United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, emphasized that gender equality in science is essential for building a better future for all."Gender equality in science is vital for building a better future for all. Unfortunately, women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases that prevent them from pursuing careers in science," Guterres stated, highlighting how this deprives the world of immense talent.The Secretary-General pointed out that today, only one-third of the global scientific community is made up of women. "Women receive less funding, fewer publishing opportunities, and hold fewer senior positions at top universities compared to men," he noted. In some parts of the world, women and girls have little or no access to education, which he described as not only self-destructive for those societies but also a severe violation of human rights.From climate change to healthcare to artificial intelligence, the equal participation of women and girls in scientific discovery and innovation is the only way to ensure that science serves everyone. "Closing the gender gap requires dismantling gender stereotypes, promoting role models who inspire girls to pursue science, and developing programs to support women’s advancement in scientific fields," Guterres emphasized.Finally, he underscored the link between inclusivity and innovation, stating, "Women and girls belong in science. It is time to recognize that inclusion fosters innovation and to let every woman and girl fulfill her true potential.", filtered_html

The world has just experienced the hottest January ever recorded, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Thursday, citing data crunched by UN partner the Copernicus Climate ServiceLast month was 1.75 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level and 0.79°C above the 1991-2020 average, despite expectations that the La Nina weather phenomenon might bring cooler temperatures.In 2015, the international community agreed to try to limit average global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.Surprise dataThe January data was “surprising” even to climate change experts at Copernicus, the European climate change service, which noted that it was the 18th month in the last 19 where the global-average surface air temperature was more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level.“January 2025 is another surprising month, continuing the record temperatures observed throughout the last two years, despite the development of La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific and their temporary cooling effect on global temperatures,” said Samantha Burgess, Copernicus Strategic Lead for Climate.For many in the northern hemisphere January 2025 will be remembered by “wetter-than-average conditions” over western Europe, as well as parts of Italy, Scandinavia and the Baltic countries, Copernicus said, highlighting “heavy precipitation” and flooding in some regions.Regional variationsOn the other hand, drier than average conditions were recorded in the northern UK and Ireland, eastern Spain and north of the Black Sea.Beyond Europe, it was wetter than average in Alaska, Canada, central and eastern Russia, eastern Australia, southeastern Africa, and southern Brazil, with regions experiencing floods and associated damage.But drier-than-average conditions took hold in southwestern United States and northern Mexico, northern Africa, the Middle East, across Central Asia and in eastern China as well as in much of southern Africa, southern South America and Australia.Global temperature rise is primarily attributed to humans burning fossil fuels which have led to record concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Other factors are also key, including deforestation., filtered_html

The United Nations remains in solidarity with Türkiye on the second anniversary of the devastating February 6, 2023, earthquakes. Since day one, the UN and its agencies have been on the ground, providing critical support in the immediate response and recovery efforts.Two years on, our commitment remains strong. The earthquakes, which claimed over 53,000 lives across 11 provinces, left lasting impacts on communities. As Türkiye moves forward, UN agencies continue to work alongside national and local partners to support recovery, rebuild infrastructure, and ensure no one is left behind.For long-term resilience efforts from protecting cultural heritage to rehabilitating community spaces, from restoring livelihoods to psychological support and to many more the UN’s work in the earthquake-affected region continues to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.In UN’s earthquake response various sectors focused on different needs, resulting in reaching millions of beneficiaries across various categories of support. Protection emerged as a key priority, with over 2.2 million beneficiaries receiving critical assistance to ensure their safety and well-being. Education efforts aimed to provide continuity of learning for affected children and families resulting in a total of 1,350,067 beneficiaries receiving educational support.The total number of beneficiaries receiving basic needs amounted to nearly 2 million people. In the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector, the response was extensive. Nearly 6,900,000 people were reached. More than 3,200,000 individuals received shelter assistance with UN Programmes. These numbers reflect the dedicated efforts and comprehensive support provided to the affected populations, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to rebuilding communities and ensuring the long-term recovery of Türkiye’s earthquake zone.Below is a detailed account of the UN Agencies’ ongoing support for Türkiye’s recovery in coordination with the government, partners and stakeholders.FAOThe agricultural sector in southern Türkiye continues to struggle with the devastating impact of the February earthquakes, exacerbated by harsh winter conditions. Farmers and livestock keepers face needs. Despite the difficulties, FAO has played a vital role in supporting rural communities by rehabilitating barns, rebuilding infrastructure, and implementing climate-smart solutions. FAO has engaged workers in cash-for-work afforestation and reforestation projects, supporting hundreds of beneficiaries. It has also conducted value chain analyses for key agricultural sectors and delivered climate-smart training and equipment to farmers and cooperatives.FAO has allocated about $530.000 in agricultural inputs to 2530 beneficiaries and provided about $594.000 in unconditional cash support to 1931 farmer households. Approximately 160,000 USD were paid under the cash for work programme.To aid affected farmers and livestock producers, FAO has distributed 150 agricultural tools, 340.8 tonnes of animal feed, and 192.75 tonnes of fertilizer to hundreds of farming households. It has also supplied cotton and maize seeds, tomato seedlings, and provided milking machines, storage tanks, and pest control equipment. Unconditional cash transfers of USD 75 per household member have reached nearly 8,000 people, while cooperatives have received food processing machines to enhance production. While immediate relief efforts have helped, long-term recovery remains critical. The rehabilitation of livestock shelters, particularly in remote areas, is crucial to sustaining rural livelihoods. Continued investment in infrastructure, training, and climate-resilient agriculture is necessary for sustainable recovery.FAO, in collaboration with government bodies and local partners, remains committed to restoring agricultural production and strengthening food security in southern Türkiye.IFAD Euphrates River Watershed Rehabilitation Project (FIRAT)A new project by IFAD FIRAT’s goal is to reduce poverty of the upland communities in the targeted micro catchments (MCs) of the Euphrates River watershed, including the provinces hit by the deadliest earthquakes in February 2023. Through implementation of different investments and adoption of climate-resilient techniques; improved soil rehabilitation and agricultural productivity, creation of new jobs, improved market access for the small-scale producers and vulnerable groups, including women and youth, are expected to increase rural income and improve resilience against natural disasters, climate events, market and economic shocks, and enhance the well-being and livelihoods in the targeted MCs. The total outreach is estimated at 140,000 individuals or 40,000 HHs, women accounting for 40% and youth for 15%. Total project costs are estimated at US$97.975 million over the seven-year implementation period, 2025-2031, with an IFAD financing of US$65 million. The project has an IFAD climate finance of 96.5% and expects a grant from GEF of US$ 1.4 million. The economic analysis shows the results of FIRAT to be positive with an economic internal rate of return over a 20-year period. Project will introduce innovations like community-led rangeland management, engagement with the regional development agencies, youth skill development activities, a structured grant system and using GIS and IT systems in M&E. International Labour Organization (ILO)As the region enters the second year of recovery from the devastating earthquakes, the ILO has prioritized building a strong evidence base to guide policymaking and support labour market recovery efforts in collaboration with its constituents.In response to the rise in gender-based violence following the earthquakes, the ILO, in collaboration with the Federation of Turkish Women’s Associations, launched the Purple Space Project in Hatay. This initiative provides psychosocial support and empowerment programs for women and children affected by post-traumatic stress and violence. ILO also provided psychosocial support to affected population from the earthquake to cope with the trauma. Between June 2023 and September 2024, the Safe Space for Women and Children (Purple Space) supported 17,189 women and children, focusing on violence prevention and direct assistance. Among them, 1,324 women who experienced violence received targeted support, with 90% of beneficiaries expressing satisfaction. In addition to providing critical services, the project actively engages women and key stakeholders to develop a roadmap for increasing women’s workforce participation, fostering long-term resilience and employment opportunities.As of May 2023, a child-friendly support center was established in K-2 Container City in Adıyaman, which was selected in consultation with the governorship and the Provincial Directorate of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, and psycho-social support activities in the support center were initiated. More than 700 children were supported through social, cultural, and sports activities to cover the post-disaster traumatic effects caused by the earthquake.Through work-based learning programs and information centres, ILO is supporting the skilling of workers and access to decent work and formal employment in the earthquake affected region.To assess the state of the labour market, gather critical insights, and guide ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastating February 2023, the ILO conducted the study “One Year After: Living and Working Conditions in Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş and Malatya after the February 2023 Earthquakes in Türkiye”  in collaboration with the IOM. Additionally, two other research efforts were undertaken: “A Tracer Study: Labour Market Experiences of the 6th of February Earthquake Survivors, Ankara and Adana Cases” and the “Enterprises Survey in Post-Disaster Setting” These studies aimed to provide a robust evidence base for the development of sustainable, inclusive, rights-based, and gender-sensitive recovery efforts. Based on this evidence, ILO invites the parties involved in the recovery process to address certain critical issues. First of all, dramatic decline in labour force participation and occupational segregation should be handled through gendered skills development and employment services supported by accessible and affordable care services.  