This time, UNDP Turkey held an online appointment ceremony and press conference to announce the person who will undertake the advocacy of the “End Poverty” article, the 1st of the Global Goals, on April 27. Successful national football player Yusuf Yazıcı, who started his football career in Trabzonspor and continued in Lille, one of the strongest teams in France, was appointed as UNDP's "Advocating Against Poverty".
The press conference, attended by UNDP Turkey Resident Representative Claudio Tomasi, was hosted by UNDP Turkey Goodwill Ambassador Mert Fırat.
Stating that his new position makes him proud and happy, the national football player Yusuf Yazıcı said, "My aim in this journey is not to help poor people, but to contribute to the discovery of ways to eradicate poverty. Because for me, the fight against poverty is not a kind of charity; To strive for justice and peace in the world. I am very excited to combine my personal experiences with the knowledge and opportunities of the United Nations Development Program in this field. I am ready to do whatever I can.” said.
Making a statement on the subject, UNDP Turkey Resident Representative Claudio Tomasi said: “I am honored to announce Mr. Yusuf Yazıcı as UNDP Turkey's Anti-Poverty Advocate. By 2030, 1 billion people could fall into extreme poverty, a quarter billion of whom are due to the COVID-19 pandemic alone. The global pandemic has shown the world more definitely than ever that we should not leave anyone behind, that "no one can be safe until everyone is safe". Ending poverty cannot be seen as an act of charity, it is an act of justice and is the key to unlocking humanity's great potential. Together we can end hunger, eradicate disease, and create the opportunity for development and prosperity for all in the world. I believe that Yusuf Yazıcı and UNDP will join hands in this advocacy task and make a great contribution to supporting Global Goal 1: End Poverty. Yusuf Yazıcı will support our efforts to increase the resilience of vulnerable groups by delivering our messages to everyone.”
