again, in its political did not allow themselves
aspect it will diverge making the overall glo-
balization relatively less progressive than it to be manipulated into
could be otherwise. Yet, there is still a chance
not to divide permanently the world into two taking a position on one
hostile blocs: the West with the US and the
EU at the helm and the East with China and of the sides of the Sino-
Russia at the fore. Such a future is envisioned
by the Economist Intelligence Unit that sup- American tag of war.
poses that these blocs will “use economic
and military levers to court countries that are While economic glo-
not aligned with either side” (EIU, 2022).
balization integrates dif-

ferent parts of the world,

political globalization

must accept its multi-

polar character. Another

occasion to follow such

a principle will occur in

November at the sum-

mits of G20 in Bali, In-

donesia, and the COP27

in Sharm El-Sheikh,

Egypt. Although they do

not encompass the

whole world, such initia-

tives as the Regional

Cooperation for Econo-

mic Partnership, RCEP,

which encompasses

China as well as Austra-

lia, Japan, South Korea,

and ten ASEAN coun-

tries, and unveiled re-

cently at the QUAD

meeting in Tokyo a new

US-led trade pact that H.E. Ertuğrul Kumcuoğlu extended the gratitude of
aims to promote regional the Marmara Group Foundation to H. E. Grzegorz
growth, the Indo-Pacific Kolodko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Economic Framework
Finance (1994-1997), (2002-2003), Poland

69

Hon. HULSUM KHALILOVA

Journalist, Ukraine

Therefore, today my profession allows me to go out for diplomacy, because the country

I am a citizen of is getting invaded against international law

Have a nice day. First of all, I would like perstructure are destroyed, thousands of pe- because Russia violates the international law,
to thank you for inviting me and allo- ople are migrating to a place of ignorance. In which is the guarantee of the whole world,
wing the voice of Ukraine to be heard. fact, the whole world is affected by the im- even as important and necessary as bread and

I am a Ukrainian citizen and Crimean Tur- migration problem. Likewise, as you know, water, violates the territorial integrity of the

kish journalist. I have personally witnessed Ukraine is the leader of the countries that im- countries of the United Nations, of which it

what is going on in the Irpin Bucha Gosro- port wheat to the world through the port of is a permanent member, and ignores interna-

mel Donbass Kherson region around Kyiv, Odessa, Ukraine is an agricultural country tional law. If there is no law in place, if the

where the war has been the most intense for both with its ports and in terms of produc- law is violated, then we go to the pre-second

more than three months. In fact, by the way, tion, but today, dozens of countries are expe- world war and even the renaissance period,

it should be emphasized that Russia’s attack riencing serious supply problems due to the because the most fundamental factor that se-

on Ukraine has continued uninterruptedly for war, we receive serious reports that many co- parates the civilized world from the middle

8 years and 105 days since the invasion of untries are ringing the alarm bells. There is a age of enlightenment - is law. And today, un-

Crimea. significant increase in oil and gas prices in fortunately, Russia tramples this law.

Dear Akkan, said that this platform is open the market. This situation puts all people of The main basis of Russia’s invasion at-

to freedom and free speech, and emphasized the world in economic distress. In addition to tempt is Ukraine’s membership process in

that the Eurasian Economic Summit attaches its attempt to invade Ukraine, Russia is ac- NATO and the European Union, but in es-

importance to democracy, law and transpa- tually harming everyone in the world by di- sence, as a post-Soviet country, Ukraine is

rency. recting the increase in oil and gas prices and free and it is possible to be a model for all co-

Therefore, today my profession allows me by blocking the Ukrainian ports. This is just untries around Russia. You appreciate that it’s

to go out for diplomacy, because the country one side of the business that is tangible and democratic. Ukraine is a threat to all autho-

I am a citizen of is getting invaded against felt people from all over the world. ritarian regimes, notably Russia and Belarus.

international law. Even as we speak here What is more serious is that the world As for Russia’s justification: starting from

now, cities are bombed, infrastructure and su- order will be seriously affected in the future, the principle of sovereignty belongs to the in-

70

different nation, I can say that if the Ukrai- vade the country they want, and thus the in- years. Is it right to exile a people and let
nian people wish, they can join the collective ternational order will be broken, and we will them be destroyed in their homeland so that
security agreement organization led by Rus- go back to the second world war. This leads Russia can dominate the Black Sea and it's
sia or the Eurasian Economic Organization. to great disasters for humanity. shores?
The Western bloc cannot interfere with this,
as there are dozens of such countries in Cen- I am asking now. Besides all this, do the Finally, I would like to end with the fol-
tral Asia and the Caucasus. so-called reasons of Russia justify the mas- lowing: The international community sho-
sacre of the Ukrainian people, the destruc- uld do its best to achieve peace, and the way
Likewise, if the Ukrainian people want, tion of their cities, and the forcing of to do this is for Russia to withdraw from the
they can join NATO and the European millions of people to migrate? East and South of Ukraine, including Cri-
Union, and Russia cannot interfere in this. mea, and return to the framework of inter-
The Ukrainian people have already made Also, I would like to note that there is a national law. If we fail to achieve this, we
their choice. Crimea right across the Black Sea. The po- cannot predict which country and people
licy of assimilation, genocide against the will be at the end of the barrel of imperia-
If it is allowed to interfere and it succe- Crimean Turks and demographic change in lism tomorrow.
eds, then anyone who can afford it will in- the peninsula has been continuing for 8

H.E. MOSUD MANNAN

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Ankara

World Environment Day was observed last Sunday, June 5 at a time the planet is facing
multiple crises - from climate change biodiversity loss, and an increase in carbon emissions
led by the United Nations Environment Programme, to raise awareness about the degrading
environment and encourage people to take positive actions and help create a better future

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, La- Communication Technologies (ICTs) were sion proposes to mainstream ICTs as a pro-
dies and Gentlemen, recognized by the world leaders as a key de- poor tool to eradicate poverty, establish good
The Summit is very timely and aligned velopment enabler in World Summit on In- governance, ensure social equity through
with the forthcoming challenges of huma- formation Society (WSIS) in Geneva in 2003 quality education, healthcare, and law enfor-
nity. We have to make united efforts to add- and in Tunis in 2005 (Tunis Commitment). cement for all, and prepare the people for cli-
ress major global challenges. We have to mate change.
work together to foster global Green Growth, “Digital Bangladesh” is a vision introdu-
while harnessing the power of technological ced and supported by the Government of It envisions the micro-level social inclu-
innovation, in particular digitalization, and Bangladesh to integrate the information and sion of the base of the pyramid population in
its application for the benefit of all. communications technologies (ICT) based the mainstream economic activities by ensu-
interventions at every level of life. The Go- ring access to information, cost-effective
As you are aware, the Information and vernment’s “Digital Bangladesh by 2021” vi- connectivity, and efficient e-governance. As

71

climate change is severely negating many ac- their education online. About 88.5% of the ICT in Business
hievements made by Bangladesh, efforts are students took online classes during the pan- The last, but not the least, outcome area
in place to implement strategies towards de- demic and among them, the majority with three broad components of Digital Ban-
veloping “Green” ICT-based nationwide in- (91.3%) of them were staying at home and gladesh is
frastructure and services all over Bangladesh. continuing their online educational support i) use of ICTs to promote access to mar-
to the students. kets by the disadvantaged producers and
Prior to the 2008 general elections in Ban- SMEs,
gladesh, Honourable Prime Minister H.E. I would like to mention that, among others, ii) promotion of ICT business through pro-
Sheikh Hasina announced her manifesto, The Bangladesh Research and Education viding services and technology needed to
“Vision 2021” and “Digital Bangladesh” ac- Network (BDREN) is connecting all univer- sustain the three other strategic priorities of
tion plans to transform Bangladesh into a sities and research institutions with high- Digital Bangladesh, and
fast-developing Middle-Income Country by speed connectivity, and access to iii) boosting ICT as an export-oriented sec-
2021. Indeed, this manifesto represents a mo- international publications and researchers tor to earn foreign currency and generate em-
dern-day translation of the vision of a “Sonar will be accelerated to ensure that our sizeable ployment. Mobile-banking and electronic
Bangla”, or Golden Bengal, promised by the university education population has collabo- payments as well as electronic business tran-
Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Banga- rative access to the best and brightest minds. sactions are but a few operational priorities
bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. One of the services provided through in this regard.
BdREN would be to share education resour-
’Digital Bangladesh’ has emerged not ces like high quality classroom lectures at the TOWARDS A GREENER WORLD
only as a vision but also as a unique deve- university level all over Bangladesh (like the
lopment approach to leverage ICT in delive- African Virtual University, which facilitates World Environment Day was observed
ring the social goods for the underserved-a teaching in Ethiopia from Harvard Univer- last Sunday, June 5 at a time the planet is fa-
promise that no other than the Honorable sity through distance learning). cing multiple crises - from climate change
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made. Indeed, biodiversity loss, and an increase in carbon
the vision of “Digital Bangladesh” emerged CONNECTING CITIZENS emissions led by the United Nations Envi-
as the first-ever development strategy in the ronment Programme, to raise awareness
world that deliberately attempts to leverage Digital Bangladesh is envisioned to bene- about the degrading environment and en-
ICTs for the transformation of the fate of fit all so as to avoid the perils of the digital di- courage people to take positive actions and
common women and men of Bangladesh. vide. Hence, finding sustainable connectivity help create a better future.
channels to ensure the benefits of Digital
Digital Bangladesh is a transformative vi- Bangladesh reach the marginalized and the The United Nations Conference on the
sion that proposes to use modern technology disadvantaged is the second outcome area of Human Environment (Stockholm Confe-
to impact every aspect of public and private Digital Bangladesh’s vision. rence) in 1972 became the first global confe-
life and the way they interact to improve the rence with the environment as its major
quality of life and quality of governance. Innovative shared access outlets, aware- agenda. At the conference, the right to live in
ness and capacity development of local com- a healthy environment was declared as a
The Bangladesh Government has laid the munities to access public e-services, massive basic human right.
foundation for an enabling environment with development of local language content and
an actionable ICT Policy 2009, Right to In- locally relevant content, and establishing This year presents a historic milestone,
formation Act 2009 and ICT Act 2009. With two-way channels to promote the participa- marking 50 years since the Stockholm Con-
this policy, four broad outcome areas were tion of grassroots in policy discourse are key ference. Sweden was the host country of
identified in May 2009. focus areas. World Environment Day, 2022, with ’Only
One Earth’ - focusing on living sustainably
The areas were: DIGITAL GOVERNMENT FOR in harmony with nature as the theme.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PRO-POOR SERVICE DELİVERY Mankind’s progress in the last century was
accompanied by a massive increase in natu-
One of the key outcomes of Digital Ban- Digital Government, a strategic outcome ral resource exploitation. Each decade has
gladesh is to ensure the best use of new tech- of Digital Bangladesh, aspires to leverage seen an incremental increase in environmen-
nologies to build world-class 21st-century ICTs in all spheres of government to ensure tal issues from marine pollution and climate
skills in all areas of study especially mathe- the delivery of services to those who are the change to the depletion of flora and fauna.
matics, science, and English language thro- least served. The development of an e-admi- The probable. mid to long-term impacts of
ugh the use of newer and cost-effective nistration platform and the creation of affor- global climate change, particularly sea level
delivery tools and digital learning contents. dable, transparent e-services using ICTs that rise and the associated impact on ecosystems
It also encompasses vocational and lifelong are already in the hands of millions such as and economic loss, adds to the already daun-
education opportunities for the youth and mobile phones, radio, and TV in addition to ting array of environmental issues. By 2050,
adults in order to retool them and build newer the internet are key components of this prio- 70 million people could be affected annually
skills to improve their productivity com- rity. Important areas to address are education, by floods; 8 million by drought; up to 8% of
mensurate with the needs of the 21st-century healthcare, agriculture, administration of land the low-lying lands may become perma-
globalized world. and water resources, social safety nets, law nently inundated. In addition to the direct
enforcement and judiciary, and disaster ma- inundation of a large population, the sea level
In Bangladesh like the other nations aro- nagement. rise will certainly result in increased fre-
und the world educational sector is highly af-
fected by COVID-19. During the lockdown,
teachers helped their students to continue

