International Humanitarian NGOs and Health 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 Health Aid” on Friday, March 27, 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 General Director of Turkish Red Crescent Mehmet Güllüoğlu, the IPC Director Fuat Keyman, the IPC Conflict Resolution Program Coordinator Bülent Aras, Magdalena Bjernald of University of Uppsala, Maryam Zarnegar Deloffre of Arcadia University, Catherine Long of Kadir Has University, Kerem Kınık of Doctors WorldWide, Aitor Zabalgogeazcoa of Doctors without Borders, Fred Kironde of Islamic University in Uganda, Stephen Gloyd of University of Washington, Paul Larson of University of Manitoba.  The panels will focus on the general characteristics of international humanitarian NGOs, International Humanitarian “Health” NGOs, Sustainability and Transportation of Health Aids, Turkish Non-Governmental Organizations and Humanitarian Health Aids.

The workshop will take place on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Akgün Hotel, Adnan Menderes Bulvari, Topkapi, 34093 Istanbul. The event will commence at 9am and continue until 5pm. Turkish/English translation will be provided. To RSVP and receive information pertaining to the event, please contact Ms. Elif Burcu Gündoğdu ategundogdu@sabanciuniv.edu.

Please click here for the program.