Secondly, skills shortages and increased informality accompanied by increased reliance of households on pension incomes aggravates decent work deficit in the region. Active labour market programmes alongside effective labour inspection should be prioritized. Wage delays, OSH problems, discrimination in recruitment and employment should also be addressed through improved inspection and guidance mechanisms. Digital divide is another vital issue in this respect. Weak connectivity reduces employability of jobseekers and business recovery prospects in response to supply chain disruptions and relocation challenges. Furthermore, SMEs in the region need to be supported through affordable finance to cover their losses. Finally, absence of trauma-informed care in workplaces and continuous psychological and mental health support pose the risk of serious OSH problems at workplaces, alongside delayed participation of affected persons in the labour force.The ILO remains committed to supporting the revitalization of the labour market in the affected region in line with the findings of the research as well as government priorities while strengthening resilience against natural disasters in collaboration with its constituents.International Organization for Migration (IOM)Two years since the tragic earthquakes, IOM continues to work with partners in advancing socioeconomic recovery while addressing outstanding humanitarian needs among affected communities. Anchored on its institutional mandate, IOM’s core belief is that the most vulnerable, including migrants and displaced people, should receive the support they need – and that migrants have a key role to play in the recovery process, working hand-in-hand with local communities to rebuild and reconstruct. Aligning with the 12th National Development Plan, IOM focuses on promoting effective labour management in key industries and skills matching of migrants and host communities. IOM empowers migrants to contribute to development through initiatives like vocational training, job matching, cash grants for small businesses, support to cooperatives, and matching producers to value chains. In 2024, 402 earthquake-affected individuals received such support. IOM has further conducted research with partners to offer the evidence base, showing how migrants can play a vital role in meeting workforce demand in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors.With over half a million remaining in temporary settlements, IOM also continues to help people meet their basic needs. This includes providing 7,000 households cash assistance in 2024; distributing thousands of essential items to improve living conditions in settlements, especially during the harsh summer and winter; and improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Among others, last year, IOM distributed 3,250 mattresses, 2,000 heaters, 1,400 kits to help insulate shelters, 20,000 jerrycans, and 2,000 hygiene and water vouchers.Until June 2024, IOM co-led the Temporary Settlement Support (TSS) Sector, coordinating site management, maintenance and referrals to basic services. IOM has constructed 12 communal spaces to enhance social interaction and delivered 1,207 trainings on fire safety.To support those with heightened vulnerabilities, IOM provided protection assistance to over 10,000 individuals in 2024. This includes reaching 1,300 with mental health and psychosocial support, 6,000 through awareness raising/information dissemination, and assisting close to 500 persons with disabilities. Finally, IOM collaborates with municipalities and partners to rehabilitate community spaces, fostering social cohesion between migrant and host communities. Key initiatives last year include equipping an orphanage to support earthquake-affected children, repairing an earthquake-damaged floor at the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry’s Vocational Training Center, and renovating a Women and Youth Empowerment Center offering vocational training to 800 community members.In 2025 and onward, IOM remains committed to sustaining its initiatives in support of national recovery efforts – empowering affected families to continue rebuilding their lives and driving sustainable development in the region.UNDPSince the earliest days after the disaster, UNDP has been fully committed to recovery and reconstruction efforts. UNDP, with funding from Sweden, provided $10 million in recovery grants to 4,620 small businesses across 11 provinces, 42% of which are owned by women. To support various sectors, vocational training and business consultancy services are provided to businesses and individuals, with a focus on enhancing the employability of women and youth. Efforts in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay to revive the textile and footwear industries have focused on establishing shared facilities, providing modern equipment, and offering skills training and psychosocial support. A US$1.62 million Swedish-funded initiative is designed to accelerate