Representatives from public institutions, private sector, local administrations and non-governmental organisations attended the workshop and shared knowledge and experience in order to reduce disaster risks and develop more inclusive response mechanisms. Participants also contributed to the strategic planning process of the Disaster Platform and laid the groundwork for future collaborations.
During the workshop, the thematic commissions established within the Disaster Platform were introduced and the projects carried out by various institutions were shared with the public.
‘Disasters are a political issue’
STGM General Coordinator Tezcan Abay reminded that 70% of the population in Turkey lives in areas under disaster risk and stated that disasters are not only a technical but also a political issue. Drawing attention to the risks created by the climate crisis and urban policies, Abay stated that civil society should become a stronger actor in disaster risk management.
‘Coordination is everyone's responsibility’
Participating in the workshop, AFAD Istanbul Provincial Director Prof. Dr. Haluk Özener drew attention to the strategic importance of this multi-stakeholder meeting. Özener emphasised that it is an individual responsibility for all institutions including public, civil society and private sector to be in constant communication and coordination with other actors working in the same field.
‘This workshop is a beginning’
Sevim Kahraman, Secretary General of the Disaster Platform, stated that the workshop is an important beginning in terms of sharing the lessons learnt in disaster risk management and strengthening future collaborations.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