72

quency and severity of flooding along the Under the dynamic leadership of Hono- Hon. Prof. Dr.Ali Kemal Özdemir
major estuarine rivers. Saltwater intrusion rable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the extended the gratitude of the
problems will also be exacerbated in coastal Bangladesh government has adopted the Marmara Group Foundation to H. E.
aquifers. Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Mosud Mannan Ambassador of
Action Plan (BCCSAP) 2009 which is built
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable on six pillars: Bangladesh to Ankara
countries to climate change because of its ge-
ographic location; flat and low-lying topog- (i) food security, social protection, and he- logies, safe disposal of toxic wastes, and
raphy; reliance of many livelihoods on alth; enabling effective climate change impact
climate-sensitive sectors, particularly agri- prediction and management programmes. It
culture and fisheries. Being the largest delta (ii) comprehensive disaster management; is also mainstreamed within the different go-
in the world located at the unique juxtaposi- (iii) infrastructure to ensure that existing vernment policies, development project plan-
tion of the composite, sprawling, interlinked assets are well maintained and fit-for-pur- ning, and appraisal process.
Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GMB) river pose and that urgently needed infrastructure
systems, the second largest river system in is put in place to deal with likely impacts of Before concluding my speech, I would like
the world that drains an area of more than climate change; to inform you that Today, Bangladesh’s eco-
one million square kilometers from China, (iv) research and knowledge management; nomic and social achievements are widely
Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, the country is (v) mitigation and low carbon develop- acclaimed around the world.
endowed with rich biological diversity, hos- ment; and (vi) capacity building and institu-
ting a rich variety of species superbly evol- tional strengthening. In 2019, when Honourable Prime Minister
ved to populate the ecosystems. Climate change is a big challenge, which Sheikh Hasina formed the government for
we have to face with the facilitation of new the fourth time, she promised to transform
Agriculture is one of the three driving for- agricultural technologies and adaptability. Bangladesh into a developed country by
ces of the economy of Bangladesh besides Farmers have to be provided with technolo- 2041 to achieve Bangabandhu Sheikh Mu-
Ready-Made Garments and Grants. gies based on their local climate change sce- jib’s dream. The dream of Bangabandhu
narios. We must come up with new seeds Sheikh Mujib - a “Golden Bangladesh”is no
After our independence, the agriculture based on salinity and other adversities. We more a myth. The Government prepared ’Vi-
sector was Bangladesh’s main economic pil- can’t make anyone a climate refugee, rather sion 2041’ for the accomplishment of that
lar. Its contribution to GDP was around 60 we must try to make their life accommoda- dream and a 20-year-long perspective plan
percent. We all know thatAgriculture in Ban- ting to the given changes. We must follow to attain the goal.
gladesh is vital for people’s livelihood, em- global adaptation technology and concentrate
ployment, and contribution to GDP. more on new examples of climate adaptabi- “The Perspective Plan of Bangladesh
lity which fit our settings. More emphasis on 2021-2041” is a genuine articulation of the
Its contribution has reduced over the last agricultural mechanization and ICT in far- government to transform the country from a
decade, going from 17 percent in 2010 to ming should be given. This will help us to lower-middle income country to Upper
12.6 percent in 2020. Including the service fight climate change. In the same way, we Middle Income Country by 2031 and a high
and industry engaged in the farming sector, should also focus on the weather-based Income country by 2041 under World Bank
the GDP contribution of agriculture is nearly index, and crop insurance which will ensure Classification. Thus, the “Vision 2041” stra-
40 percent. The other indirect contribution of real empowerment of farmers and will make tegy is highly crucial for Bangladesh and
agriculture is to provide basic raw materials them more resilient. We have to make sure needs to embrace the Digital Bangladesh and
for industrial processing. Immediately, jute that new technologies of the sub sectors of the Green Growth strategy.
comes to mind as an example of a product of farming are being adopted and used skill-
the agro-processing industry. And at present, fully.
many agro-processing industries are fully de- The Climate Change Action Plan of the
pendent on agriculture for basic raw materi- Bangladesh Government comprises imme-
als which include rice milling, sugar, tea, fruit diate, short, medium, and long-term prog-
juice, spices, etc. rammes with priority given to the needs of
the vulnerable, including women and child-
The sector is at the center of our economy, ren, in all activities implemented under the
decreasing poverty and ensuring food secu- Action Plan.
rity. However, with the ever-growing popu- One of the main focuses of the Bangladesh
lation, added to the blow of the pandemic and Government’s ICT Policy is Environment,
climate change, the sector has continued to Climate, and Disaster Management through
be resilient in terms of profitability and pro- enhancing the creation and adoption of envi-
ductivity. ronment-friendly green technologies, ensu-
ring early warning for the vulnerable
I still remember international organizati- population, coordination, and management
ons referring to food riots in Bangladesh of disaster, minimizing disaster response
back in 2007-2008, but we have beaten their times, biodiversity as well as forest manage-
assumptions and proved them absolutely ment using remote sensing and GIS techno-
wrong, the same way, during Covid-19, ag-
riculture as an individual sector has contri-
buted and supported the people and state of
Bangladesh relentlessly.

73

Hon. MARJETKA KASTNER

President of Life and Learning Academy, Slovenia

How sustaınability issues affect business and what impact a company
has on people and the environment

Ensuring sustainable growth has been, flicting minerals and raw materials, how transformation is a process that, on one
for quite some time, no longer just a to reduce resource consumption and how hand, does not bring immediate effects,
fad, but an integral part of the business of to better manage waste. Designers in but on the other hand, it ensures stable
many companies. If closely related to the manufacturing companies are looking for growth and business operations of the
strategy, it can significantly contribute to innovative solutions on how to incorpo- company.
the long-term business performance and rate only environmentally friendly mate-
improve the company’s financial posi- rials into products. This increases their Sustainable development is the only
tion. Every organization must be aware own price, but because they optimize option that allows us, earthlings, to sur-
that its actions intentionally or uninten- waste at the same time, the total cost is vive, as it is a fact that nature does not
tionally affect the environment in which lower. need us, but we need it. That is why car-
it operates; how it cares for nature, peo- ing for the environment and sustainable
ple, development and economic perfor- Managing companies in such circum- development must be high on every or-
mance. Demands for sustainable stances require new approaches and ganization’s priority list.
technological processes and practices are strategies that will balance the environ-
already strongly present in global value mental, social and economic factors of The past teaches us that many civiliza-
chains (GVV). Global production as well the business, while still leading to the de- tions have become extinct due to the ob-
as trade and service companies in their sired financial business goals. sessive and greedy management of
entire supply chains are setting increas- natural resources, by not understanding
ingly stringent environmental, social and For companies, especially small and the fragility of the ecosystems that sur-
business- economic entry conditions and medium sized enterprises, adapting busi- round us. With all possible indicators, a
standards, both in terms of products, in- ness strategies and practices to new re- reasonable person can perceive the sim-
puts and technological processes. quirements and trends is a major ple fact that the available natural re-
challenge. At the same time, the vast ma- sources are available to us in limited
Companies are looking for innovative jority of companies, especially those that quantities and that we will have to change
solutions on how to replace rare and con- are not yet active in exports, are not even the paradigm of the endless consumer
aware of the trends. Sustainable business market.

74

Hon. DAVID CHIKVAIDZE

Representative of the Geneva Office of the United Nations

The key battle to keep the 1.5-degree goal alive
will be won or lost in this decade

Dr. Suver, Excellencies, Ladies and ergy – a key issue on which the develop- able future is a renewable one. We must
Gentlemen, ment, indeed, the very future of hu- end fossil fuel pollution and accelerate
It is a pleasure and a privilege to be in mankind depends. the renewable energy transition before we
the great city of Istanbul, for the 25th incinerate our only home.”
Eurasian Economic Summit, which Today, our world is facing multiple and
brings together such a distinguished array interlinked global crises, with many Heeding the Secretary-General’s call
of current and former government offi- countries around the world reeling from means: no new coal plants, no expansion
cials, mayors, economic and business ac- the cascading challenges of a climate in oil and gas exploration, nor investment
tors, academia, and civil society to emergency, uneven recovery from in its infrastructure, but rather an un-
discuss the current global challenges and COVID-19, and a triple crisis of food, en- precedented investment into creating and
ways to resolve them. ergy, and debt. The tragic consequences boosting renewable energy infrastructure,
of the ongoing war in Ukraine have ex- tripling annually to at least $4 trillion dol-
My sincere thanks to the Marmara acerbated these interlinked crises, con- lars by 2030. Every sector and every in-
Group Foundation and personally to Dr. tributing to sky-high food and energy dustry must be on a trajectory to reach net
Akkan Suver, for the invitation to address prices, with serious implications for the zero emissions by 2050. Importantly, all
this important Summit. The Marmara global financial system. major financial actors in the world need
Group Foundation, enjoying observer sta- to abandon fossil fuel finance and invest
tus with the United Nations Economic United Nations Secretary-General An- in renewable energy.
and Social Council, has long been doing tonio Guterres encapsulated our predica-
outstanding work in searching for solu- ment succinctly: “The global energy The key battle to keep the 1.5-degree
tions to some of humanity’s most urgent system, is broken and bringing us ever goal alive will be won or lost in this
problems. closer to climate catastrophe. Fossil fuels decade. We are far off-track: if the world
are a dead end — environmentally and is to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-
I feel all the more honoured and privi- economically. The war in Ukraine and its century, it must reduce by 2030, global
leged by the opportunity to speak in front immediate effects on energy prices is yet emissions by 45%. Yet, according to pre-
of this distinguished audience about en- another wake-up call. The only sustain- sent actions and commitments, global