the recovery of the apparel, leather, and footwear sectors in the region.UNDP renovated the Model Factories in Malatya and Gaziantep, enabling SMEs to enhance productivity and adapt to new challenges. Over 1,200 earthquake survivors received vocational training.UNDP launched the Women’s Business Development Center (KİGEM) in partnership with KMTSO and with the financial support of France. With funding from France and in collaboration with TESK, a new support program was launched to bolster business continuity.With UK funding, UNDP partnered with municipalities to construct and equip accessible community centers in Adıyaman, Hatay, and Kahramanmaraş to provide care services for vulnerable groups. These facilities were built and equipped, municipality staff was trained and Standard of Procedures Guideline was prepared as part of a broader US$1.7 million partnership with the UK.Psychosocial support programs have been developed to assist social workers and labor-intensive industry employees.With funding from the Government of Korea, UNDP expanded the existing regional facility for repairing wheelchairs and other assistive devices in Malatya and will also establish 3 new wheelchair repair and maintenance ateliers in Kahramanmaraş, Hatay and Adıyaman this year. In addition, training programs were offered to help amputees and individuals with disabilities gain skills and find employment. Also, a comprehensive and gender-sensitive needs analysis on individuals with disabilities was also conducted.UNDP supported the opening of a Purple Space in Hatay, operated by TKDF, to provide women and girls with a safe space and access to psychosocial support, counseling, and referral services. With EUR 2.5 million allocated by Croatia, UNDP has begun rebuilding an inclusive school in Hatay and has equipped schools in Adıyaman and Kahramanmaraş to ensure full accessibility for students and teachers with disabilities. UNDP, with funding of US$4.83 million from Japan, established two model debris recycling facilities in Hatay and Kahramanmaraş. In addition, UNDP supplied more than US$3 million in waste management equipment and other urgent supplies to the most affected municipalities. Parafoil drones have been deployed to map the volume and composition of debris in Kahramanmaraş, providing vital data for effective debris management. Container cities housing displaced families have also been equipped with sustainable water systems and wastewater treatment facilities.To help protect cultural heritage in the region, UNDP delivered containers to archaeology museums to house precious artifacts. UNDP launched a global crowdfunding campaign, “Save the Legacy”, aiming to inspire international contributions to the restoration efforts. UNDP also supported the restoration of St. George’s Orthodox Church in Antakya.UNFPA United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA has been on the ground with its partners since day one, providing life-saving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services. Following the devastating earthquakes, overall, 25 static and mobile service units (women and girls safe spaces, youth centers, maternal and child health service units, people with disabilities service units) in the earthquake affected provinces were supported by UNFPA, reaching out more than 128,000 individuals with SRH services and almost 160,000 individuals with GBV services, particularly from the most vulnerable groups. In 2024, UNFPA scaled up its humanitarian response to cover the SRH and GBV information and services needs of people with disabilities in the earthquake affected area. Accordingly, 6,300 people with disabilities and their caregivers were directly supported by UNFPA implementing partners. Furthermore, UNFPA supported 49,000 young people (aged 10-24) affected by the earthquake in fulfilling their potential through providing them SRH and GBV information, counseling and services. Almost 46,000 women and girls were reached with dignity and maternity kits distributed by UNFPA partners, which meet the most essential needs of a woman or a mother in the postpartum period and her newborn baby. UNFPA also scaled up cash and voucher assistance in GBV case management, SRH and menstrual hygiene management following the devastating earthquakes; responding to the urgent needs of more than 1700 individuals. UNFPA has been continuing to strengthen systems of public institutions to contribute to the emergency and recovery response. More than 500 service providers have gained necessary knowledge and skills on reproductive health and GBV in emergencies through UNFPA supported in-service training. In 2025, UNFPA will continue to support the Government of Türkiye in the recovery efforts through 14 static and mobile service units in Adıyaman, Hatay, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Malatya and Şanlıurfa, providing SRH and GBV information and services, cash and voucher assistance, in-kind support and capacity building.  