A CALL FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY FROM ŞANLIURFA TO THE WORLD

 

The international conference on “Global Solidarity” has taken place in Şanlıurfa on 1st of June, 2008 in the coordination of the International Blue Crescent within the context of Abraham Meetings.

The opening speeches were delivered by Mr. Yusuf Yavaşçan, the Şanlıurfa Governor, Mr. Reza Hossaini, UNICEF Representative in Turkey, and by Mr. Camello Motta, the general secretary of the Standing Committee for the Euro Mediterranean Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities (COPPEM). The conference was composed of four sessions: International Organizations and Global Solidarity, Turkey’s Role in Global Solidarity, International Non-Governmental Organizations and Regional Conflicts, and finally, Global Solidarity and Regional Conflicts.

Mr. Michel Gaude, UNHCR Representative in Turkey is seen delivering his speech during the session moderated by Mr. Reza Hossaini, UNICEF representative in Turkey.

Representatives of the contributing organizations are seen as they have received their certificates of appreciation.


During the conference, Golden Table Benevolence Awards were also announced. Out of 131 projects and activities at national and international level that applied for this award, those following projects/ activities were awarded:

- Lighthouse Association won the first prize for its “Goat Breeding Project in Çanakkale”,
-Union of European Turkish Democrats won the second prize for its “Sacrificial Animal Distribution Project in the Netherlands”,
- The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation won the third prize for its “Cataract Operations in Africa”,
- Mr. Fevzi Yeşilçimen was awarded with the “Special Award” by the jury.

International, national and local organizations working on humanitarian aid and solidarity has participated and made invaluable contributions to the conference such as UNICEF, UNHCR, ICVA (International Council of Voluntary Agencies), the general secretary of the Standing Committee for the Euro Mediterranean Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities (COPPEM), Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster Coordination Unit, Iran Kerman State Disaster Management Center,
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Catholic Relief Services, Islamic Relief, Association of Palestinian Local Authorities, Local Action in Sudan.

During the conference, philosophy of Abraham on solidarity and aid has been discussed. Organizations that work on solidarity at national and international level shared their experience and expertise, and cited their problems and suggested possible resolutions. The conference drew great attention of the local and national press.

 

Added: 09/06/2008