75

emissions are moving in the exact oppo- overall energy supply. A recent study ergy transition – from knowledge sharing
site direction and are set to increase shows that in Türquiye renewables could and technological transfer to diversifying
through the current decade by almost generate 70% of electricity by 2030, with the supply of critical components and raw
14%. We need urgent and decisive ac- coal reduced to 5%. These steps will soon materials, to reforming bureaucracies and
tion, if we are to move away from our make Türquiye a leader in decarbonizing strengthening international cooperation. I
current patterns of production and con- the economy and diversifying energy invite you to review these proposals in
sumption, defined by TAKE – MAKE – sources. more detail.
WASTE.
Another example of taking advantage The United Nations is there to provide
Russia’s war against is a geopolitical of the opportunity to go green is Ireland. support. As a major operational hub of
turning point for Europe and the world. As its Prime Minister Micheál Martin put the international system, Geneva – where
Yet, it presents an opportunity for coun- it, moving away from Russian oil is an I have the privilege of working - brings
tries in Europe and beyond to decisively opportunity for his country because together many actors with unique exper-
reorient their policies towards clean en- “wind is Ireland’s oil,” and the country’s tise across the SDGs, including those re-
ergy. The first steps in this direction were plan is to strengthen offshore wind de- lated to climate, energy, and the
the recent decision by the EU member velopment, with an ambition to export environment. Let’s face it, all 17 Sustain-
states to significantly reduce their re- energy by the mid-2030s. able Development Goals are intercon-
liance on Russian oil, and decisions by nected. There will be no energy
some EU members and others to reduce For all countries in transition to renew- transition, nor sustainable long-lasting
or cut reliance on Russian gas. ables, a balance must be found between climate action, if all the SDGs are not
economic and social development and re- acted upon simultaneously.
It should be noted, however, that dele- ducing dependence on fossil fuels. This
gations from European capitals are ur- dictates innovation, the use of modern Ladies and Gentlemen,
gently scouring the world for new technologies and the need to rapidly im- Switching to renewables to achieve
sources of energy supplies to quench their prove energy efficiency. On this last sustainable energy security must be an ur-
immediate need for gas from anywhere point, an outsized role should be played gent priority if we want to have a future at
but Russia. In this context, as the Presi- by energy-efficient buildings. While not all. What we need is not just a sustain-
dent of Türkiye His Excellency Recep cheap, particularly when retro-fitting ex- ability policy, it is a culture of sustain-
Tayyip Erdoğan said in his greeting to the isting buildings, it is worth every penny, ability that generates high-level
participants of Baku Energy Week 2022, because energy-efficient buildings can commitments, adequate incentives, and
“having implemented such gigantic pro- contribute to cutting heating and electric- vigorous actions as well as unprecedented
jects as the Baku-Tbilisi-Cheyhan, Baku- ity emissions by up to 40 %. This is pre- collaboration among all relevant actors.
Tbilisi-Erzurum and the Transanatolian cisely the objective of the initiative on And we need women as equals in every
gas pipeline, Ankara and Baku made a High-Performance Buildings by the UN aspect of life, not just in words, but in re-
significant contribution to regional and Economic Commission for Europe. ality.
global energy security.” Youth has the greatest stake in the fu-
Transforming energy systems to a cir- ture and, hence, a central role to play in
Geographically, Africa is also in a cular and regenerative economy is not this effort. Young people need a seat at
prime position to increase energy exports just the right thing to do; it is the smart the table. Let’s face it, our generation is
to Europe. But what it really needs is an thing to do. not leaving the planet, or our societies in
investment into renewable energy any shape to brag about. It is the youth of
sources, for which Africa has huge po- It is smart because renewable energy today that must do double duty, for our
tential. technologies, such as wind and solar, are generation and their own.
readily available and in most cases, It is bordering on a truism, but global
There are concerns, however, that once cheaper than coal and other fossil fuels. challenges are, indeed, also global op-
short-term investments are made into oil Over the past decade, the cost of wind en- portunities. They can only be addressed
and gas resources from elsewhere, the ergy has declined by more than half. The collectively.
stated ultimate vision of an economy built cost of solar energy and batteries has We know what to do to turn the tide
on green power may find itself under-re- plummeted by 85 per cent. Investment in and increasingly have the instruments to
sourced, particularly if the new arrange- renewables creates three times more jobs do it. The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable
ments seem stable, financially viable and than fossil fuels. Many countries could Development and the Paris Climate
remove the immediate urgency to ’go skip the fossil-fuel path to prosperity of Agreement are our roadmaps. But we
green’. the developed countries and go directly need cooperation, and we need leader-
to renewables. For this, they need finan- ship, neither of which is currently up to
In reality, of course, cutting yourself off cial support. Energy transition must be the task. The world today needs more
from fossil fuels is no easy task. It is en- just and inclusive. world leaders, who look beyond their
couraging that Türquiye ratified the Paris own national interests and act for the
Agreement in October 2021 and set a net- Last May, at the launch of the World common good. Leaders who see the need
zero emissions target for the year 2053. Meteorological Organization’s State of for hard choices and tough decisions and
It is working on a renewable energy plan the Global Climate 2021 Report, the UN
and is also taking urgent steps towards in- Secretary-General proposed five critical
creasing the portion of renewables in its actions to jump-start the renewable en-

76

make them, regardless of their short-term can come together to find solutions. of convergence. The United Nations
political ramifications. The search for urgent sustainable solu- stands ready to play its part and answer
the call of its Member States with coor-
Despite the challenges to multilateral- tions demands a strengthened, networked dinated, multi-stakeholder action to
ism, the United Nations remains the only multilateralism based on trust and global achieve an effective energy system evo-
truly global, truly neutral, truly recog- cooperation. This summit provides an ex- lution around the world.
nized table around which all stakeholders cellent opportunity for identifying points

Hon. ANGELA PIETRANTONI

Chief Executive Officer of Kelony, France

We can come out of the dark, extending the first steps already taken in the area of predictive
models, according to the new Science of Risk that we developed. We can come out of the dark
together, as long as we step out of our comfort zone to embrace mathematical innovation to

modify the way we think and represent reality, to act accordingly and properly

Thank you, I am very honored to be here mental, demographic and economic issues tuation, there is, however a way to cope with
together with this great assembly. clearly point to a strong degradation due to it. That way relies on Mathematics, because
Many thanks to the Marmara Group Fo- an increase in the amount of Risk in the Mathematics allows to solve different prob-
undation which aims, together with the world. lems with a single equation. So, thanks to
World Protection Forum™, to create a bet- Mathematics it is possible to tackle all toget-
ter world, not only so-called economic deve- There are almost 8 billion humans on her the Risks the world is facing.
lopment. This is the reason why I am here earth, but there is still no humanity.
and this is the reason why KELONY®, that We found out a method based on the new
I co-founded, supports and empowers since We often hear that we are responsible for Science of Risk, able to help decision ma-
the beginning of the World Protection future generations, but in reality, we are all king, especially when there is no second
Forum™. children of the big bang, meaning that we are chance to make the right choice.
responsible for 13.7 billion years of evolu-
Our mission is to calculate predictions tion! Decision supposes to:
through a universal Risk-Rating index, in -First, to understand,
order to take the best decisions to make the These are really huge numbers, that give -Second, to act.
world a better place to live. us an idea of the enormous responsibility we Understand first, depends on how we rep-
have: the outer universe is watching us. resent reality, which in turn depends on the
Wars, social conflicts, climate, environ- mathematical models we use. (until now) We
So, what should we do?
Despite the complexity of the overall si-

77

almost exclusively use the average and pro- A “how”-centered algorithm as ours,
bability to make decisions.
bypasses the “if” and “when” operators, to
Unfortunately, using the average causes us
to make a fundamental mistake, according to be more suitable to reality.
the new Science of Risk, because in reducing
a complex situation to a single number, we Reality is indeed more chaotic in its na-
deny the reality of things. For example, when
we read about an average inflation of 6.5%, ture.
that average hides the real price-increase for
high incomes could only be 1.5%, while it “HOW” questions tolerate that things
could reaches up to 14.5% for lower inco-
mes, because the distribution of spending is can happen in multiple ways simultaneo-
obviously different.
usly. Exactly as is the case in the reality of
Moreover, when we deem something un-
likely, that is with a low probability, we are quantum physics and modern computing,
inclined to underestimate it and find oursel-
ves unprepared when it happens. where quantum bits have overcome the bi-

So, to UNDERSTAND requires adopting nary rigidity of simple bits.
post-probabilistic mathematical models to
come up with more accurate predictions, as KELONY®’s algorithms follow the
we do in KELONY®.
same logic; their mathematical models are
To ACT, according to such models, means
in practice to get rid-of the “if” questions and more appropriate to the real world and the-
the “when” questions. No matter “if” or
“when” it will happen, the most important is refore more suitable to understand in order
“how” it can happen. Because if there is a
“if” or a “when,” it means there is necessarily to make the best decisions.
a “how” upstream!
I am very proud that these models have
An “If” question leads to a “yes” or “no”
answer. “When” leads to a single precise mo- been made freely available to civilian po- Hon. Mustafa Ergin extended the
ment. pulations to predict the impacts of fighting gratitude of the Marmara Group
in Ukraine, and thus be able to save lives. Foundation to Hon. Angela Pietrantoni,
Both require rigid answers. Chief Executive Officer of Kelony,
Moreover, such models are available
from this morning through a simple App France
for smartphones to predict crypto currency

value. Another application will come soon We can come out of the dark together, as

for energy savings. long as we step out of our comfort zone to

The world is in trouble and calls for great embrace mathematical innovation to modify

responsibility to understand and act accor- the way we think and represent reality, to act

dingly. accordingly and properly.

We can come out of the dark, extending As a conclusion, we need to have the cou-

the first steps already taken in the area of pre- rage to innovate.

dictive models, according to the new Science But remember that if innovation can be le-

of Risk that we developed. arned, having courage cannot.

Marmara Group Foundation
signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the
“Kelony” World Protection
Marmara Group Foundation
signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the
“Kelony” World Protection
From “WPF’s” side CEO An-
gela
Pietrantoni and Chairman

Genséric Cantournet, and from
Marmara Group Foundation

President Dr. Akkan Suver and
Secretary General Cafer Okray

at the Signing Ceremony

78

Hon. Dr. HONG TAO-TZE

President of the Federation of World Peace and Love, USA

Therefore, countries around the world need to accelerate the enhancement of the depth and bre-
adth of the power of the culture of peace as the backbone of economic development. Love and
peace are the foundation of everything. Without peace, all development will be reduced to empty
talk; without culture as a fertile ground for nourishment, civilization can hardly be sustained

