Established to promote cooperation among ECO member states (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Türkiye) in the fields of knowledge preservation, cultural exchange, and professional development, the 7th Conference of Directors of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Member States’ National Libraries brought together representatives of the following national and international institutions:
At the beginning day of the Conference, a Cultural Tour was organised for the representatives followed by a Networking Dinner on 19 November 2025.
The General Assembly Meeting was held on 20 November 2025 at the Adnan Ötüken Public Library, Türkiye’s first National Library, with the theme “Digital Transformation, Knowledge Exchange, and Capacity Building for the Future of Libraries”.
The Program began with a Welcome Address by Mr. Taner Beyoğlu, Director-General of Libraries and Publications.
Opening remarks were delivered by representatives of the ECO Secretariat, the ECO Cultural Institute and National Library and Archives of Iran, followed by national presentations including the strategic priorities of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye and the TRNC. The Conference program encompassed a comprehensive set of sessions designed to advance regional cooperation among ECO member states. Following the Opening Ceremony and country statements, the agenda proceeded with Plenary Session I: Digital Transformation in ECO Libraries, featuring presentations on digitisation, data preservation and open-access infrastructure. In the afternoon, Plenary Session II: Experience Sharing and Capacity Development focused on staff exchange, digital literacy and collaborative professional development. A dedicated Working Session on the Establishment of Sub-Committees—held in line with Article 12 of the ECO Charter—enabled member states to deliberate on thematic cooperation areas such as digital infrastructure, preservation, public engagement and funding, laying the groundwork for concrete joint initiatives.
During the meeting, Mr. Taner Beyoğlu was unanimously elected as the Chair of the 7th Conference of Directors of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Member States’ National Libraries for the 2025-2027 term.
All delegates reaffirmed their common commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage of the ECO region, enhancing equitable access to information, and reinforcing the institutional capacity of national libraries in line with global trends in digital transformation and cultural diplomacy. They also acknowledged the importance of digitalisation, knowledge exchange, open access infrastructures, and long-term preservation efforts as essential components of modern library development.
Additionally, the delegates agreed to establish the following committees, in alignment with the Charter of Conference of Directors of ECO Member States’ National Libraries and based on Member States’ expressed needs:
At the meeting, the delegates welcomed the offer of the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan to host the 8th Conference in 2027.
As part of the meeting program, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the National Library of Türkiye and the National Library of the Republic of Tajikistan in the areas of digitisation, professional training, and inter-library cooperation.
In the evening, a Gala Dinner was held in honour of the representatives, who also attended a performance by one of Türkiye’s leading jazz pianists Kerem Görsev at Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Ada Ankara Concert Hall.
At the last day of the Conference, on 21 November 2025, Joint Statement of the Conference was presented and adopted with the approval of all delegations.
The program concluded with presenting participation certificates to all representatives as a token of appreciation. All representatives expressed their appreciation to Turkish side, host country of the Conference, for their warm hospitality and the successful organisation.