Prof. Dr. Muhittin Ataman, Member of the Presidential Foreign Policy and Security Council, drew attention to the chaos in the global system and the increasing role of civil society organizations in his speech at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings.Taking the stage at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings program held in Kızılcahamam, Ankara, Prof. Dr. Muhittin Ataman delivered a comprehensive presentation titled "The Crisis in the Global System: The Increasing Influence of NGOs." Describing today's world as a transition process dominated by a lack of rules and uncertainties, Ataman explained the vital roles that civil society organizations should undertake against increasing economic inequalities, technological threats, and movements targeting the structure of society in the international system.PALESTINE IS A MAJOR TEST FOR GLOBAL ACTORSAssessing the current situation in the world, Ataman stated that there is no longer a rules-based international order. Referring to the dimensions of global competition and the weakening of hegemonic powers, the experienced academic emphasized that we have entered a period in which the powerful determine the rules. Ataman summarized this situation with the words, "There is no system, there are no rules; in plain terms, we are going through a transition process in which the law of the jungle prevails." Stating that what is happening particularly in Palestine is a major test for global actors, Ataman said that when the interests of the dominant powers are threatened, they completely disregard international law.AFRICA IS WHAT FEEDS EUROPEProf. Dr. Ataman also addressed the contemporary manifestations of economic inequalities and colonialism, explaining that Africa's resources are exploited by Western states. Giving a striking example through Niger and France, Ataman said, "They always tell us that it is as if Europe is trying to feed Africa, but the picture that is absolutely true is exactly the opposite. It is Africa that has been feeding Europe for centuries." He added that the people of the region are now aware of the injustices taking place and have become conscious of exploitation.THREATS TARGETING HUMAN NATUREDrawing attention to the gap filled by civil society organizations in new-generation crises that states struggle to cope with, Ataman stated that the most important function of NGOs is to set the agenda for the real problems in the world. Arguing that NGOs should lead the struggle against threats targeting human nature, such as digitalization, techno-feudalism created by artificial intelligence monopolies, and desexualization, Ataman concluded his remarks as follows: "Now, for example, there is no Turkey front; in my opinion, there is not even an Islamic front. There is now a humanity front. Because as of today, there are very serious and major problems that humanity as a whole is facing. All well-intentioned people need to step forward as representatives of the humanity front and put their hands under the stone."

İHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation Vice President Hüseyin Oruç, in his speech at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings, shared his experiences in the Bangsamoro peace process and drew attention to the vital role of civil society in peacebuilding.Speaking at a session held as part of the 20th Anatolian Gatherings, İHH Vice President Hüseyin Oruç addressed the participants with his speech titled "The Bangsamoro Peace Process and Peace Diplomacy." Known for his many years of experience in crisis management, peace processes, and humanitarian diplomacy, Oruç explained the process through which İHH became involved as a "third eye" in the seventeen-year negotiation process between the Moro Muslims (Bangsamoro) in the Philippines and the Philippine state. Emphasizing the social transformation strategy of Moro Islamic Liberation Front founder Salamat Hashim, Oruç stated that peace can only be built when the groundwork is prepared and the parties involved believe in it.DIPLOMATIC SUCCESS EXTENDING FROM THE FIELD TO THE TABLEIn his speech, Oruç stated that İHH bases its activities on three main pillars: aid, advocacy (activism), and humanitarian diplomacy. Drawing attention to the importance of this integrity, Oruç warned that otherwise, merely providing aid or describing the problem could create space for others to solve the issue according to their own agendas. He stated that İHH's participation in the quadrilateral monitoring team established during the Moro Peace Process was a result of the trust the organization had gained through its previous aid and advocacy activities, and noted that this responsibility also gave İHH greater reach internationally.THE PSYCHOLOGICAL THRESHOLD IN DISARMAMENTPointing out that peacebuilding is a difficult and lengthy process, Oruç stated that socioeconomic steps taken during the normalization phase of the agreement are of vital importance. He explained that support provided by the state, such as homes, agricultural land, and educational scholarships, is a guarantee of lasting peace for groups that have waged armed struggle for years to adapt to civilian life. The experienced figure stated that handing over weapons to an independent commission rather than directly to the state helped cross a psychological threshold, adding that confronting the past and demonstrating a will for fair coexistence is a far more lasting solution than simply ending the war.

