TEHRAN — The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) officially commenced the inaugural plenary session of its 36th Regional Planning Council (RPC) today in Tehran. Addressing the high-level forum, the chair expressed profound gratitude to all international delegations for convening in the Iranian capital to drive regional socioeconomic integration.

The high-stakes summit brings together key member states to establish a collaborative blueprint for regional development, trade, and infrastructure.

Shaping the Regional Agenda for 2026

The opening plenary sets the stage for critical diplomatic and economic negotiations over the coming days. Specialized delegations will pivot toward intensive sectoral committee meetings designed to streamline regional cooperation.

Key objectives for the session include:

• Finalizing the comprehensive ECO work programme for the upcoming year.

• Establishing the official 2026 calendar of events across all socio-economic sectors.

• Strengthening trade linkages, energy corridors, and transport networks among member nations.

Next Steps in Sectoral Collaboration

Over the next three days, the technical and sectoral committees will dissect long-term regional

strategies to ensure policy alignment among member states.

The ongoing deliberations in Tehran underscore the organization's evolving role in navigating global economic shifts and fostering sustainable growth across the bloc.