Dr. Suver, Distinguished Guests, Dear ing today’s economic and trade develop- ence for us in decision making. We need
Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, ment, the only way to ensure a better fu- to activate and utilize the power of human
have a good day! ture and enhance the common welfare for goodness more broadly and deeply to
First, I would like to thank Dr. Suver’s the citizens of the world is to discuss it on maintain a dynamic balance with the
invitation. It is a great honor to partici- the basis of humanity’s sustainable de- ever-changing environment. Therefore,
pate in the 25th Eurasian Economic Sum- velopment, reviewing the past and seiz- countries around the world need to accel-
mit, organized by the Marmara Group ing the present opportunities. The various erate the enhancement of the depth and
Foundation. At this critical moment when natural and man-made disasters that hu- breadth of the power of the culture of
our very survival is at stake, the signifi- mankind has experienced throughout his- peace as the backbone of economic de-
cance of this gathering cannot be over- tory clearly show us that there is only a velopment. Love and peace are the foun-
stated. I hope that the consolidation of our thin line between development and de- dation of everything. Without peace, all
crystalized wisdom would lead to con- struction, which could happen in the development will be reduced to empty
science-driven decisions and policies, as blink of an eye. The most important key talk; without culture as a fertile ground
well as good deeds for the benefit of all, to sustainability lies in people’s thoughts. for nourishment, civilization can hardly
creating transformative impacts on the Only by rebuilding “conscience-based” be sustained.
world. values and developing on the foundation
of love, peace, and human rights can we Since 2014, I have led FOWPAL to
In the long evolutionary history of the create human happiness and enhance ev- promote the movement of “An Era of
Earth, the existence of humans is rela- eryone’s security, health, and well-being, Conscience” around the world, and be-
tively short. In the course of human civi- and only then will there be sustainable ginning in 2018, we have collaborated
lization, the natural resources of the Earth development for humanity and the Earth. with the Permanent Missions of various
are constantly being voraciously con- nations to the United Nations to build
sumed, and it is difficult to restore and re- Humans need to learn to respond to consensus and work on the draft resolu-
generate them; as a result, they will soon changes quickly, and the past data and ex- tion “Promoting the Culture of Peace
be unable to meet human needs. Regard- periences may not be a sufficient refer- with Love and Conscience.” In July

79

2019, the United Nations General As- Hon. Prof. Dr. Alovsat Amirbeyli extended the gratitude of the Marmara
sembly adopted the resolution submitted Foundation to Hon. Dr. Hong Tao-Tze President of the Federation
by the Kingdom of Bahrain, designating of World Peace and Love, U.S.A.
April 5 as the “International Day of Con-
science”. This is a day of conscience for has traveled to 101 countries around the come another channel allowing for rapid
all humanity. The day serves to inspire world to promote love and peace through exchange for economic development, in
the people of the world to apply their con- cultural exchange and to consolidate addition to the traditional roads, seas, and
science in their words and actions and re- global citizens’ wishes for peace through air transportation. The Internet transcends
solve disputes with wisdom. We firmly bell ringing ceremonies, receiving enthu- time and space and enters a broader
believe that with conscience comes a siastic responses from governments and sphere. Money transactions are moving
peaceful world and with happiness come civil society organizations. We firmly be- from the physical to the virtual, and with
joyful families. lieve that a culture of peace and a culture the development of artificial intelligence,
of conscience are the foundation that sus- many things that were once impossible
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education tains all cultures of the world, and they have become possible. Only by main-
is the most powerful weapon which you are also the core of sustainable economic taining the health and clarity of the
can use to change the world.” The pro- development. A good culture nurtures a human hearts can we avoid losing our
motion of conscience-driven education good education while a quality education balance because of the wave of overde-
will help nations build a culture of peace leads to a healthy economy. Through the veloped technology. Only with love and
and learn to use wisdom to resolve con- promotion of a culture of conscience and conscience can we achieve rational and
flicts. Whether it is traditional warfare, conscience-driven education, and by in- moral solidarity in the midst of techno-
information warfare or economic sanc- tegrating the strengths of other cultures logical progress.
tions, they all involve opposing forces, and education systems, we will be able to
and nations should put an end to any form foster national economic growth and Only when conscience is activated in
of warfare and seek peace in order to usher in stability and prosperity. people’s hearts, and when people under-
achieve a win-win situation for the planet stand that they should make good use of
and humanity. Like the well-known fable Today, the economic and trade ex- resources for the benefit of the world, can
of the North Wind and the Sun, the re- changes in one place can impact the rest such a conscience-driven economy be en-
sumption of the arms race is like the of the world. The problems of a single re- joyed for generations to come and will
North Wind, which increases tensions be- gion or country often affect the balance we usher in opportunities for sustainable
tween countries. Technological develop- of supply and demand in the global econ- development for humanity.
ment has produced modern weapons that omy, which in turn affects the promotion
are significantly more effective in terms and attainment of world peace. In the past May everyone apply their conscience
of destructiveness and destructive power, century, human beings’ destinies have be- and do good deeds to enhance global cit-
and any conflict may plunge our world come more closely intertwined, and they izens’ well-being. May conscience-
into destruction. The promotion of a cul- have become more interdependent. Today driven economy be implemented to
ture of conscience is like the warmth of in the 21st century, the Internet, which has sustain resources.
“the Sun,” which fills everyone’s heart progressed in leaps and bounds, has be-
with love, motivating them to respect and May a culture of conscience prevail to
understand one another while strengthen- maintain world peace.
ing the opportunity for human solidarity
and cooperation. To resolve conflicts with
love and conscience is the embodiment
of great wisdom.

In the historical trajectory of Eurasian
trade and commerce, we can see the eco-
nomic development process over the past
thousands of years and the epitome of the
evolution of human civilization. In the
major civilization centers of ancient Eu-
rope and Asia, economy and trade played
an important role in the exchange of new
inventions, religious beliefs, artistic
styles, social customs, languages, and liv-
ing habits, creating a special culture of
Eurasian economy and trade, which in-
stilled a cultural legacy that serves as a
cornerstone of precious human civiliza-
tion.

Over the past 20 plus years, FOWPAL

80

H.E. MAHİR YAĞCILAR

Minister of Public Administration of Kosovo (2012-2021)
(Recipient of the Marmara Group Foundation Medal of Honor, 2017)

The effects of the pandemic and war caused high inflation on the basis of states,

and people with low and middle income living in a wide geography,

especially in the Eurasian region, were deeply affected

Distinguished Participants, Mr Presi- that the pandemic and war threats have tance of globalization, digital progress
dent Suver, Ladies and Gentlemen, thoroughly refuted these expectations. As and new technology remaining in the
I would like to express my satisfaction with the pandemic process, we see that background, the increase in the impor-
for being in the 25th Eurasian Economic the cooperation between states is insuffi- tance of the military industry, the lack of

Summit organized by the Marmara cient on the issue of joint crisis solution energy and food are actually the

Group Foundation, and I would like to management in the Ukraine war. The ef- harbinger of instability, the insecurity of

state that I am happy to meet you again fects of the pandemic and war caused humanity in the future. Therefore, inse-

after two years of pandemic. high inflation on the basis of states, and curity and instability are the biggest
Distinguished Participants, people with low and middle income liv- threats to our world and ourselves. The
It would have been our heart’s wish to ing in a wide geography, especially in the low-income states and individuals take

discuss the findings that a better level and Eurasian region, were deeply affected. their share from these negative develop-

success has been achieved in the 25th an- On the other hand, the pandemic process ments. For this reason, new solutions and

niversary of the Marmara Group Foun- and then the Ukraine war have reminded alternatives should be reached urgently in

dation’s Economic Summits, especially us how important cooperation, solidarity, the field of food and energy.
in the areas of peace, security, energy and sharing and friendship are in these days, We need to be better prepared for the
food that we have been discussing for in this world. While it has become clear
coming winter. While negative develop-

years. that it is possible to achieve success with ments and war bells damage the interna-

Unfortunately, while we hope that we a common struggle against the pandemic, tional balance, harmony and general

are approaching a safer and more livable although it is late, there is a feeling that a stability in the world, they affect every-

world, the pandemic and especially the different path is being followed regarding day life, push people to new migrations
war in Ukraine have shaken these hopes wars. and habits, and cause unexpected events
deeply and heralded a new period of in- and movements. There is concern about
However, at a time when our world is

stability in the world. While it is expected struggling with climate problems, there is food, energy and living conditions, which

that everything will work better and sta- no need for it to deal with wars, to divide are vital for people, and the waves of in-

bility can be controlled more easily in the it into two fronts and two hemispheres. In flation deeply shake the family founda-

globalized and digital world, we can say such a divided world, the loss of impor- tions. To overcome all these, more

81

sensitive, more responsible, more envi- neither divide it into two hemispheres, for world peace, stability, development
ronmentally friendly, more tolerant and nor divide its waters, land and air into two and welfare of humanity will be an occa-
more humane managements are needed. or more. Only by preserving our world, sion for a better and more prosperous
In other words, world state governments conserving resources, producing enough world, and cause humanity to enter a hap-
should be based on more collaborative, food and sharing friendships can we carry pier and more peaceful period. In con-
solution-giving, transparent, accountable, our world to future generations. cluding my words, I wish the Ukrainian
sustainable, advanced technologies, envi- war and all wars to end as soon as possi-
ronmental awareness, food production This world bestowed by our Almighty ble, condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine,
and health safety policies. Because Lord, together with all its blessings, is reiterate my message for a more beauti-
whether we like it or not, this world is the ours, it belongs to humanity, and its pro- ful, cleaner and war-free world, and offer
world of all of us, of humanity, we can tection falls to us. In this sense, I hope my respects and greetings to everyone.
that the messages given at this Summit

Hon. IRINA CONSTANTINOVA

Director of the Research Center of Gagauzia

In our opinion, in this Summit, we should call on the elites of the world’s powerful countries
to maintain a dialogue based on mutual respect and reach consensus on all issues

Dear Friends, Esteemed Guests, Partic- all the countries of the world, with thou- has caused the prices of energy and all
ipants and organizers of the of the sands and millions of economic processes other products to rise such as food, fertil-
25th Eurasian Economic Summit. that made them dependent on each other. izer, and diesel, causing other crises for
There is no country in the world that can farmers and countries. All of this is the
Today, it is a great honor for me to rep- stop its import or export and not be result of the lack of political dialogue.
resent the Gagauz people and the Gagauz harmed.
Autonomous Region, on behalf of all the The population of Moldova and
residents of the Gagauz Region and the Accordingly, established economic Gagauzia has decreased significantly dur-
President of the Gagauz Region. I would processes are shaken when political con- ing the 30 years of independence of our
like to thank the organizers for giving me flicts turn into economic conflicts. In our country.
this opportunity to participate. opinion, in this Summit, we should
should call on the elites of the world’s In the last 5 years, 214 thousand peo-
The Eurasian Economic Summit has powerful countries to maintain a dialogue ple between the ages of 19-25 went
long been an important component for based on mutual respect and reach con- abroad. This means that we have lost and
many peoples and states of a vast region. sensus on all issues. will lose approximately 30-40 thousand
young and talented people a year.
The development of technology, sci- This issue is of vital importance and the
ence, education has created the global fate of the world depends on them. That is why we in Gagauzia devote all
economy. our energies and time to creating a new
The global crisis of energy resources ecosystem of life: kindergartens, schools,
And it united all the states of the world,

82

medical facilities, roads, water and sewer intensively with development solution the goals outlined above. We believe this
systems, as well as the creation of stable partners. I am sure we will solve this is possible and will be achieved through
workplaces are our priorities. problem together. partnerships between business communi-
ties at a global level.
We are now focusing on the industrial- We are all going through periods of
ization of the economy and the develop- great change which means great opportu- In conclusion, I would like to take this
ment of the IT sector to create stable nities are opening up before us. opportunity to address the organizers,
employment opportunities for our tal- guests and participants of today’s Sum-
ented youth. People must have all these The events in the world are very dis- mit.
in order to live in Gagauzia. turbing, we understand that 2022 will be
extremely difficult. At this stage, people On behalf of the President of Gagauzia,
Experts predict a global food crisis. An need to reconsider their priorities. More Ms. Irina Vlah, we congratulate the 25th
effective solution to this problem will re- funds need to be directed to the develop- anniversary of the Summit. Congratulate
quire extensive cooperation between ment of education, health and environ- everyone on this important event, and
countries. If successful, it will play an im- mental protection. wish new successes in maintaining world
portant role in the unification of human- peace and prosperity! Our actions should
ity. We very much want Gagauzia to Sometimes it is easier to pilot the reso- focus on strengthening the unity of our
become a stable producer and supplier of lution of the voiced problems and tasks peoples and preserving peace for future
food products. in a single, albeit small region first, generations.
choosing that application as a starting
Our land is our wealth. At the same point and using it as an example for later We believe that we will have the wis-
time, we will invest in planting new transformations. dom to be better and successfully fulfill
forests, constructing catchments and ex- our responsibility for future generations!
panding irrigation networks, trying to We are trying to include Gagauzia in
create solutions that will provide us with European and global economic flows. An excellent international platform
the water we need in the event of a Gagauzia is ready for this. In addition, we uniting businesses for the development of
drought. already have the experience of regional our region is created in Gagauzia every
and international cooperation, and also year. This is an investment Summit and
Our own resources may not be enough the hard work and skills of the Gagauzes I invite you all to this Summit with great
to solve these problems, so we will work will accelerate the process of achieving joy!