Dr. İbrahim Altan, Deputy Secretary General of the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (İDSB), emphasized that humanitarian aid efforts carried out during times of crisis build an unshakable bridge of trust between societies.The sessions held as part of the 20th Anatolian Gatherings in Ankara Kızılcahamam continue to host prominent figures in the fields of civil society and humanitarian aid. At one of the notable events of the program, Dr. İbrahim Altan, Deputy Secretary General of the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (İDSB), met with participants. The experienced figure, who previously served in critical positions such as General Manager of the Turkish Red Crescent and Member of the Presidential Social Policies Board, made strategic assessments regarding the role of civil society organizations in the international arena in his speech titled “Crises, Humanitarian Aid: Volunteer Diplomacy.”LET US PRESERVE PURE INTENTIONAltan stated that crises are sudden turning points that disrupt the normal functioning of individuals and institutions, citing the February 6 earthquakes as an example. Defining the acceleration of modern institutional humanitarian aid activities as beginning with the 2004 Indonesia earthquake, Altan noted that civil society has made significant progress over the more than twenty years since then. Emphasizing that the concept of volunteering, which forms the spirit of this process, means offering one’s time and effort for the benefit of living beings without expecting any material compensation, Dr. Altan drew attention to the importance of field teams carefully avoiding attitudes that could undermine this pure intention.ACCURATE INFORMATION IS THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF VOLUNTEERSIn his speech, Altan devoted considerable attention to the concept of volunteer diplomacy, explaining that since civil society teams do not go into the field with an official state identity, they can establish a much faster and more impartial bridge of trust with local people. He stated that accurately conveying local information obtained from the field and mobilizing decision-makers in favor of humanity in crisis regions are the greatest strengths of volunteers, while also addressing the risks encountered in this process. He noted that institutions are obliged to provide regular psychosocial support to their personnel against dangers such as the politicization of aid, violations of data privacy, and burnout experienced in the field.WE MUST BUILD LASTING CAPACITYRecalling that the foundation of today’s aid activities lies in the Anatolian geography’s culture of foundations, guild solidarity, and communal cooperation, Altan said that the networks of solidarity established by our ancestors are being kept alive strongly today. Presenting field examples from a broad geography, ranging from aid sent to the Sultanate of Aceh throughout history to mosques being built in Gaza today, Altan argued that aid activities should not be limited solely to meeting urgent needs. He stated that the real success lies in building lasting capacity in the region after a crisis and maintaining the ties established with the local population.

Speaking within the scope of the 20th Anatolian Gatherings, TIKA Deputy President Yahya Coşkun explained Türkiye’s international aid philosophy and its vision of cultural diplomacy.The 20th Anatolian Gatherings, held in Ankara, hosted a session titled “Sustainable Development and Civil Initiatives.” In his speech at the event, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Deputy President Yahya Coşkun drew attention to the philosophical differences between the aid approach of Western countries and Türkiye’s compassion- and coordination-oriented approach. Coşkun emphasized that Türkiye carries out development assistance without expecting anything in return.AIMING FOR A BETTER WORLDBeginning his remarks by referring to geostrategist Friedrich Ratzel, Coşkun stated that the borders of a country cannot be measured by physical lines. According to Coşkun, the borders of a country are shaped by the territories it reached in the past, the works it left behind, and its cultural ties today. In his speech, Coşkun touched upon the aid sent by the Ottoman Empire to the Sultanate of Aceh and the present-day counterparts of these aids, emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy and the geography of hearts. Comparing Türkiye’s development assistance concept with examples from around the world, Coşkun continued: “There is a philosophical difference between the answer given by Western aid organizations and development organizations to the question of why development assistance is provided and the answer we give.” Coşkun stated that Western states use aid as a tool of exploitation and aim to prevent migration, while Türkiye aims to build a sustainable and better world in cooperation with partner countries.20 PERCENT HUMANITARIAN AID, 80 PERCENT DEVELOPMENTSharing data about TIKA’s activities around the world, the Deputy President stated that, contrary to common perception, the institution does not only carry out restoration and humanitarian aid operations. Coşkun said that restoration and humanitarian aid account for only twenty percent of TIKA’s budget, while the remaining eighty percent is allocated to development cooperation. He also stated that TIKA carries out projects in 170 countries through 60 offices. Citing a school project carried out in Syria as an example, Coşkun also explained to the audience how efficiently TIKA uses its resources. He stated that school desks that would cost one hundred dollars were refurbished for twenty-five dollars by working together with local craftsmen and making use of old materials, thus both contributing to the local economy and achieving significant savings.

