Conference Of Directors Of Economic Cooperation Organization (Eco) Member States’ National Libraries..

CONFERENCE OF DIRECTORS OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION ORGANIZATION (ECO) MEMBER STATES’ NATIONAL LIBRARIES

1. Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)

It was established in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye. Subsequently, with the participation of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, the number of member states has reached ten. The organization aims to promote the development of economic and cultural relations among its member states.

The issue regarding the establishment of the Conference of Directors of Economic Cooperation Organızation (ECO) Member States’ National Libraries within the framework of the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) was placed on the agenda at the first meeting held in Tehran on 19–20 November 2007. Within this framework, the institutional structure, scope of duties, and operational principles of the Conference were determined. The Conference Charter (ANNEX 1) was signed by the member states and entered into force at the second meeting held in Baku on 21 April 2009.

ANNEX 1: The Conference Charter

The Conference aims to enhance cooperation among the national libraries of ECO member states and to increase the exchange of information, knowledge and experience (Charter, Article 2). In line with these objectives; the conduct of scientific and cultural research in the field of librarianship, the organization of meetings and training activities, the establishment of joint databases, the acquisition of library resources through donation and exchange, the development of information and information technologies, and the strengthening of cooperation and coordination among national libraries are expected (Charter, Article 4). The duration of the Conference has been determined as unlimited (Charter, Article 3).

2. Previous Conferences

The Conference of Directors of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Member States’ National Libraries was convened on six occasions between 2007 and 2025, hosted by different member states at various times.

ANNEX 2: Previous Conferences

3. 7th Conference of Directors of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Member States' National Libraries, 19-21 November 2025, Ankara, Türkiye

The 7th Conference was held at the Adnan Ötüken Public Library, which had served as Türkiye’s first National Library and bears the name of Adnan Ötüken, the founder of the National Library of Türkiye. The theme of the conference was determined in line with the suggestions obtained from a survey conducted among member state governments prior to the meeting by the host country; within this scope, the theme was determined as “Digital Transformation, Knowledge Exchange, and Capacity Building for the Future of Libraries.”

According to Articles 9 and 10 of the conference charter, the election of the chair and the secretariat is carried out during the conference period. Within this framework, in line with the proposal of the Director of the National Library and Archives of Iran, which holds a special position in the charter, it has been unanimously decided that Mr. Taner Beyoğlu, Director General for Libraries and Publications, was elected Chair of the Conference for the 2025–2027 term.

During the Conference, the member states exchanged views on a broad range of issues concerning the future development of libraries and librarianship. Discussions focused on digitization initiatives, data preservation policies, the enhancement of open access infrastructures, regional staff mobility, professional training opportunities, digital literacy, and joint capacity-building models.

ANNEX 3: Joint Statement of 7th Conference of Directors of ECO Member States' National Libraries

The representative of the National Library of Kazakhstan has proposed that the next conference be hosted by Kazakhstan. It has been unanimously decided by the member countries that the 8th Conference of Directors of ECO Member States’ National Libraries, planned to be held in 2027, will be organized in Kazakhstan.

Furthermore, pursuant to Article 12 of the Charter of the Conference, it was decided to establish four thematic committees to address the common needs and priorities of the member states. The ECO Digital Library Committee, the Preservation, Manuscripts and Rare Books Committee, the Education and Research Committee, and the Coordination and Cooperation Committee were established with the mandate to meet twice a year, hold online sessions, and submit progress reports to the Directors.

The committees consist of experts from the national libraries of the member states and carry out their activities under the coordination of the Directorate-General for Libraries and Publications of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, which serves as the Chair and Secretariat of the Conference for the 2025–2027 term.

ANNEX 4: ECO Committees and Commitee Members

4. First Committee Meetings

The first meetings of the ECO Digital Library Committee, the Education and Research Committee, and the Preservation, Manuscripts and Rare Books Committee were held online on 12 February 2026 under the coordination of the Directorate General for Libraries and Publications of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, serving as the Secretariat for the 2025–2027 term.

Convened pursuant to the decisions adopted at the 7th Conference, the meetings marked the operational launch of the committee-based cooperation mechanism established under the Conference framework. Although held separately, the three committees followed a common agenda and working approach.

