The 29th Eurasian Economic Summit began with a gala dinner on 11 May and continued at the WOW Hotel and Convention Centre in Istanbul on 12-13 May 2026. The programme opened with messages from President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar.
A Free Platform for Global Dialogue
Held under the theme of Global Responsibility, the Summit brought together statespeople, diplomats, academics, faith leaders, businesspeople and civil society representatives from 48 countries. Opening the event, Marmara Group Foundation President Dr. Akkan Suver described the Eurasian Economic Summits as a free platform for global reason and conscience.
Dr. Suver addressed conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, crises in Africa and growing economic uncertainty. He stressed that humanity's shared future could only be protected through dialogue, diplomacy, common values and international cooperation.
Opening speakers included Turkish Exporters Assembly Vice President Cetin Tecdelioğlu, BSEC First Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Merve Safa Kavakci, representatives of the D-8 and Istanbul Deputy Governor Hasan Gozen. The speakers highlighted Türkiye's role as a reliable partner, the transformation brought by artificial intelligence and digitalisation, and the need for stronger and fairer international institutions.
Following the opening ceremony, six participants who had supported the Summit for ten years received medals of honour.
Energy and the Economy in the Post-War World
A major session examined energy security, involuntary migration, global economic vulnerability and post-war reconstruction. Participants included North Macedonia's Minister of Energy Sanja Bozinovska, former Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, former Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and Prince Radu of Romania.
The discussions focused on energy supply, European energy policies, regional cooperation and sustainable development. Speakers underlined that geopolitical tensions produce not only political consequences but also profound economic, humanitarian and social effects.
Global Peace and Shared Responsibility
The Global Peace session, moderated by Foundation Board Member Lale Aytanc Nalbant, brought together former prime ministers Hassan Diab, Chiril Gaburici, Dumitru Braghis and Marek Belka, together with Lord Jack McConnell and other international participants. They emphasised diplomacy, dialogue and multilateral cooperation as essential responses to polarisation and conflict.
Faith leaders and international figures, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Prof. Dr. Ali Bardakoglu and former Slovenian President Danilo Turk, discussed environmental, economic, social and moral dimensions of global responsibility.
Women, Democracy and Peace
A dedicated session considered the role of women in democracy, diplomacy and peacebuilding. Participants agreed that women's rights are not only a question of equality but also a fundamental element of security, democratic development and sustainable peace.
Global Leaders Dialogue - Wise Persons' Session
On 13 May, the Wise Persons' Session brought together current and former heads of state. Moderated by Dr. Akkan Suver, the session addressed wars, terrorism, involuntary migration, the future of the European Union, changes in the international system and the emerging post-war balance.
Türkiye's 11th President Abdullah Gul joined former presidents including Bamir Topi, Boris Tadic, Danilo Turk, Emil Constantinescu, Filip Vujanovic and Gjorge Ivanov. The leaders discussed the shift towards a multipolar world, the weakening of international law and democratic values, energy and water security, climate change, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and migration.
Abdullah Gul called attention to the erosion of international law and democratic standards and urged Europe to defend its own values more strongly. He also stressed the need for common legal and supervisory mechanisms governing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Culture, Young People and Closing Events
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality contributed concerts of Turkish folk music, Western music and Turkish classical music. The closing programme brought diplomacy and culture together and highlighted the Summit's contribution to international friendship.
The Peace and Diplomacy Education Programme demonstrated the Foundation's commitment to young people. The Foundation covered the participants' expenses, and young students received certificates after completing the programme.
The traditional Eurasian Economic Summits Cup was also held at Veliefendi Racecourse. At the closing, Dr. Akkan Suver announced that the Summit's speeches and assessments would be published in Turkish and English and invited participants to meet again at the 30th Eurasian Economic Summit.