Tehran, 25 November 2025 – The ECO Cultural Institute convened the first meeting of the working group to examine the Institute’s proposed budget for the year 2026. The session took place at the ECI Conference Room in Tehran, with the participation of delegations from the ECO member states.
Opening the session, Mr. Rakhshandeh, Acting President of ECI, emphasized that the 2026 budget and agenda had been carefully prepared through extensive consultations and long meetings, ensuring alignment with the overarching goals of the Institute. He noted that the headings of activities and member states’ events have been determined, reflecting inclusivity and balanced representation across the ECO region.
Mr. Rakhshandeh further highlighted that the proposed budget seeks to surpass the achievements of the previous year, offering a stronger framework for cultural cooperation and institutional growth. He expressed his appreciation to the ECI team for their dedication and hard work in preparing the draft.
During the session, participants:
• Reviewed the draft framework of the 2026 budget.
• Shared initial observations and recommendations.
• Discussed methodologies for evaluation and agreed on a roadmap for further examination.
• Delegations from Türkiye and Iran raised their views and questions, contributing to a constructive dialogue and ensuring that member states’ perspectives are fully reflected in the budget process.
The meeting concluded with the finalization of the proposed budget, which, after further reviews, will be sent to ECO member states for their final confirmation. This marks a significant step toward shaping ECI’s financial vision for the year ahead.