In the panel held on 14-15 December 2023 with the participation of public institutions, local governments, academics and project stakeholders, Turkey’s fight against climate change and reducing disaster risks were discussed.

AFAD President Mr. Okay MEMİŞ, in his speech at the opening of the panel held in the Presidency’s Conference Hall, said that they carried out the world’s largest recovery operation after the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes on February 6.

Pointing out that climate change is one of the most serious problems faced in the world, in addition to poverty, irregular migration, food security and epidemic diseases, Memiş said, “Climate change is one of the underlying causes of disaster risks. It gets worse and its frequency and severity increases due to climate change.” “Income distribution between developed and developing countries is increasing as a result of disasters, and countries’ ability to achieve their sustainable development goals is significantly disrupted.” he said.

Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, General Directorate of EU and Foreign Relations, Head of Department and Head of Interim Institution responsible for IPA management, Mr. Dr. l, Raci BAYER said; “Our country is implementing environment and climate change priority projects with the Interim Pre-Accession Financial Assistance (IPA) funds allocated by the European Union to candidate countries. An environmental investment of over 1 billion Euros has been made since 2011!”