H.E. KUBANYCHBEK OMURALIEV

Ambassador of Kyrgyzyztan

Renewable energy sources, especially hydropower, will be the locomotive of carbon-free policy

First of all, let me welcome all the par- my gratitude to the President of the Mar- for the excellent organization of this
ticipants of the Summit and express mara Group Foundation Dr. Akkan Suver event.

83

As you know, energy today has an in- ate conditions for the de-
creasing impact on the quality of life of
citizens and is the basis for the develop- velopment of renewable
ment of the national economy. Energy se-
curity and energy efficiency issues have energy sources, increasing
become one of the most pressing and
thorny issues in the global space. energy efficiency, amend-

Due to the significant amount of water ments were made to the
reserves, the Kyrgyz Republic has a huge
potential for the development of hy- Tax Code of the Kyrgyz
dropower. Today, Kyrgyzstan uses only
10% of its hydropower potential. In this Republic and the Law of
context, I would like to draw attention to
the fact that the total hydropower poten- the Kyrgyz Republic «On
tial of the country is about 142 billion
kWh./per year, solar energy – 490 million Investments in the Kyrgyz
kWh./per year and wind energy – 44 mil-
lion kWh./per year. Republic», amendments

In this regard, we are interested in co- are being made to the Law
operation in the field of direct investment
in the energy sector for the construction of the Kyrgyz Republic
of hydroelectric power plants and the de-
velopment of renewable energy sources. «On Renewable Energy

In order to develop this potential, the Sources», which provide
Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has
identified priority projects for the devel- for the provision of tax and
opment of hydropower with a capacity of
more than 6 GW until 2030. Strategic customs benefits for pro-
projects for the construction of large hy-
droelectric power plants that will allow ducers of electric and ther-
efficient use of water and energy re-
sources have been identified as the most mal energy on the basis of
promising for investment.
renewable energy sources.
I would like to inform that during the
26th UN Climate Change Conference of In particular, the list of
the Parties, which took place in Novem-
ber 2021 in Glasgow, the President of the specialized goods and Hon. Ms. Nimet Ulubay extended the gratitude of
Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Sadyr Zha- equipment approved by the the Marmara Group Foundation to H. E. Kubanych-
parov noted that the Kyrgyz Republic Government of the Kyrgyz
supporting global efforts to combat cli- Republic for the construc- bek Omuraliev, Ambassador of Kyrgyzyztan
mate change has updated its Nationally
Determined contribution, according to tion of power plants based of electricity production is 5 billion
which the Kyrgyz Republic plans to re- on the use of renewable energy sources kW/h.
duce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% are exempt from VAT when they are im-
by 2030 subject to international support ported into the country, the investor may At the opening ceremony speech, Pres-
and achieve a carbon neutrality by 2050. be granted a special regime providing for ident Sadyr Zhaparov noted that the
state guarantees from the Government of launch of Kambarata HPP-1 will benefit
Renewable energy sources, especially the Kyrgyz Republic, and producers of both Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. As ev-
hydropower, will be the locomotive of electric and thermal energy based on re- eryone knows, the construction of the
carbon-free policy. newable energy sources are exempt from Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power station
taxation for 5 years. will create opportunities for solving prob-
In this regard, in accordance with the lems with irrigation in neighboring coun-
spirit of the Paris Agreement, we invite The state provides a 10-year guarantee tries and will contribute to the
investors from developed economies to for the purchase of electricity, the cost of stabilization of the water and energy bal-
mutually beneficial investment coopera- which will vary depending on the pro- ance in the region.
tion in the hydropower complex, includ- duction capacity.
ing on the principles of public-private About 1.5 billion soms were allocated
partnership. An important incentive for investors to from the budget to carry out preparatory
open enterprises, including in the energy work for the main construction of the
In order to attract investments and cre- sector in Kyrgyzstan is the availability of Kambarata HPP-1. The preparatory work
sales markets for manufactured products. will increase the interest of investors and
In particular, within the framework of the partners in the main construction site.
CASA-1000 project, the energy markets Taking this opportunity, the President
of Pakistan and Afghanistan are opening, also announced our readiness to cooper-
there is a 185 million market of the ate in the implementation of this project.
EAEU and there is also a huge market of He emphasized that neighboring coun-
China and other neighboring countries. tries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
have declared their readiness to invest for
I would also like to inform that today, this project. Distinguished participants,
the President of the Kyrgyz Republic
H.E. Mr. Sadyr Japarov has launched the In conclusion, taking into account the
construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 one energy potential of our country, I call on
of the largest hydroelectric power plants potential investors to jointly implement
in Central Asia, which will allow Kyr- the above-mentioned projects. We ex-
gyzstan to achieve energy independence. press our full readiness for close cooper-
The capacity of the hydroelectric power ation and constructive negotiations with
station is 1860 MW, the annual volume all interested parties.

84

H.E. CHIRIL GABURICI

Prime Minister of Moldova (2015)

Today, humanity is smarter than it ever was. We have access to information
and technologies that we have never had before

The events in Ukraine are sad proof of the and economic development. were invested in weapons and military
dysfunctions of the mechanisms of glo- However, instead of improving the out- equipments.
bal governance. In fact, it is not the dysfunc-
tion of global mechanisms, but the dated but functional mechanism - we have I think not enough money and resources
dysfunction of global elites. chosen the path of destruction, and then, were invested in reducing poverty and
on the ruins of the past, to build a new glo- economic inequality.
Global elites are the elites of the most bal order, we have done the same thing
powerful and influential countries in the twice before in the twentieth century - and I think we failed because we are too fo-
world - countries that have the strongest generations have paid for those mistakes. cused on attacking the differences between
economies and armed forces. I do not us, and too little we try to build lasting
want to find an excuse for the elites of Today, humanity is smarter than ever partnerships in which we can cooperate in
small countries, such as my country - the before. We have access to information and solving common problems.
Republic of Moldova. But the truth is that technologies that we have never had be-
our elites do not have the capacity to influ- fore. •Combating global warming.
ence the process outside Moldova. On the •Reducing soil, water and air pollution.
contrary, we tend to depend on the decisi- But, it is good to honestly answer the •The development of a green economy,
ons made in the great capitals of the world. question: “Why do we fail to make prog- more friendly to the planet’s ecosystem.
ress in improvement and unity, and why •Fighting poverty.
However, the global order built over the do we make progress in division and des- •Reducing social inequality.
last 30 years was not a perfect one, but truction?” We have many common problems.
that order could be improved with joint ef- The fragility of any global human-built
forts. The old order could serve as a miles- My Opinion: mechanism is the people themselves. We
tone to building more secure global I think very often the decisions taken by humans are and will be the weak point in
governance mechanisms - which better big world rulers are not taking into acco- any mechanism - our emotions, our vulne-
meet the expectations of all countries. unt the opinions of small countries. Even rabilities, our desires, our selfishness, our
though there is a big access to different dreams, our habits.
The global order had to be updated and ways of communication - global elites ac- Aristotle, more than 2300 years ago, for-
the views of a group of countries had to be cepted the deficit of a constructive dialo- mulated the following wisdom: “The law
taken into account, which in the meantime gue. I think there were not enough efforts is the Reason free from the Passion.”
had made significant progress in social to create mutual trust! If we believe this statement to be true,
I think too much money and resources

85

then in order for a law or an understanding When you live in Moldova, the severity ces. Let’s learn to build a mutually res-
to work, we must learn to disconnect our of the crisis in Ukraine feels different. pectful dialogue and sincerely seek com-
emotions. promise. Let’s learn to increase the level
I am sure that we all want to leave a bet- of mutual trust. Let’s learn to cooperate
But in this case, we probably will not be ter world for the next generations: honestly.
human anymore.
a more united society, in which mutual We need to prepare future generations
Emotions are the locomotive of our de- respect and civilized dialogue reign; for the problems they will face and pass on
velopment. Emotions fuel our confidence our experience, especially the experience
that we can do more, that we can climb a society with less selfishness and more of our mistakes.
higher, including that we can be better and sincerity and sincere generosity;
more friendly to each other. Let’s teach them to be less selfish than
a cleaner environment; us, less materialistic than us, less consu-
At the same time emotions can lead us a greener and healthier economy that ming than us, and less competitive than us.
to conflict and hatred. pollutes less;
a planet with fewer weapons than today. The key to peace and understanding on
Today we see how hate is amplified bet- How can we prevent conflicts in the fu- earth is in mutually respectful cooperation.
ween two parts of the world, through an ture? In the talent to find topics and projects that
intense flow of hostile information from How can we reduce investment in arma- unite us, and avoid topics that divide us.
all sides. This tension is especially alar- ments and increase investment in environ-
ming when you live in a small country like mental protection? The problem of humanity is in the pe-
Moldova, located close to the epicenter of How can we build a stable global order ople themselves - we are the authors of our
actions. and a set of functional global mecha- problems, and only we will solve them.
nisms?
The world’s elites have failed to prevent I think we need to get back to the educa- And the right atmosphere for problem-
a very serious problem, and now, instead tion process. First to the education of our solving is calm, excluding emotions, focu-
of taking steps to reduce its gravity, they generation. Let’s learn to respect differen- sing on the common goals and identifying
are feeding the hatred. the possible effects of our decisions.

YOUTH OF FOWPAL
At the 25th Eurasian
Economic Summit,
the youth of FOWPAL

generated great
enthusiasm.