During the meetings, Committee Members introduced their institutions and areas of responsibility, reviewed the mandates and objectives of their respective committees, and exchanged views on priorities for the 2025–2027 term. The participants reaffirmed the committees’ responsibility to meet regularly, submit progress reports to the Presidency, identify practical areas for cooperation, and contribute to the preparation of the Regional Roadmap towards 2027.

The meetings also addressed communication and coordination mechanisms among Committee Members. It was agreed to establish communication channels to facilitate the rapid exchange of information and updates, while official correspondence and document sharing would continue to be conducted via e-mail.

In preparation for the next meetings, the member states were invited to prepare presentations outlining their national priorities, ongoing projects and initiatives, areas of expertise that could be shared, and fields in which cooperation or support was sought. These presentations were intended to support the identification of common priorities and future opportunities for regional cooperation.

The meetings concluded with a shared commitment to ensuring that the committees serve as sustainable platforms for strengthening cooperation among the national libraries of the ECO member states in the fields of digital transformation, education and research, preservation of cultural heritage, and professional capacity development.

ANNEX 5: Committee First Meeting Presentation

ANNEX 6: ECO Digital Library Committee First Meeting Report

ANNEX 7: Education and Research Committee First Meeting Report

ANNEX 8: Preservation, Manuscripts and Rare Books Committee First Meeting Report

4.4. Coordination and Cooperation Committee First Meeting

The first meeting of the Coordination and Cooperation Committee was held online on 18 February 2026 with the participation of representatives of the Directorate General for Libraries and Publications of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI).

The meeting focused on the coordination and monitoring of the committee-based cooperation mechanism established under the framework of the Conference of Directors of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Member States’ National Libraries. Participants exchanged views on the effective implementation of committee activities, reporting procedures, and institutional coordination mechanisms.

Following the discussions, it was agreed that the monitoring and follow-up of committee activities would be more effectively carried out by the ECI. In this regard, ECI would regularly monitor the progress of committee work and communicate relevant developments, recommendations, and outcomes to the ECO Secretariat.

5. Second (Joint) Meeting of the ECO Committees

The second joint meeting of the Education and Research Committee, the ECO Digital Library Committee, and the Preservation, Manuscripts and Rare Books Committee was held online on 16 June 2026.

During the opening session, the Secretariat provided an overview of the committee-based cooperation mechanism established following the 7th Conference of Directors of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Member States’ National Libraries, the progress achieved since the inaugural committee meetings, and the objectives of the joint session.

ANNEX 9: Second Joint Meeting of the ECO Committees

During the meeting, representatives of the national libraries of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye delivered presentations on their institutional priorities, ongoing projects, areas of expertise, and expectations for future cooperation. The presentations addressed a wide range of topics, including digital transformation, digital library services, artificial intelligence applications, the preservation of manuscripts and rare book collections, education and research activities, professional capacity-building programmes, and initiatives aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations.

The joint session provided an opportunity for the member states to gain a better understanding of one another’s ongoing activities, identify common priorities, and explore potential areas for cooperation. Discussions also focused on the preparation of the Regional Roadmap towards 2027, with participants exchanging views on the continuation of committee activities within this framework and the development of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.

It was further agreed that a draft Regional Roadmap towards 2027 would be prepared during the autumn of 2026 and circulated among the Committee Members for their review and comments. The participants also agreed that the final draft would be considered during the Third Joint Meeting of the ECO Committees, planned for November 2026.

ANNEX 10: Second Joint Meeting of the ECO Committees Report

ANNEX 11: Presentation by Afghanistan

ANNEX 12: Presentation by Iran

ANNEX 13: Presentation by Kazakhstan

ANNEX 14: Presentation by Tajikistan

ANNEX 15: Presentation by Uzbekistan

ANNEX 16: Presentation by Türkiye

Under its new term of office, Türkiye will assume a central role in coordinating digital transformation initiatives across the ECO region, promoting the development of common strategies for the preservation of cultural heritage, strengthening cooperation in the fields of education and bibliography, and enhancing sustainable knowledge exchange among the member states.

Committees are to establish a comprehensive and sustainable model of library cooperation throughout the region, develop the digital and institutional infrastructures necessary for safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations, and support equitable access to information.

Through its Chair and Secretariat responsibilities, Türkiye remains committed to strengthening cooperation among the national libraries of the ECO member states and advancing joint initiatives that contribute to knowledge sharing, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development across the region.

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