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Held under the theme “You Are the Future,” the 2nd Youth Forum of the Turkic World brought together young leaders from across the Turkic world in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, from 23 to 26 October 2025. The opening ceremony took place on 24 October 2025 in the conference hall of Kyrgyz National University named after J. Balasagun, the event’s host.

The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem; Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Tagaev; Deputy Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic Aibek Chotonov; Rector of Kyrgyz National University named after J. Balasagun Prof. Dr. Dogdurbek Chontoev; Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan; President of the Ahmed Javad Institute, Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and Faculty Member of Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Prof. Dr. Ruhi Ersoy; TÜRKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev; Deputy Secretary-General Sayit Yusuf; Vice President of the Turkish Maarif Foundation Prof. Dr. Ahmet Emre Bilgili; as well as young academicians and students from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, and Kyrgyzstan.

Deputy Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic Aibek Chotonov, in his opening speech, addressed the youth, emphasizing that knowledge, science, and solidarity are the most important forces shaping the future of the Turkic world. He stated: "You are the future of the Turkic world. As the Kyrgyz Republic, we attach great importance to science, education, and innovation. Science is the most effective means of building a strong bridge among our peoples."

Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Tagaev, noted that such events, bringing together young people from across the Turkic world, strengthen cultural ties. He added: "I wish success to all young participants of the forum. Our common language, culture, and history are the strongest foundations that unite our future."

“Youth: The Common Future of the Turkic World”

During the program, TÜRKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev highlighted the purpose of the forum: "This program serves as a platform where our young people get to know one another, exchange ideas, and build lasting bridges of friendship. These gatherings, which will shape the future of the Turkic world, are the strongest symbols of our shared identity."

Rector of Kyrgyz National University named after J. Balasagun, Prof. Dr. Dogdurbek Chontoev expressed pride in hosting such a meaningful event on the occasion of the university’s 100th anniversary, stating: "It is our collective responsibility to introduce the wisdom and cultural values inherited from our ancestors to the entire Turkic world."

 “Every New Generation Is the Enlightened One of Its Era”

Prof. Dr. Ruhi Ersoy, the keynote speaker of the program, delivered an inspiring address to the youth, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, morality, and identity awareness. He stated: "Every new generation is the enlightened one of its era. With knowledge, technology, morality, and love for your homeland, you will write the epic of the Turkic world’s future. Wherever you go, never forget your roots, your faith, and your culture. The family is our small state; the state is our great family. Equip yourselves with science, grow with culture, and live with history and faith."

Prof. Dr. Ersoy expressed gratitude to Kyrgyz National University named after J. Balasagun for hosting the event and highlighted that Turkic youth carry the responsibility of shaping the future by drawing strength from their deep-rooted past. He also underscored the need to further strengthen Turkic identity, cultural solidarity, and shared values among younger generations.

Prof. Dr. Ceylan: “Manas Is the Educational Heart of the Turkic World”

Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan in a statement to the press during the 2nd TÜRKSOY Youth Forum of the Turkic World, emphasized the unifying power of the Turkic world: "The most important educational institution that brings together the youth of the Turkic world is undoubtedly Manas University. Bearing the name of the great epic hero Manas is not only an honor but also a great responsibility. With this awareness, we continue to serve the Turkic world through the light of science, the strength of culture, and the spirit of brotherhood. "Manas University, proud to be ranked among the top 1000 universities in the world, continues with determination its mission of being the rising voice of Turkic youth and the guarantee of a shared future.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ceylan expressed great pleasure in hosting distinguished young representatives of the Turkic world and extended gratitude to Kyrgyz National University named after J. Balasagun, TÜRKSOY, and all institutions that contributed to organizing this meaningful gathering.

Following the opening ceremony, motivational talks and a TÜRKSOY Permanent Council Simulation were held. Within the framework of the forum themed “You Are the Future,” various panels, workshops, and cultural activities took place, contributing to participants’ development in shared identity awareness, diplomacy, and communication skills.

The participating youth, representing their respective countries, actively engaged in exchanges of ideas to help shape the future of the Turkic world.