There are gaps and challenges identified by UNFPA. The potential partners who can deliver SRH service provision in the field are limited. Even if there are NGOs who have the capacity, the authorization process is lengthy causing delays in implementation. In addition, recruitment of SRH service providers who are willing to serve in EQ-affected areas is challenging. By 2024, due to closure of programs affected by the shrinking funds, GBV interventions in the earthquake-affected areas have been decreasing over time, even though the needs and GBV risks persist.UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)UNHCR’s response to the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, which hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, showcases a comprehensive and coordinated approach to disaster relief. As part of the UN family in Türkiye, UNHCR has been working to ensure timely and effective humanitarian assistance, helping both refugees and host community members rebuild their lives. Since the onset of the disaster, UNHCR has prioritised the delivery of non-food items (NFIs), including, among others, the provision of approximately 3 million core relief items in 2023 to address immediate needs. The items were dispatched from UNHCR's in-country and global stocks through airlifts and road transport. As part of UNHCR’s continued support in 2024, over 19,000 winterisation items, including radiators, blankets, hygiene parcels, kitchen sets, and foam mattresses, were provided to container sites, informal sites, municipalities, and state-run centres in affected provinces.UNHCR leads the Shelter and Non-Food Items (SNFI) sector for the Türkiye earthquake response, working with sector partners and local authorities in the affected areas to prioritise shelter needs and develop interventions. In 2023 and 2024, the SNFI sector, with sector partners, developed guidelines on cash for winter, shelter rehabilitation, seasonal assistance, shading kits, and gender-based violence in site planning through technical working groups. In collaboration with the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), UNHCR continues to support the enhancement of living conditions for families affected by the earthquake. This includes provision and installation of high-quality containers to ensure dignity and protection for vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). UNHCR has provided 1,224 containers to Adana Sarıçam Temporary Accommodation Centre and is in the process of supporting with the installation of Islahiye-2 TAC in 2025.Beyond improving living conditions, UNHCR continues its protection activities, including legal counselling, psychosocial support, and referrals for those with specific needs. Additionally, UNHCR continues to co-lead coordination efforts for the Earthquake response through the Southeast Coordination Working Group and the 3 RP Sector Working Groups.In 2024, UNHCR mainstreamed its earthquake response into its existing plan, reprioritising activities to address the ongoing earthquake-related needs while maintaining its strategic directions. Continued, diversified, and flexible funding to support Türkiye is essential to sustain the current refugee response and to ensure that assistance continues to reach those in need. Countries are encouraged to demonstrate their solidarity and commitment to responsibility sharing with Türkiye, which has provided protection to millions of people for over 14 years.United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Following the earthquakes in 2023, UNICEF from day one immediately stepped up its efforts to support affected communities. Initially UNICEF focused on life-saving support for children and their families including provision of water trucking, heaters, winter clothes and learning tents.The UNICEF response has evolved into longer term recovery efforts covering support to school infrastructure, water treatment and provision, early childhood education, immunization and availing cash transfers for families.In 2024, UNICEF Türkiye, in collaboration with the Government of Türkiye and our partners, has provided life-saving support to just over 2.5 million people, including over 1 million children.UNICEF has reached more than 2 million people with clean water, and provided over 206,000 with hygiene kits, to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and families. More than 557,250 people have been reached with improved sanitation through UNICEF’s support. UNICEF is also working closely with partners to provide psychosocial support to children and front-line staff traumatized by the earthquake by providing emergency psychosocial support to caregivers and children. In 2024, more than 1.6 million children received mental health and psychosocial support in the earthquake-affected region, helping them heal and regain a sense of normalcy.  Nearly 757,400 children have accessed formal or non-formal education, including early learning opportunities with UNICEF’s support and in the earthquake-affected region, while over 233,170 children have been supplied with learning materials.To ensure adequate accountability to affected communities, over 8.4 million people have been reached with messaging on prevention and access to services (including social protection, health, nutrition, education, etc.)With UNICEF procurement support of vaccines and cold chain equipment, over 244,420 young children were reached with life-saving vaccines. Through UNICEF supported mechanisms, more than 66,100 children/caregivers received infant and young child feeding counselling sessions.Through its unwavering commitment and dedication, UNICEF has made a lasting impact on the lives of children in Türkiye. UNICEF remains a steadfast ally, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. UNIDOAs part of UNIDO’s commitment to green economic transition and post-earthquake recovery, we have launched the Supporting Migrants’ Inclusion in Türkiye’s Transition to a Green Economy project in partnership with IOM. This initiative, funded under the MPTF (Multi Partner Trust Fund) which prioritizes the earthquake-affected region and aims to strengthen the clean technologies ecosystem in the area.Additionally, under the Sustainable Biomass Project, UNIDO and TAGEM supported key industrial actors in their green transformation efforts in the following earthquake-affected provinces.• Mimsan (Malatya Province -Supply Chain Support)• Investing in machinery and equipment to process agricultural waste and convert it into biomass.