The program aims to strengthen the organizational capacity of the Disaster Platform, which brings together 65 civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in the field of disaster management in Türkiye. The opening event was attended by the Head of the European Union Delegation, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul Provincial Director of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) Prof. Dr. Haluk Özener, municipal representatives, and many officials from civil society organizations.
Stronger Together
Speaking on behalf of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski emphasized the importance of enhancing Türkiye’s resilience against natural disasters and the increasing challenges of climate change. He stated:
“Today, we are here not just as individuals, but as a unified force with a common goal: strengthening Türkiye’s resilience through better-coordinated civil society under the Disaster Platform. The establishment of the Disaster Platform is a significant milestone.”
He continued:
“We can only build resilient communities and ensure a brighter future for everyone through dialogue and collaboration. Saving lives, rebuilding what has been lost, and preventing future tragedies require a shared commitment between civil society, public institutions, and international partners. The EU and Türkiye are working together, and together we are stronger. We say ‘Stronger Together,’ and you say ‘Birlikte Güçlüyüz.’ So today, I also say: #BirlikteGüçlüyüz!”
Earthquakes Should Be Addressed as a Social Issue, Not Just a Physical One
In his opening speech, our Board Chairman, Dr. Yakup Levent Korkut, highlighted that disasters—especially earthquakes, which pose one of Türkiye’s greatest risks—should not be seen merely as physical destruction but also as social issues. He emphasized that the program, supported by the European Union, aims to strengthen the active role of the Disaster Platform, its member organizations, and civil society.
Disaster Response Is Impossible Without Local Governments
Korkut stated that disaster response efforts cannot be considered separately from local governments. He noted:
“We are working to bring together civil society, municipalities, and central government institutions, fostering a mindset that integrates these actors and focuses on people within a broader social context.”
He continued:
“We recognize that local governments and civil society organizations play a crucial role in disaster response. However, there are still steps to be taken in strengthening local governance and supporting democratic processes. Our project aims to develop a human-centered disaster management approach by bringing together CSOs, municipalities, and central government institutions. We will continue working together to build a more resilient society against disasters.”
Korkut also recalled that STGM’s efforts in disaster response began just one month after the February 6 earthquakes. He expressed gratitude to the European Union for its support of organizations working in the field after the devastating disaster.
From Risk Management to Disaster Management
Hande Tibuk, Chair of the Board of the Basic Needs Association (TİDER), delivered the opening speech on behalf of the Disaster Platform. She explained that the Platform’s efforts began five years ago following the Elazığ earthquake and gained even greater importance after the February 6 earthquakes. She noted that the Platform has reached its current structure through financial support from the EU Delegation and coordination by the Civil Society Strengthening Center (STGM).
Tibuk emphasized that the governance system established within the Disaster Platform has enabled it to become a key humanitarian response force for all potential disasters in Türkiye, with 24 founding civil society organizations and supporting institutions. She highlighted that the main priority in ongoing collaborations with local governments, central government institutions, AFAD, and the private sector is risk management, followed by disaster management. She also expressed gratitude to the EU Delegation and STGM for their contributions.
We Will Never Forget the EU’s Strong Solidarity
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu emphasized that reducing disaster damages, ensuring recovery, and restoring normal life swiftly are impossible without the direct involvement of civil society. He stated:
“We sincerely believe in walking side by side with civil society representatives and volunteers in all our efforts. In everything we do, we prioritize collaboration with civil society and collective decision-making. If an institution claims to manage these processes alone, it is misleading society.
We will never forget the strong solidarity demonstrated by the European Union right after the devastating February 6, 2023, earthquakes, which left deep scars in our country.”
Civil Society Is a Key Component of Disaster Management
Speaking on behalf of AFAD, Istanbul Provincial Director of Disaster and Emergency Management Prof. Dr. Haluk Özener emphasized the critical role of civil society organizations in disaster management and noted that gaps in coordination and communication must be addressed.
Özener stated that AFAD cannot handle everything alone and that all stakeholders must fulfill their responsibilities. He stressed that disaster management is an issue beyond politics and underlined the importance of collaboration. He also called for greater transparency and responsibility-sharing, affirming that AFAD Istanbul Provincial Directorate should be seen as a key stakeholder and expressing their willingness to be the program’s strongest supporter.
Signing of the EU Cooperation and Grant Agreement
Following the speeches, the EU Cooperation and Grant Agreement was signed by EU Delegation Head Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski and Basic Needs Association Chair Hande Tibuk on behalf of the Disaster Platform. The signing was also attended by representatives from the Civil Society Development Center Association (STGM), Support to Life Association, Needs Map Cooperative, and Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG).
About the Sub-Grant Program for Supporting the Disaster Platform
As part of our project Strengthening the Capacity of CSOs in Disaster Risk Management, the Sub-Grant Program for Supporting the Disaster Platform will establish local partnerships and collective fieldwork across the country with 65 member organizations of the Disaster Platform. The program will also enhance the technical capacity of CSOs, providing expertise in risk assessment, resource management, logistics planning, and crisis communication.
Additionally, awareness campaigns and training programs will be conducted to improve public disaster preparedness. A key priority is strengthening the resilience of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups against disasters. The program will fund four sub-grant projects, as follows:
1. Capacity Building for Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response – Needs Map Cooperative
2. Establishing Volunteer Networks for Disaster Response – Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG)
3. Community-Led Emergency Response and Risk Management Approaches – Support to Life Association (STL)
4. Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance and Public Awareness – Basic Needs Association (TİDER)
