Introduction
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Cultural Institute (ECI) is the successor to the Cultural RCD, initially envisioned under the Treaty of Izmir. The
Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) existed from 1964 to 1979 and was later restructured into ECO in 1985. Given the shared historical, cultural, and
civilizational heritage among ECO Member States, the revival of the Cultural RCD was proposed to further strengthen cultural bonds in the region. Article II of the Treaty of Izmir articulated this objective: “To consolidate cultural affinities and spiritual and fraternal ties that bind the people of the Member States through social and cultural channels of thought and action.” The formal establishment of the ECO Cultural Institute, under its current title, was approved at the Third ECO Summit held in Islamabad on 14–15 March 1995. Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was designated as the seat of the Institute. Since its establishment, ECI has implemented a wide range of activities aligned with its Charter, including organizing cultural and literary events, hosting exhibitions of traditional and contemporary arts, and facilitating regional collaboration in the fields of education, media, literature, and sports. The Institute also publishes research and scholarly works in English and other regional languages to promote a deeper understanding of the shared cultural identity of its Member States.
Mission, vision, and goals
Mission
The ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) functions as an initiating, coordinating, financing, and monitoring body for cultural initiatives aimed at fostering closer ties among the peoples of the ECO region, especially among media professionals, intellectuals, and artists.
Goals
1. Foster and strengthen cultural ties among the people of the region,
particularly within media, academia, and the arts.
2. Conduct research on the region's shared cultural heritage to emphasize unity and mutual traditions. (ECO Cultural Institute) ECI) 1403/12/27
3. Publish books, monographs, and periodicals in English and regional languages to disseminate research findings.
4. Translate and publish selected works by contemporary writers, artists, and photographers from Member States.
5. Offer instruction in regional languages and support language promotion in universities and cultural institutions.
6. Coordinate exchange programs for scholars, teachers, writers, artists, students, youth, and women's groups.
7. Promote cooperation among universities and cultural institutions of the region.
8. Organize academic exchange programs in the field of culture.
9. Host literary and cultural events and exhibitions that reflect the cultural life of the region’s peoples.
10. Organize exhibitions featuring folk, traditional, and modern arts.
11. Administer the ECO Awards for literature and fine arts on an annual basis.
12. Coordinate the activities of ECO Cultural Week.
13. Facilitate the exchange of documentaries, feature films, and radio/TV programs relevant to regional culture and customs.
14. Promote collaboration in the fields of history, archaeology, anthropology, and heritage preservation.
15. Establish networks among national libraries, cultural centers, and museums to exchange books, manuscripts, and artistic materials.
16. Provide training for scholars in book preservation and manuscript restoration.
17. Expand ECI’s libraries with relevant publications, media materials, and reproduction facilities.
18. Encourage regional cooperation in sports and physical education.
19. Foster collaboration among the region's news agencies via inter- networking.
20. Publish a quarterly journal in English, Persian (at headquarters), and other regional languages, aiming to:
Promote understanding through coverage of literature, folklore, music, and customs.
Raise awareness of cultural, educational, and social challenges.
Disseminate information about regional cultural events, including conferences and seminars.
21. Take any additional steps necessary to enhance mutual cultural understanding across the region.
Structure Members:
Afghanistan
Azerbaijan
Iran
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Pakistan
Tajikistan
Türkiye
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Chairmanship
The ECI Chairmanship rotates annually among the Member States based on alphabetical order. The Islamic Republic of Iran assumed the Chairmanship on January 1, 2023, and will serve until December 31, 2024.
Decision-Making Organs
Council of Ministers (COM): Comprising the Foreign Ministers of the Member States.
Board of Trustees (BoT): Comprising the Ministers of Culture of the Member States.
Executive Council: Oversees the implementation of programs and strategic initiatives.
President
Dr. Saad S. Khan (2023–Present)
His Excellency Dr. Saad S. Khan is a distinguished scholar, historian, and career diplomat from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He has previously held high- ranking positions in Pakistan's federal and provincial governments, leading departments such as Health, Tourism, Higher Education, Science & Technology, and Human Rights. As a governance expert, he has served as a consultant on development projects funded by international organizations, including the Asian Development Bank.
Secretariat
telephone: +98-21-2767 3000
Fax: +98-21-2767 3456
Fax: +98-21-2612 4996
Email: info@toj.kwk.mybluehost.me
Email: president@toj.kwk.mybluehost.me
Address: No. 10, Baqer Al-Nemer Alley, Movahed-Danesh St., Tehran – Iran
Website: https://ecieco.org/