• Strengthening biomass raw material processing infrastructure to enhance Türkiye’s renewable energy capacity.• Arıkan (Kahramanmaraş Province -Supply Chain Support)• Supporting the decarbonization of heat in textile production by integrating biomass-based energy solutions.• Utilizing agricultural waste from its own agricultural activities to replace fossil fuels in textile production.• Investing in equipment for biomass shredding and pelletizing, making agricultural waste suitable for industrial energy use.These initiatives contribute to both economic resilience and environmental sustainability, fostering a circular economy in earthquake-affected regions.UN WomenIn 2024, UN Women Türkiye implemented targeted interventions to address the ongoing needs of women and girls affected by the earthquakes. To promote gender-responsive recovery, UN Women continued to lead the Women Empowerment Humanitarian Action (WEHA) Working Group, facilitating six online sessions and two in-person events in Gaziantep and Ankara. These sessions, attended by 47 WEHA members representing key sectors, focused on updating the Gender Mainstreaming Checklists to integrate recovery components, ensuring gender considerations remain central to all response phases.In Adıyaman, 1,700 women benefited from mobile outreach activities aimed at mitigating gender-based violence (GBV) risks. These activities prioritized the most vulnerable groups residing in temporary settlements, where socio-economic conditions and access to basic services remain limited. Six structured awareness sessions were conducted under the Supporting Women’s Access to Justice program, covering essential topics such as women’s human rights, protection from violence, economic rights, health rights, and the prevention of child marriage. Women also received information on the Women Support Application (KADES) and kits containing hygiene items and GBV emergency contact cards.To further support survivors, UN Women provided Cash for Protection to 155 women, mitigating risks associated with GBV and promoting recovery, empowerment, and access to services. Additionally, 42 women received Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance, including Winterization top-ups. Capacity-building efforts in 2024 focused on strengthening eight women’s shelters and violence prevention centers across earthquake-affected provinces, as well as three women’s centers in Hatay, Adana, and Gaziantep, with essential equipment and resources to support survivors of violence. Legal awareness sessions reached 2,265 women in five provinces, providing critical information about their rights. Fourteen institutions, including five bar associations, received legal resources to enhance their ability to support survivors.UN Women also supported women’s centers operated by the Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work (KEDV) and the Association for Freedom and Equality for Women (KÖVED) in Hatay, Adana, and Gaziantep. These centers enhanced their operational continuity thanks to UN Women’s provision of equipment to allow them to offer uninterrupted multi-sectoral protection services, including counseling and referrals. Through the Women and Girls Empowerment and Solidarity Hubs established by UN Women, Koç Holding, and KEDV in Hatay and Kahramanmaraş, 3,848 women in earthquake-affected areas accessed protection, skills development support, and practice their leadership.In 2024, UN Women also provided psychosocial support to 170 staff members of the Ministry of Family and Social Services in earthquake-affected areas. This initiative improved their well-being and capacity to respond to trauma and GBV in post-disaster settings. Furthermore, UN Women supported the development of an Emergency Coordination Plan in Kocaeli, designed to address disaster-induced and gender-based challenges. Once implemented, this plan will serve as a model for all provinces in Türkiye, strengthening responses with UN Women’s technical and financial assistance.UN Women facilitated a direct dialogue between women leaders from earthquake-affected communities and the international community in 2024. The network event in Ankara, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Germany, brought together a total of 70 participants including local women leaders, women-led organizations, legal practitioners, and municipal leaders with representatives from UN agencies (e.g., UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, IOM), international organizations, and 14 embassies in Türkiye. The event highlighted the gendered impacts of the February 2023 earthquakes, women’s critical roles in disaster response and recovery, and their remaining needs, fostering collaboration and amplifying their voices to the international community.Despite these achievements, significant gaps and challenges persist. Women played critical roles as first responders and leaders during the response and recovery phases, often at personal risk. Sustaining the safe spaces and women’s centers established during this time is vital for supporting vulnerable populations. Greater focus is needed on disaster preparedness, incorporating women’s perspectives in planning and rebuilding efforts. Women-led civil society organizations require flexible and sustainable funding to maintain their recovery efforts. Additionally, economic opportunities must be expanded to enhance women’s participation in rebuilding their communities. Platforms that enable women to share their experiences and advocate for their needs with international actors are essential to fostering collaboration and embedding gender equality in all recovery strategies.UN Women remains committed to supporting women’s leadership and ensuring gender-responsive approaches to recovery in Türkiye throughout 2025 and beyond.World Food Programme (WFP) WFP launched a two-year recovery programme in February 2024 targeting the five most earthquake-affected provinces; Adiyaman, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya. In 2024 this was implemented in collaboration with three governmental organizations, five non-governmental organizations, and one UN agency in four of the most affected provinces; WFP’s recovery projects focused on supporting food value chain actors to restore their business operations through asset recovery schemes, access to production equipment and trainings on agricultural practices and marketing.   