Turkic States Plan Joint Hackathons and Competitions to Engage Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development
Author: TURKUNIB Date: 27 Mar. 2026 Category: Innovation & TechnologySenior information and communication technology officials of the Turkic states gathered in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, on 27 March 2026 for a panel session on “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development: Enhancing Cooperation among the OTS States,” convened with the participation of OTS Deputy Secretary General Dr. Mirvokhid Azimov and private-sector representatives from across the region.
Participants examined artificial intelligence and digital development as essential drivers of transformation across industries, governance, education, healthcare and commerce – an explicit recognition that the digital agenda now reaches into every classroom and laboratory of the Turkic world. Discussions emphasized strengthening digital connectivity and data exchange among the member states, and the particular importance of engaging young people and professionals in the digital transformation now under way.
As a practical outcome, participants committed to organizing joint hackathons, competitions, forums and other hands-on engagements across the Turkic states – formats designed to bring together young talent from different countries around shared technological challenges.
The Shymkent commitments, which preceded the Turkistan Informal Summit's adoption of artificial intelligence and digital development as its central theme in May 2026, are of direct interest to universities and their students. Joint hackathons and competitions offer students and young researchers of the Turkic world opportunities to collaborate across borders, test their skills and build professional networks – objectives that align closely with TURKUNIB's mission of connecting the academic communities of its member universities.
Photo: Organization of Turkic States (turkicstates.org)
Photo: Organization of Turkic States (turkicstates.org)
Photo: Organization of Turkic States (turkicstates.org)
Based on official OTS reporting: Panel Session on “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development: Enhancing Cooperation among the OTS States” convened in Shymkent, Kazakhstan
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