In particular, they
fascinated the

guests with their
performances in the
name of peace and

love.
86

“DIALOGUE OF CITIES”

Day 2
3rd Session

At the third session of the 25th Eurasian Economic Summit, the Rostrum was composed of Hon. Mme. Lale Aytanç Nal-
bant, H.E Shuhratbek ABDURAHMONOV Governor and Mayor of Andijan Region - Uzbekistan, H.E. Fikrim Damka,
Minister of Regional Development of Kosovo, H.E. Jakhongir Artikhodjaev, Governor and Mayor of Tashkent -

Uzbekistan, H.E Shuhratbek Abdurahmonov, Governor and Mayor of Andijan Region - Uzbekistan, Hon.Yalçın SÖNMEZ
President of Organized Industrial Zone of Ali Kahya - Journalist
The Representative
Committee of the Marmara Group Fo-
undation was consisted of Hon.Cafer
Okray and Hon. Sezgin Bilgiç
(Left)
The Reporters are Hon. Prof. Dr. Elçin
İskenderzade from Azerbaijan, , Hon.
Prof. Dr. Özgür Çengel, Rector of Ga-
lata Üniversity, Hon. Prof. Dr. Figen
Yıldırım, Hon. Att. Belgin Tanrıverdi
and Hon. Rahmi Dilek
(Down)

87

Hon. BENJAMINA KARIC

Mayor of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

We will continue to work to make the world more livable

I send you my most sincere wishes. I tion of peace are on our agenda. Here, we Hon. Mr. Cafer Okray extended the
would like to say hello to all of you from are ready to do our part for the polarized, di- gratitude of the Marmara Group
a city that has some very important values at vided world to reunite and embrace each
the international level. other again. We are ready to preserve the ci- Foundation to Hon. Mme. Benjamina
vilization of peace. The city of Sarajevo is KaricMayor of Sarajevo - Bosnia and
It is a great honor for me to be here as the fully committed to the development of in-
Mayor of Sarajevo. It is really important to ternational relations, development of mutual Herzegovina
be here, at this event, for mutual coopera- relations and cooperation between cities.
tion and the development of our countries The economic effects of the Covid-19 epi- come a smart city by completing our digital
and cities. We encourage and support each demic are very important. transformation.
other to move forward.
Despite everything, Sarajevo, the capital Finally, we would like to thank our hosts,
The doors of Sarajevo are always open to of Bosnia and Herzegovina, continues to for bringing us together here and for dis-
you. They are wide open to cooperating and preserve its democratic spirit. It continues cussing mutual ideas, thank you for your at-
supporting each other to develop new dia- to support the independence of both our ne- tention.
logues. It is very important to protect inter- ighbors and free countries around the world,
national values, support solidarity, and continues to do its best to develop good I am waiting for you in Sarajevo, which
brotherhood and friendship, and develop relations. It is very important to develop an has many opportunities, I am waiting for
personal and social rights for our citizens. open and constructive dialogue here. We you in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
will continue to work to make the world
It is very important to promote the rights more livable. It is really important to deve-
and well-being of our citizens. City diplo- lop our relations with cities, to learn from
macy generally includes incentives related each other and to support each other, to find
to transition and economic development. more applications and to find good initiati-
Our citizens are our core resource, our core ves, along with these shared goals.
value, and we focus on developing them
further. The city of Sarajevo continues to develop
itself in areas such as culture, education, de-
This summit is very important for the de- mocracy and peace. We are trying to be-
velopment of mutual relations and intercity
cooperation. The preservation and promo-

88

Hon. EMIR KIR

Mayor of Saint – Josse, Belgium, Member of Parliament of Belgium

Without dialogue, we will be dragged into a swampy war for which we will all pay

Mr. President, My Dear Brother, Mr. of our world. We work for peaceful coexis- the still visible impact of the health crisis.
Akkan Suver, tence and carry out concrete projects with Our world has become a village, that is a
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, diasporas.
Dear Participants, fact.
After a long time, I am excited and happy All of this works, but I would be lying to We have an analogy called the butterfly
to be with you. you if I said that is my main concern today.
effect: Could a butterfly flapping its wings
I hope this Covid epidemic does not hap- Just as the health crisis is affecting us in- in Brazil cause a tornado in Texas? What
pen again. ternationally today, I think mainly of this happens in Ukraine today directly or indi-
difficult situation our world has fallen into. rectly affects the whole world.
Last year, I spoke about the consequen-
ces of the health crisis and the decisive role The condemnation of the Russian offen- And will we be able to meet basic needs
of municipalities in crisis management, es- sive was immediate and unanimous in all such as food, energy and heat? We question
pecially in a federal state like Belgium. international institutions. ourselves.

The health crisis had escalated into a se- Unfortunately, as we all know, condem- In our difficult times, everything that is a
rious social crisis; Before we got out of it, a nations are not enough to maintain peace, basic need turns into a luxury. Inflation re-
new crisis found us, and that is the conflict and security and protect the civilian popu- ached record levels. The energy bill is do-
between Ukraine and Russia. lation. Apart from the measures taken, dip- ubling, and basic foodstuffs such as flour
lomacy and mediation are important to end and oil are decreasing day by day and the
In this context, I will discuss our issue of this devastating conflict. need is increasing.
intercity dialogue in connection with the
current crisis. I would like to emphasize here the great In this case, how should our protective
role Türkiye played in the peace negotiati- and stockist reflex not complicate the situa-
At our own level, we maintain excellent ons and I would like to thank everyone who tion?
relations with our cities with which we have worked in this direction.
sister city agreements: Türkiye, Eskişehir, This is the challenge of international re-
Morocco, Palestine, Philippines, Democra- Without dialogue, we will be dragged into lations as well as at the municipal level, but
tic Republic of Congo, Romania, Bulga- a swampy war for which we will all pay. will states keep a close eye when it comes to
ria… meeting the basic needs of the people?
The social consequences of the war are
There are 160 nationalities in our muni- already well felt by the majority of citizens, Shouldn’t food sovereignty be at the top
cipality, we speak almost all the languages but felt more harshly in the municipality of of our thoughts?
Saint-Josse due to the growing poverty and
We experienced the consequences of

89

overdependence during the health crisis, quest of our former mayor, the visionary cities are facilitated at a global level. We are
with Europe unable to manufacture on a Guy Cudell, this city was planned to in- the actors on the field on a daily basis, and
large scale an object as simple as a mask. crease tax revenues; that is, social services we share challenges to a certain extent whe-
were provided to citizens with taxes collec- rever we are.
Belgium, which was once one of the most ted from offices and hotels.
important industrialization and wool com- Being always in action is what drives us
panies, is experiencing various problems in This social structure makes up our DNA. to this success.
this regard. Because when the people weaken, they turn
to us, the first representatives of the state. Ford says “Coming together is a start”.
Dear listeners, crises are difficult but ins- We are here and being together is a strength.
tructive and redefine our goals. Distinguished guests, and municipalities
are the future of the world. I strongly believe We have been doing this together at this
As for myself, I can say that my priority in this because they can intervene instantly, Eurasian Economic Summit for 25 years.
as Mayor and Deputy is social. they have experience, they are in direct con- Working together brings success. This is our
tact with the public and they are in direct goal and we strive for it every day.
We are making efforts to protect the seg- contact with the realities of society. Thanks
ments whose purchasing power has weake- to this simple principle, dialogue between Thank you to each and every one of you
ned. The Municipality of Saint-Josse has on for your contribution.
one side poverty-stricken, thriving busines-
ses and luxury hotels on the other! At the re- Thank you very much for listening to me
carefully, best regards.

H.E. JAKHONGIR ARTIKKHODJAYEV

Governor and Mayor of Tashkent, Uzbekistan

We are always ready for mutually benefical cooperation!
Tashkent's Doors are always open for you!

First of all, I would like to express my Erdogan, are serving to intensify our beneficial agreements.
sincere gratitude to the organizers of strategic partnership. Here I would like to quote the proverb
this event for the opportunity to meet with
all of you during today’s summit. We recognize the Republic of Türkiye of the great Turkish people: The mountain
as a country with high political, economic does not meet the mountain but the man
I am pleased to note that in recent years and cultural potential in the world, and as meets the man.
the strategic relations between Uzbekistan a reliable and important partner of Uzbek-
and Türkiye have been consistently devel- istan in the international arena. It should be noted that one of the most
oping. important factors in the development of
I am convinced that today’s Summit cities and regions is interregional and in-
The close friendly relations between the will provide an opportunity to strengthen terurban relations, mutual exchange of
Presidents of the two countries, His Ex- ties between the representatives of the practices and implementation of joint pro-
cellency Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziy- Eurasian countries, identify new areas and jects, as well as further development of
oyev and His Excellency Recep Tayyip forms of cooperation, and reach mutually spiritual affinity between people.

90

Tashkent is the political, economic and equality and transparency in land rela- Hon. Mr. Cafer Okray
cultural center of Uzbekistan, with a de- tions, reliable protection of land rights and extended the
veloped infrastructure and a high standard their transformation into market assets. gratitude of the
of living. It is the most densely populated Marmara Group
capital city in the Central Asian region. Dear Summit Participants,
The last 2 years have been challenging Foundation to H.E.
Over the past 4 years, in compliance years for all of us, with the level of sys- Jackhongir
with up-to-date urban planning require- temic development of cities and regions
ments, Tashkent has implemented reforms declining sharply during the COVID-19 Artikkhodjayev
in the field of housing, trade and service pandemic. Governor and
provision, modernization of public utili- A number of projects and collabora- Mayor of Tashkent -
ties, road transport and social infrastruc- tions in urban planning, urbanization, in-
ture, including the construction of bridges ternational cooperation, service provision, Uzbekistan
and highways, as well as developing foreign trade, education and cultural and
tourism and many other sectors. humanitarian spheres have been forced to participation of entrepreneurs within the
go online. framework of this Summit, as the devel-
In February 2022, the international rat- At the same time, the scope of e-com- opment of the region is directly dependent
ing agency Fitch Ratings affirmed merce has multiplied, and distance learn- on economic relations;
Tashkent’s long-term foreign and national ing and telemedicine have entered a
currency credit ratings at “BB-” with a large-scale development phase. 2. Organization of activities aimed at
“Stable” rating and gave it an “AA” sta- In order to expand the level of conve- improving the environment, exchange of
ble rating on debt burden. nience for residents and visitors of best practices in the field of modern ar-
Tashkent, a comprehensive program chitecture and landscaping and the imple-
This increases the investment attrac- “Digital Tashkent” is being implemented. mentation of joint cooperation programs
tiveness of Tashkent and confirms the The purpose of this program is to digi- in order to create comfortable living con-
steady development of the capital city’s tize urban services, create an up-to-date ditions for the population;
economy at the international level. urban infrastructure, and make utility ser-
vices more accessible to the population. 3. Our future is in the hands of young
Tashkent is actively developing cooper- Currently, work is underway to intro- people, so we must encourage young peo-
ation in the international political, eco- duce a 5G network in Tashkent and ex- ple to respect each other and cooperate. In
nomic and urban planning areas, pand the coverage of the regions. this regard, the third suggestion is about
establishing regular contacts with more In the framework of today’s Summit, holding a Youth Festival and a Forum of
than 20 major capital cities, on the basis with a view to further developing our Young Entrepreneurs;
of which various socio-economic and cul- partnership, I would like to make sugges-
tural-educational initiatives are being im- tions on a number of promising areas for 4. Implementation of joint activities and
plemented. cooperation: projects in the field of education,
1. Holding business forums with the medicine and culture will create an envi-
A visa-free regime has been introduced ronment of further cooperation in the re-
for citizens of 86 countries, and Turkish gion.
citizens were among the first to have been
offered such a regime. We are confident that our joint efforts
and agreements will make a significant
Over 8,000 foreign companies, includ- contribution to the implementation of mu-
ing more than 1,744 enterprises with Turk- tually beneficial projects in the Eurasian
ish capital, are successfully operating in region and the development of cities and
Tashkent, of which 198 were established regions.
in 2021.
Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the
Today, Uzbekistan pays special atten- Tashkent city Mayor’s Office, I sincerely
tion to supporting entrepreneurship and congratulate the participants of today’s
creating a favorable investment climate. Summit and wish you good and fruitful
work.
Firstly, the Law on Investments and In-
vestment Activities was adopted, which We are always ready for mutually ben-
guarantees the protection of foreign in- eficial cooperation Tashkent Doors are al-
vestments. ways open for you!