A total of 3,263 direct beneficiaries were reached in 2024 through the nine projects that saw grant support being provided to 655 micro and small private sector food system actors, from rural smallholder farmers, to dairies, to retail markets and beyond.  In each of the targeted provinces—except Gaziantep, for which projects are still in planning stage—WFP adopted a full value chain recovery approach, focusing on one food value chain through a customized package of activities developed in collaboration with a wide range of partners. WFP targeted the dairy value chain in Kahramanmaras, the dairy and fresh vegetable value chain in Adiyaman, the wheat value chain in Malatya and the fresh fruit and vegetable value chain in Hatay.  Also in Hatay, WFP supported the construction of a marketplace in Hilalkent Container City, which was set up after the earthquake to provide shelter to Syrian refugees who lost their homes. The marketplace helps former business owners among the camp residents to rebuild their livelihoods while ensuring that the camp population can access food without having to travel long distances. WFP also launched a multi-purpose cash assistance project in this camp to help residents who are not eligible for the Social Safety Net Programme meet their basic needs. As such, 2,912 beneficiaries received monthly uploads of TRY 500 per person since the start of the project in August 2024. The WFP continues to procure significant quantities of food for its international operations from earthquake-affected areas, spending $250 million in Türkiye in 2023 alone, with the vast majority sourced from the Southeast. This has supported job creation and provided a substantial economic boost to the region.World Health Organization (WHO)Marking the second year since the February 6 earthquakes in Türkiye, WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) and other partners, continues to address long-term health needs and strengthen resilience against future emergencies. In response to the earthquake, WHO established eight fully equipped Light Steel Prefabricated Family Health Centers to address urgent healthcare needs in the affected areas. These centers provide comprehensive services, including trauma care, infectious disease prevention, mental health support, and maternal and child health services. Designed to serve 20,000 households each, the centers collectively benefit 160,000 households or approximately 640,000 individuals. This initiative, coordinated with the Government of Türkiye and other partners, plays a crucial role in mitigating the immediate and long-term health impacts of the disaster.WHO also supported the development of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) plans for provinces affected by the disaster. This was complemented by the training of over and social care workers on scalable psychological interventions which can be used in humanitarian settings, equipping them with vital skills to support their communities. In November 2024, a global capacity-building workshop brought together experts to enhance Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) readiness and community resilience, highlighting the importance of mental health in recovery efforts.WHO has made significant efforts to improve early disease detection and emergency response capabilities. In August 2024, training sessions introduced Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) and Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) staff to innovative tools like Google search trends for tracking disease outbreaks. Later in November 2024, EWRS staff participated in Public Health Emergency Management training, strengthening their ability to respond to future emergencies. WHO also supported the MoH in investigating and responding to acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in Istanbul and Balıkesir in August 2024. WHO has equipped National Reference Laboratories with cutting-edge Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and essential reagents, empowering them to conduct advanced genomic surveillance of priority pathogens. Training workshops introduced new methods, including whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics, supporting MoH with the development of a National Genomic Surveillance Strategy. In January 2025, experts and researchers came together to create a scientifically grounded and standardized approach to vector surveillance, developing a roadmap that can serve as a model for provinces impacted by the earthquake.Limited funding poses a challenge in maintaining and expanding these important initiatives. While substantial progress has been achieved, additional resources are needed to ensure the continuity of these programs and contribute to the long-term resilience of healthcare systems and communities.    , filtered_html

