WORLD ECONOMIC JOURNAL battery storage . The project marks Central Asia ’ s first renewable energy initiative with an integrated BESS battery component . Azerbaijan , which aims to generate 30 % of its electricity via renewable energy sources by 2030 , has launched the country ' s biggest renewable energy investment project to date : the construction of two solar plants and a wind power plant , also working with Abu Dhabi ’ s Masdar and Saudi Arabia ’ s ACWA Power .
Azerbaijan , Türkiye and Europe are advancing the " Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe " green energy corridor , aimed at exporting renewable energy and there is also the " Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor " project , also known as the " Black Sea Cable ".
In the defence tech space , in spite of periods of frosty relations between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia , there has been a flurry of activity recently including Turkish firm Ramsa Defence partnering in a $ 120 million technology investment in Saudi Arabia and facilitating technology transfer . In addition to techplomacy within the region , there has been more outward international engagement for many years including with the UAE Space Agency ’ s Emirates Mars Mission where the spacecraft was assembled in the US and launched from Japan .
These examples demonstrate that many governments across MENA and Turkic countries ( such as the UAE , Saudi Arabia , Egypt , Türkiye , Kazakhstan , Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to name a few standouts ) now fully recognise technology as an essential enabler of rapid and profound changes in their domestic landscape — from transportation to education and beyond — but also as a geopolitical priority and a key focus area of their diplomacy . If executed effectively , techplomacy in these countries could usher in a new Golden Age for a region that was once , for centuries , the global centre of learning and innovation .
CHALLENGES AND FULFILLING POTENTIAL
The geostrategic importance of the region , at the meeting point between Europe , Asia and Africa , has grown profoundly . When , in 2024 , the BRICS exercised a large and historic expansion , the five countries invited — Saudi Arabia , Egypt , the UAE , Iran and Ethiopia — all came from the region or its immediate neighbourhood . And the fact that three of the most recent COPs ( the UN ’ s flagship Climate Conference ) have taken place in the region ( Egypt , the UAE and Azerbaijan in 2024 ) is testament to the international interest in this part of the world .
Yet , MENA and Turkic countries confront a myriad of geopolitical , social , economic and environmental challenges , placing the region at a critical crossroads today . As they navigate this transformative era , the region ’ s governments must foster cross-border cooperation to enhance not only their national interests , but also contribute to a more peaceful , prosperous and interconnected world . In doing so , they can unlock new avenues for prosperity , giving rise to a new Golden Age characterised by shared growth and sustained development .
As the legendary Apple founder Steve Jobs wrote , “ innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity , not a threat .” If MENA and Turkic countries embrace change and adeptly leverage techplomacy , they stand to seize the benefits of technological advancements and become protagonists in shaping the unfolding narrative of this century .
PHOTO : PRAMOTE POLYAMATE / GETTY IMAGES
The region ’ s governments must foster cross-border cooperation to enhance not only their national interests , but also contribute to a more peaceful , prosperous and interconnected world
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