Secondly, the tax system is being im-
proved and measures are being taken to re-
duce the tax burden.

Today, the corporate tax rate in Uzbek-
istan (12%) is one of the lowest in the re-
gion.

Thirdly, significant reforms are under-
way in the land sector. Recently, specific
measures have been identified to ensure

91

Hon. MARKO FILIPOVIC

Mayor of the City of Rijeka, Croatia

It is very important for municipality managers to be able to do the right job at the right time

Distinguished Excellences, Ladies and from each other. Maybe Europe is still the about the cost of Covid 19 to us, now there
Gentlemen. It is a great honor to greet best place to live in the world right now in is a problem in Ukraine.
you all here in Istanbul, the place where the 21st century. But is Europe the best
Asia is meeting Europe. And in this Sum- place to trade? Yes, I want to say that the It is very important for municipality ma-
mit, this will be confirmed. trade centers are on some other continents. nagers to be able to do the right job at the
Europe wants to invest in internet techno- right time. Croatia is very important to us in
For 25 Years you have been giving your logy, information technology, and other terms of how we are doing in the Covid 19
enthusiasm and hard work to bringing pe- things. This is very significant. 70% of pe- crisis, it can show you important things.
ople together, and promoting peace and sta- ople live in cities, there area more competi-
bility. I congratulate you. tive life and more people in these cities. I am very pleased that you have invited
me to the Marmara Group Foundation, I
I wish to welcome you all on behalf of the I also want to emphasize that cultural hope we will see each other in the following
City of Rijeka. The third largest city in cooperation is very important. Both bet- years.
Croatia and the biggest port. This is very ween our cities and between our countries.
important for my speech because I want to In 2020 Rijeka was the European capital of I wish everyone a successful Summit.
emphasize two things. One thing is cultural culture. I want to strengthen our coopera- Thank you so much.
cooperation and the other thing is entrepre- tion. This includes Istanbul, we want to im-
neurs and business cooperation between our prove our relations with Istanbul. This is
regions, our cities, our nations and our sta- very important for Rijeka, we changed 7 co-
tes. untries in the last century without going
anywhere. We stayed within the borders of
Croatia is a full member of the EU since different countries. That is why the wings
2013 but at the beginning of next year we of history are always flying and moving.
are going to enter the Euro Zone and we are
going to enter the Schengen regime which is I think this gives us a special place. All
very important for our entrepreneurs be- the great rulers were in our country. This al-
cause they are going to be able to cooperate lowed Rijeka to be open. We welcome coo-
even more with the companies inside the peration with other countries, this is very
EU. Sometimes our policies are Eurocentric important in a changing world. We all talk
but I think we should cooperate and learn

92

Hon. ABDULHADI KRASNIÇ

Mayor of Mamusha, Kosovo

I believe that we can overcome the problems we are experiencing more

easily as long as we work together, in unity and solidarity

Distinguished President Dr. Akkan things in the field of trade with the coo- ography. As the administrators of our ci-
Suver, Valuable Representatives peration they have established with Mot- ties, I believe that we can overcome the
from all over the world, Dear Mayors, herland of Türkiye and neighboring problems we are experiencing more ea-

And you, Dear Participants, I respect- countries. sily as long as we work together, in unity

fully greet you all. Mamusa Municipality is a sister muni- and solidarity.

Today, I am honored to be among you, cipality with nearly 30 municipalities in While concluding my words, I would

representing the Mamusa Municipality Türkiye. With these fraternal relations like to express my gratitude to Dr.

of the Republic of Kosovo, the place of we have established, we are trying to es- Akkan Suver and his management and to

hardworking and helpful people, which tablish bridge relations between the Mot- everyone who contributed to this beauti-

is the only Turkish Municipality in the herland Türkiye, Kosovo and the Balkan ful organization. Kind regards.

Balkans. Republics, on the other hand, we are

I would like to express my gratitude to trying to produce projects that will solve

you for bringing us together with the rep- our common problems, strengthen our

resentatives of our brotherly countries fraternal relations and implement joint

today and giving us the opportunity to projects that will serve our people.

express our problems, and demands, in- In addition, as part of the “Internatio-

crease cooperation between us and share nal Tomato Festival”, which we have tra-

experiences. ditionally organized as the Municipality

The Municipality of Mamusa is a town of Mamusa, we both promote our cul-

that has done great things in the field of ture, our work, the products we grow,

agriculture and trade. Despite being the and invite many municipal representati-

smallest municipality in the Republic of ves and senior officials from Türkiye,

Kosovo, it has become the warehouse of Cyprus, the Balkan countries, and Eu-

Kosovo by hosting 60% of the green- rope to our festival every year. We ini- Hon. Mr. Cafer Okray extended the
houses within its borders. In addition, tiate cooperation and joint projects at the gratitude of the Marmara Group
our enterprising business people from central or local level.
Mamusha have accomplished great Foundation to H.E. Abdulhadi Krasniç
As you said, we all live in a global ge-

93

Hon. ALMAZ MAMBETOV

Mayor of Osh, Kyrgyz Republic

Today, climate change has become one of the global problems of the planet,
the solution of which depends on each of us

Dear participants of the 25th Eurasian portance - the development and restoration Undoubtedly, one of the fastest growing
Economic Summit! of trade, economic and investment coope- sectors of the economy in the world is tou-
Dear Friends! ration after the COVID-19 pandemic, sup- rism. The share of people employed in this
First of all, let me, on behalf of the inha- port for small and medium-sized sector is growing every year. Tourism de-
bitants of the ancient city of Osh of the businesses, climate change, and green eco- termines the trend of preserving cultural
Kyrgyz Republic and on my own behalf, nomy are one of the key conditions for the and historical values, developing the eco-
welcome you to the 25th Eurasian Econo- renewal of each state and region. I am sure nomy and the creation of new jobs, while
mic Summit and express special respect to that together we will achieve a renewal of not causing damage to the environment
the organizers for such a major event. the economy and increase its sustainability and ecology.
while realizing the huge creative invest-
The city of Osh of the Kyrgyz Republic ment potential that we all certainly have. Taking into account this factor, the ma-
attaches great importance to strengthening yor’s office of the city of Osh has chosen
business and friendly contacts with our sis- Today, climate change has become one tourism as one of the priority areas for the
ter cities and international partners. We of the global problems of the planet, the so- development of the city. The city of Osh
build relationships on the principles of mu- lution of which depends on each of us. The has significant tourism potential. Since an-
tual respect, partnership and trust. city of Osh, in order to preserve and im- cient times, the Silk Road, which connec-
prove the environment, decided to gradu- ted the East with the West, ran through the
Our city has an Agreement on twinning ally move towards a green economy. For city of Osh. In 2021, at the first Internatio-
and cooperation with 23 cities from diffe- the practical implementation of this issue, nal Tourism Forum held in the city of Osh,
rent countries, such as Uzbekistan, Ka- we decided to join the global program of international experts recognized the city of
zakhstan, Türkiye, Russia, South Korea the European Bank for Reconstruction and Osh as a Tourist Provider of the Great Silk
and China. We intend to further expand the Development (EBRD) “Green Cities”. As Road, which allows us to revive the former
list of our twin cities to develop internatio- part of this, it is planned to purchase pub- greatness of our ancient city and will give
nal cooperation and strengthen trade and lic electric buses, and measures are being a powerful impetus to the development of
economic ties. taken to increase green spaces and park small and medium-sized businesses, in-
areas in the city of Osh. vestment projects, and in general the entire
Issues that in the current situation are of
particular economic, social and public im-

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economy of the region. For this purpose, is necessary to consolidate all efforts with ral, and we very much hope for this. For its
the Osh City Hall has developed its own our regional partners, leaders of business part, the city of Osh is open to further
tourism brand and is making every effort circles from sister cities. We hope that to- strengthening of friendly relations and is
to spread it on the international tourism day’s event will become a good platform ready for close cooperation with all inte-
market. I emphasize that citizens from 61 for establishing business relations and rested parties.
countries of the world have the opportunity strengthening economic ties between part-
to visit Kyrgyzstan without the need to ners. I express confidence that this forum will
purchase a visa. And this already speaks raise mutually beneficial cooperation bet-
volumes. Dear Friends! ween its participants at all levels to a new
It is not a secret for anyone that the use of stage.
The economic lockdown in 2020 left a new opportunities for partnership and the
heavy mark on the global economy, inclu- development of new ways of growth will I wish the friendly city of Istanbul and
ding in Kyrgyzstan and the city of Osh. To strengthen fruitful friendly relations bet- all the participants of today’s event peace
return the economy to its previous level, it ween our business circles, people in gene- and prosperity, good health and further ac-
hievements.

Hon. IBRAHIM HADŽIBAJRIĆ

Mayor of Stari Grad, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Municipality of Stari Grad, Sarajevo has signed Cooperation Agreements

with 28 cities and municipalities from 13 different countries

The municipality of Stari Grad, Sarajevo, countries. Gostivar, Čair and Aerodrom

especially its main historical zone Turkiye (10): Fatih Istanbul, Karamürsel, Albania (1): Krujë

“Baščaršija” famous as the East-West melt- Osmangazi Bursa, Kepez Antalya, Silivri Kosovo (1): Peć
ing pot, attracts hundreds of visitors from all Istanbul, Selçuklu Konya, Ümraniye, Iran (1): Municipality 12 Teheran
Mamak Ankara, Mehmetçik (Turkish Re- Russia (1): Alekseevsky Moscow
around the World. This Baščaršija’s her-

itage gave us an idea to create special rela- public of Northern Cyprus), Karşıyaka Italy (1): Castagneto Carducci
tions with numerous towns and Izmir. Bosnia and Herzegovina (2): Bosanska
municipalities from all around the World. Krupa and Olovo
Montenegro (2): Ulcinj and Budva

Municipality of Stari Grad, Sarajevo has Serbia (2): Kragujevac and Stari Grad- These Agreements encourage local com-

signed Cooperation Agreements with 28 Beograd munities to create various types of cooper-

cities and municipalities from 13 different North Macedonia (5): Karpoš, Ohrid, ation. With full confidence, we can say that

95

the Municipality of Stari Grad, Sarajevo massive floods which caused a lot of
has achieved full and fruitful cooperation
with its sister partners in various areas such damage, took lives and endangered
as culture, humanitarian aid, infrastructure,
and education. Some of those projects are the existence of the population. Our
implemented with the municipalities and
cities from Türkiye that have generously sister municipalities Osmangazi
supported investments in infrastructure, cul-
ture, and education in our Municipality. Bursa, Ümraniye Istanbul and

I must mention a great infrastructural pro- Karamürsel, immediately sent help
ject, the reconstruction of Baščaršija’s cen-
tral square in which a significant part took in the value of 800.000 EUR, we
our sister Municipality of Osmangazi Bursa.
They donated 300.000 EUR. This Munici- will not forget that!
pality also financed the reconstruction of
Bakr-baba Mosque and restoration of the Thanks to our brotherly and
“At May- dan” archaeological site, as well
as the reconstruction of the Osmangazi friendly approach, good presentation
Bursa fountain and Information Center in
our Municipality.Along with our sister Mu- and support, municipalities from
nicipality of Selçuklu Konya, we have built
a completely new Balkan-Mevlevi Re- Türkiye invested around 1,8 million
search Centre in the Kovači neighborhood,
valued at 600.000 EUR EUR in the various projects in Stari

Our Elementary School “Saburina” got a Grad Sarajevo.
new roof thanks to our cooperation with the
Municipality of Silivri Istanbul, Selçuklu I have mentioned examples of
Konya donated funds for the children’s
playground and Fatih Istanbul donated for good cooperation only with the mu-
a modern sports field in Medrese neigh-
bourhood. nicipalities and cities from Türkiye,

In May 2014, Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I must tell you that we have also
especially its northern regions, was hit by
very good cooperation with the mu-

nicipalities from other countries as

well.