UN Türkiye Joint Programme on the Transformative Growth of the Care Economy in Türkiye, funded by the Joint SDG Fund was launched on 5 February in Ankara. The Joint Programme aims to strengthen Türkiye’s care economy, promote inclusive growth, and accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).A Collaborative Effort for a Stronger Care EconomyUnder the leadership of the Resident Coordinator and with full coordination support of the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) will lead the implementation of the programme in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). UN Women, UNICEF, and UNFPA will provide technical support. The Ministry of Family and Social Services will serve as the key governmental partner, alongside other public institutions, worker and employer organizations, and civil society organizations (CSOs). To build a strong, sustainable, and inclusive care economy by encouraging collaboration and public private partnerships the Joint Programme will take two key approaches:First, it will create practical care economy models based on global best practices, using digital solutions to support independent living and aging in place. Second, it will help enhance capacity of government and social partners in Türkiye for promoting transformative growth of care economy.High-Level Support for the Initiative“The care economy is not merely a sector; it is the backbone of thriving societies and economies. In Türkiye, the demographic realities of a growing elderly population, significant care demands for children, and persistent gender inequalities in care work call for immediate and innovative action. This Joint Programme is a transformative response to these challenges, designed to create equitable opportunities for caregivers and care recipients while leveraging the potential of digital transformation,” said Lisa Kurbiel, Head of the UN Joint SDG Fund, in the video message she sent to the launch event.In his opening remarks at the launch at UN Türkiye premises in Ankara, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi stated, 'Investing in the care economy is investing in the future of societies.” “By ensuring fair distribution of care responsibilities and leveraging digital solutions, we can create a more equitable and prosperous Türkiye” he added.“Recognizing and prioritizing the care economy is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future. As we embark on this transformative journey through our UN Joint Programme on the care economy, let us remember that investing in care is investing in our collective future. This initiative is more than a Joint Programme - it is a commitment to equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” underlined Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi. The Care Economy Joint Programme launch event brought together policymakers, social partners, international organizations, CSOs, and private sector representatives to discuss the roadmap and work plan for this year-long initiative.  Also speaking at the launch event, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services Sevim Sayım Madak emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to harnessing the transformative power of the care economy. She stated: “Türkiye is mobilizing the transformative power of the care economy! In the face of an aging population, increasing care needs, and ongoing social transformation, we are taking a bold step to diversify social services, support women's employment, and enable individuals to maintain independent lives. With a family-centered, rights-based, and inclusive approach, we are building a more accessible, sustainable, and robust care ecosystem for everyone—from children to the older persons, from individuals with disabilities to women.” Echoing this sentiment, Yasser Hassan, Director of the ILO Office for Türkiye, highlighted the fundamental role of care in shaping societies and economies:“Care is fundamental to human, social, economic, and environmental well-being. It lies at the heart of sustainable development. Care work—whether paid or unpaid—enables all other work. A well-functioning and robust care economy contributes to a healthier present and future workforce, supports businesses, enhances productivity, and creates jobs."Miodrag Dragisic, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Türkiye, further underscored the importance of care as a human right and a pillar of social and economic development. “Care is a fundamental human right and central to health and social welfare,” said Miodrag Dragisic, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Türkiye. “At UNDP, we view robust care policies and services as essential for tackling poverty, reducing inequalities, fostering social inclusion, promoting economic stability, and ultimately advancing human development and inclusive growth. UNDP is proud to partner with the Ministry of Family and Social Services together with ILO and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in this pivotal joint programme” he said.Building on National CommitmentsRecognizing the transformative potential of the care economy, Türkiye’s 12th National Development Plan and the Women’s Empowerment Strategy Document and Action Plan (2024-2028) highlight a strong commitment to expanding and improving care services. This new UN Joint Programme builds on these national efforts by proposing innovative financing strategies, enhancing service quality and accessibility, creating decent jobs, and leveraging digital transformation to improve Türkiye’s care system in alignment with international norms and standards.All joint programs of the Joint SDG Fund are coordinated by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. The Fund receives generous contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and private sector funding partners to help achieve the SDGs by 2030. , filtered_html