On 19 June, 2023 in Gödöllő, Hungary the OTS Drought Prevention Institute, in cooperation with MATE (Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences), the OTS Secretariat, and the OTS Representation Office in Hungary successfully conducted its first board meeting. The meeting brought together board members to discuss potential areas of focus and evaluate project proposals received from OTS member countries.
During the meeting, representatives from the participating organizations engaged in productive discussions on effective measures to combat drought and mitigate its impact within the Turkic region. They explored various approaches and strategies to address the challenges posed by drought and to promote sustainable water resource management via Drought Prevention Institute.
The board members and project managers from MATE University analyzed project proposals submitted by OTS member countries. Through rigorous evaluation and careful consideration, the participants aimed to select projects that align with the OTS Drought Prevention Institute’s objectives and prioritize the needs of member states.
By leveraging the expertise and resources of MATE University, the OTS Secretariat, and the OTS Representation Office in Hungary, the board meeting aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among the participating institutions that is crucial for developing effective and context-specific solutions to tackle drought-related challenges in the Turkic region.
The Parties agreed to organize a field visit to Uzbek–Hungarian Joint Research Centre to introduce other OTS countries to the experience accumulated therein. And to convene the next board meeting on the margins of the upcoming International Agricultural Forum to be held in Samarkand in September 2023 with a view to discussing the proposed projects with the participation of relevant experts. The Institute will also organize experience sharing and capacity building programs throughout the year for the relevant institutions and agencies of the OTS member countries.
The successful completion of the first board meeting underscores the commitment of the Organization of Turkic States to addressing pressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development within its member countries