We continue to spread our coop- Hon. Mr. Cafer Okray extended the grati-
eration network with other munici- tude of the Marmara Group Foundation to
palities and cities because we Hon. İbrahim Hadzibajric, Mayor of Stari Grad
believe that is the right way to help
each other in various fields, not only - Bosnia and Herzegovina

financial, but also intellectual, I look behind, and this is my 4th mandate as

through experiences, and good examples in the Mayor of the Municipality of Stari Grad,

practice. Sarajevo, it has been 14 years since I took

My advice to other municipalities and this job and the things I am most prideful of

cities is to connect and to work together on are the friendships and cooperation we

various projects, do not let those Coopera- achieved. People will talk about it for years

tion Agreements become dead letters. When to come.

Among participants of the Summit Hon. Angela Pietrantoni, Hon. Cafer Okray,Hon. Benjamina Karic , H. E. Senida Mesi,
Hon. Ibrahim Hadzibajric and Hon. Sezgin Bilgiç together with Dr. Akkan Suver

96

H.E. SHUHRATBEK ABDURAHMONOV

Governor and Mayor of Andijan Region, Uzbekistan

Over the past 5 years, 16,000 new businesses have been established in the region, bringing the
total number to more than 40,000. It is noteworthy that about 50% of entrepreneurs have been

established in the last 5 years

Hello Dear Ladies and Gentlemen! Dear It is no coincidence that it is described as been an important link between Western
Summit Participants! the “Pearl of the Valley” among the regi- countries and China through the Great Silk
First of all, let me express that I am very ons of the Fergana Valley, where the four Road.
pleased to be directly involved in this high- seasons change in a timely manner.
level economic summit. Dear Friends,
Dear participants of the event, Over the past five years, as a result of the
I think that our participation in this in- With your permission, let me briefly implementation of the policy of openness
ternational event and our live dialogue with dwell on the economic potential of the An- by the President, liberalization of the eco-
you will be mutually beneficial not only for dijan region. nomy and the creation of ample opportu-
the development of the Andijan region, but The region has a total population of 3.4 nities for entrepreneurs, a number of
also for all participating regions. million people, a total area of 4.3 thousand positive changes are taking place in the
square kilometers, the administrative-terri- economy of the Andijan region.
Today, Uzbekistan is the core of the Cen- torial structure consists of 14 districts and In particular, as a result of ongoing re-
tral Asian region, which, by its geographi- 2 cities. The regional center is the city of forms, the volume of gross regional pro-
cal location, connects North and South, Andijan, one of the most densely populated duct in the region over the past five years
West and East through main transit corri- areas in the region. has increase by an average of 26% or 1.8
dors. The capital is located 360 km from Tash- billion dollars.
kent, mainly 406 km from the neighboring In 2016, the amount of foreign invest-
In this regard, the Andijan region is one Kyrgyz Republic. Andijan region has long ment was $26 million, while in 2021 this
of the most important regions in the co- been an important link between Western figure will reach $273 million dollars or in-
untry, developing in all directions and gro- countries and China through the Great Silk creased to 11 times. The export volume in-
wing rapidly. Road. creased from 128 million to $680 million
The capital is located 360 km from Tash- dollars.
I would say that the Andijan region, kent, mainly 406 km from the neighboring Our main export partners are China, Tür-
which covers 1% of the country’s territory Kyrgyz Republic. Andijan region has long kiye, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uk-
and contains 10% of the total population of
Uzbekistan, is home to real businessmen
and entrepreneurs.

97

raine and Arab and European countries. Currently, the construction work is in full Hon. Mr. Sezgin
Over the past 5 years, 16,000 new busi- swing, with investors from Türkiye, China Bilgiç extended
and India building multi-storey houses and the gratitude of
nesses have been established in the region, social facilities.
bringing the total number to more than the Marmara
40,000. It is noteworthy that about 50% of Dear Guests, Foundation to
entrepreneurs have been established in the Tourism is one of the fastest growing H.E. Shuhratbek
last 5 years. sectors in the region, and over the past Abdurahmanov
years, as a result of improving the infras- Governor and
Also, the number of universities in the tructure of tourism facilities, the flow of fo- Mayor of Andijan
region has increased from 4 to 7, and reign tourists to the region is growing.
branches of 2 foreign universities have In this regard, the city of Khanabad in the Region –
been opened. region is of particular importance. Among Uzbekistan
the locals, the city of Khanabad is called
I believe that the basis for achieving the the second Switzerland of Uzbekistan. In order to provide the resort area with
above economic efficiency is the fact that In order to increase the number of fore- communication networks, $25 mln. was al-
our country has a wide range of opportuni- ign tourists to at least 15,000 and the num- located. The construction work is currently
ties for entrepreneurship and direct support. ber of local tourists to 1.5 million, while underway.
transforming the city of Khanabad into a
In addition, with the direct initiative of “tourist destination” in the region, an arti- Dear Summit Participants,
our President, August 20 is celebrated an- ficial lake and recreation area being built In recent years, the region is expanding
nually as the Day of Entrepreneurship, and on 66 hectares. the production of automotive and electri-
on this day the President holds an “Open cal products.
Dialogue” with entrepreneurs, giving our In order to further develop this sector and
entrepreneurs more strength and enthusi- create a value chain, on the direct initiative
asm. of President Islam Karimov, 105 hectares
of land were allocated in the Andijan dis-
Dear Friends, trict, and the Hub of Automotive and Elect-
I would like to take this opportunity to rical Engineering was established. 10
tell the participants about the major pro- million from the State budget for the in-
jects being implemented in the Andijan re- frastructure of this Industrial Hub. dollars
gion. In particular, during the visit of the were allocated.
President to the Andijan region in 2021, the All conveniences will be created in this
foundation stone was laid for the construc- industrial zone for foreign investors.
tion of the city of “New Andijan” on an Also, in order to further the development
area of 4,000 hectares. textile industry, which is one of the driver
More than 130,000 apartment buildings directions of the region, to expand the pro-
will be built in the new city and more than duction of finished knitwear, Pakhtaabad
450,000 people will be provided with hou- district has been allocated 55 hectares of
sing. land and a special industrial zone for dye-
$ 100 million has been allocated from ing knitwear has been established.
the Republican budget for the launch of 10 million dollars from the state budget
communication networks of the new city will be allocated for the construction of
project. communication networks in the region.
Dear Friends,
Award from Mr. Salokhiddin Samadov to Dr. Akkan Suver and Cafer Okray Dear colleagues,
In conclusion, I would like to call on all
participants to cooperate, emphasizing that
a healthy competitive environment has
been created for the implementation of in-
vestment projects in the Andijan region, the
legitimate interests of all investors are gua-
ranteed by the state.
Thank you for your attention.

98

Hon. JAKUP MAZUR

First Deputy Mayor of Wroclaw – Poland

We know that there have been very difficult conditions for many mayors in recent years. At the

same time, we are not reactionary, we will take proactive actions. Because for the first time in

history, more people died from a disease

Distinguished Guests, Dear Presidents, ficult conditions for many mayors in recent We have to work together, be in the same
Governors, Mayors, my Friends. It is years. At the same time, we are not reac- situation, and face the same problems.
a great honor for me to be with you. tionary, we will take proactive actions. Be-
cause for the first time in history, more The more we are together, the more we
It is very important to be here, especially people died from a disease. can overcome these problems in this glo-
in this session, because many world-re- bal world. If we are successful in our own
nowned cities are mentioned. Since I was We are in a time that has never been ex- region, we will be successful in the world.
the last speaker, it is easy to underline what perienced in human history. This gives
you have said. I can say that we can pro- some kind of advantage. Protecting this, Thank you very much for this extraordi-
duce common values, values between all realizing and developing a good future on nary meeting.
conversations. We are on the same road, we behalf of our country, our cities and huma-
are walking to the future on the same road. nity is an obligation.
So I have a formal speech, but instead, I
will talk about some of my own thoughts. Also in my city, from my point of view,
This city of ours was Wroclaw, which was 300,000 Russian Slavs came as refugees
subject to different things from many co- from Ukraine because of the war. I know
untries, now we have a population of one half of them will stay after. This is a must
million in our city. for me, to motivate them, to provide the op-
portunity to live together and to ensure the
My city is a success story, with its uni- welfare of the city.
versities, business people, job opportuni-
ties and we also have things looking to the Dear Mayors and Dear Friends, I know
future In Eastern Europe someone said. that many good and bad things in the world
“We are facing a world, hunger, wars will happen in cities. It occurs in cities. It is in
happen again, it will cost many lives”. our hands, a successful future is in our
hands. To solve problems. At the same
We know that there have been very dif- time, we have some opportunities to come.

99

“CRISIS IN FOOD, SUPPLY AND COMMODITY!”
“WILL THE PARIS AGREEMENT BE OVERSHADOWED BY THE WAR?”

Day 2
4th Session

At the fourth session of the 25th Eurasian Eco-
nomic Summit, the Rostrum was composed of
Hon. Att. Serhat Tabanca, H. E. Senida Mesi,
Deputy Prime Minister of Albania (2017-2021),
H.E. Eldor Tulyakov, Head of Uzbekistan Strate-
gic Development Center, H. E. Enver Hüseyin,
Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policies of
North Macedonia, Hon. Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Presi-

dent of FOWPAL (Up)
The Representative Committee of the Marmara
Group Foundation was consisted of Hon. Turan

Sarıgülle, Hon. Ümran Köksüz (Left)
The Reporters are Hon. Att. Murat Keçeciler,
Hon. Mustafa Ergin, Hon. Göksel Bilgiç, Hon.

Gülçin Güngören (Down)

100