Workshop on International Humanitarian NGOs and Emergency Aid

Humanitarian engagement has become a keystone of Turkish foreign policy in recent years. Humanitarian aid and official development assistance delivered both by Turkish government agencies and nongovernmental organizations constitute an indispensable component of Turkey’s soft power. Replacing realpolitik with humanitarian diplomacy that places human dignity at the fore not only has increased the favorable public opinion of Turkey in the country’s immediate region, but it has also contributed to Turkey’s global image as an emerging power.

To shed much-anticipated light on the role of Turkish NGOs with international operational capacity in the delivery, sustenance and effectiveness of humanitarian aid, Istanbul Policy Center (IPC) will organize a timely workshop on “International Humanitarian NGOs and Emergency Aid” on Friday, March 6, 2015. The workshop will especially explore the implications of the increased Turkish NGO presence and capacity in humanitarian assistance for Turkish foreign policy and peacebuilding efforts.  The event will feature key decision makers, senior government officials and prominent academics such as President of Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey (AFAD) Fuat Oktay, General Director of Turkish Red Crescent Mehmet Güllüoğlu,the IPC Director Fuat Keyman, the IPC Conflict Resolution Program Coordinator Bülent Aras, David Lewis from London School of Economics,the IPC Research Fellow Pınar Akpınar, Anthony Beresford from Cardiff University, Chair of Michelsen Institute Arne Strand. The panels will focus on the general characteristics of international humanitarian NGOs, disaster management and response, distribution of aid and access as well as the emergency aid activities of Turkish NGOs.

The workshop will take place on Friday, March 6, 2015 at the Ramada Hotel in Şişli(Halaskargazi Cad. No: 63, Şişli- İstanbul). The event will commence at 9am and continue until 6pm. Turkish/English translation will be provided. To receive information pertaining to the event, please contact Ms. Elif Burcu Gündoğdu ategundogdu@sabanciuniv.edu.

Please click here for the program.

Please click here for registration.