YTB President Abdulhadi Turus conveyed Türkiye's vision of a "geography of hearts" in his speech delivered as part of the 20th Anadolu Meetings.Taking the stage at the 20th Anadolu Meetings, organized under the theme "The Türkiye Century and Civil Diplomacy," President of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) Abdulhadi Turus delivered a presentation titled "Diaspora Networks and Cultural Diplomacy." Stating that YTB works in three main areas: citizens abroad, kinsmen and related communities, and international students, Turus said that they define their areas of responsibility not within the framework of conventional geographical boundaries, but with the concept of a "geography of hearts." Turus summarized this unique vision with the following words: "We describe our area of responsibility with a concept that no other country in the world is blessed with, a 'geography of hearts.' There is no other country that defines its map with the heart."THE TURKISH DIASPORA DOES NOT FEED ON VICTIMHOODPointing out that the Turkish diaspora living in Europe has undergone a major transformation since the labor migration of the 1960s, Turus made striking observations about the character of the Turkish diaspora. He expressed the aspects that distinguish this community from others with the following words: "Our diaspora does not feed on victimhood. The Armenian diaspora is built upon a victimhood arising from its unfounded claims, while the Jewish diaspora is shaped by the understanding of a people expelled from their homeland. Ours, however, is entirely a worker diaspora." Turus stated that they carry out special projects such as internships in the defense industry in order to protect young people against assimilation and strengthen their ties with Türkiye.WE INSTILL ANATOLIAN WISDOM IN YOUNG PEOPLEIn his speech, Turus also devoted considerable attention to international students studying in Türkiye, stating that approximately five thousand students are brought to Türkiye each year and that they aim to instill in them Anatolian wisdom beyond mere academic education. Citing the strategic gains that international students who study on YTB scholarships and return to their countries to assume senior positions in state institutions provide to Türkiye, Turus gave the example of a Somali student and said: "One of our graduates who completed his education in Türkiye and returned to his country, taking on senior positions such as Minister of Defense and Minister of Ports, contributed to the opening of our largest military base in Africa and to Türkiye being entrusted with the operation of its largest commercial port. He even told me, 'I dream in Turkish.' This is what we achieve with tens of thousands of graduates every year."Turus concluded his remarks by drawing attention to the key role of civil society organizations in Türkiye's foreign policy.

Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin, in her presentation at the 20th Anatolian Meetings, emphasized the vital importance of cooperation between civil society and local governments in responding to crises.On the third day of the 20th Anatolian Meetings, held in Ankara under the theme “The Century of Türkiye and Civil Diplomacy,” Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin met with participants in the final session. In her presentation titled “Resilient City Gaziantep,” Şahin shared details of the Gaziantep Model, created through the combination of local governments, the state mind, and civil initiatives, and conveyed her experiences in disaster management and social policies.GAZİANTEP’S GOLDEN TRIANGLEIn her speech, Şahin shared details of the Gaziantep Model, created through the combination of local governments, the state mind, and civil initiatives, and touched upon the impact of this cooperation during times of crisis. Şahin likened this structure to a golden triangle, saying, “There is a state mind, but the local and civil spheres are very closely intertwined. This is what Gaziantep has achieved. The state mind stands here, while the local and civil spheres merge into each other. When you establish this golden triangle, society feels peaceful and happy.”COOPERATION OF LOCAL AND CIVIL ACTORSStating that Gaziantep had successfully overcome major challenges such as migration and earthquakes thanks to this model, Şahin emphasized the strength of cooperation between local and civil actors. Drawing attention to the efforts undertaken to increase the city’s resilience, Mayor Şahin added that they are acting with climate and earthquake master plans, as well as a green industry vision. Recalling the difficulties experienced during the February 6 earthquakes, Şahin pointed to the importance of applying science and engineering uncompromisingly in terms of ensuring the safety of life.GEOGRAPHY IS CHARACTERŞahin also drew attention to the historical and cultural responsibilities carried by the region, saying, “Ibn Khaldun says geography is destiny, but I say geography is character. The children of this geography have to work very hard.” Emphasizing that sustainable development is essential for leaving livable cities to future generations, Şahin concluded her remarks by stating that civil participation is an indispensable element in building cities equipped with early warning systems and environmentally friendly technologies.